Page 103 of The First Spark

A grimace replaces his grin. Hell, I think he even winced at my words. “See? That’s the trouble. When I look at you, all I’m thinking of isyou. No one else. Just you. But you look at me and see every other woman I’ve been with throughout my life. So, yes, being called the Pussy Whisperer is one hell of an ego boost, but that’s because I thought you were referring to yourself.”

And now, I feel like an asshole, even if I highly doubt the sincerity of Ash’s claim. Then again, why bother saying it at all?

I thrust out my hand, pointing toward him. “That right there is maddening. How can a man be so incorrigible, perplexing, aggravating, and adorable, all in the same breath?”

He dusts his nails along his shirt, that sexy smirk breaking across his oh-so-talented mouth. “Easy. I’m your Pussy Whisperer.”

Now, it’s my turn to fall back laughing. “You’re not lying. There, are you happy now? I’ve admitted you’re thegreatest lover since the dawn of time. Anything else I can help you with this evening?”

“Yes.” Ash resumes his pacing as a noisy sigh escapes his mouth. “My entire shop knows what happened between us, not that it’s a secret.”

“Meaning, they know we got locked in together or that we slept together?”

“Both, with an emphasis on the latter.”

I chew my lower lip, shrugging in his direction. “Well, don’t look at me. I didn’t say anything. Besides, the billboard I ordered announcing our romp wasn’t set to go up for another day.”

That does it. Ash chuckles, shaking his head. “Always ready with a comeback.”

“You said yourself I have a smart mouth.”

“I said that you have a gorgeous fucking mouth. Extremely talented one, too.”

His words set my entire body tingling, but I can’t allow it. The man can’t waltz in here and say things like this, only to leave tonight with a different woman.

Not happening, cowboy.

“Why are you telling me this bit of news? You want me to refute the rumor? Calm down your legion of women?”

“No. I don’t know.” His agitation kicks into high gear again as he picks up the framed photos on my desk, one by one. “But I’d like you to be honest with me.”

“Okay.”

“Who are all these guys you’re dating?”

“What are you talking about?” Seriously, where are these supposed men? My overheated hormones wouldloveto know.

“All the guys you’ve gone out with. Hooked up with.Whatever,” he replies with a grimace. “I know it’s not my business, but I need to know.”

I bark out a laugh, incensed at his accusations. Who does this man think he is? “Unlike you, I’m not on a quest to be the world record holder for most screws in a week.”

“I already told you, Ori, that I haven’t been out with anyone since our night together.”

That’s enough for tonight. Storming to my office door, I throw it open, jerking my chin toward it. “Please don’t lie to spare my feelings. I saw those women with my own eyes. You’re going to tell me you weren’t sleeping with them?”

Ash holds up his hands, but doesn’t make a move toward the office door. “Raven wanted to hook up, but I said no, because I wanted to hang out with you. The bartender got a hefty tip and a wave goodnight when I left right after you. The blonde chick cried throughout her entire session and drove me nuts. Who else am I missing?”

I roll my eyes, unsurewhyI continue playing this game with him. “The woman on the back of your motorcycle.”

“When was that?”

“The night of the holiday fair. I live a mile up on Main Street and was checking my mail when I saw you at the light.”

I’m trying to maintain an even keel, but Ash’s behavior, combined with my bruised heart, is making that a remote possibility.

Ash narrows his gaze, running his hand over his beard as he tries to recall the woman in question. I hate knowing how delicious that beard feels against my skin.

“Jesus, are therethatmany women?” I bristle like a porcupine at the idea of another woman coming near him.

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