Page 23 of The First Spark

“Most definitely,” Ash murmurs, his gaze dropping to my lips.

There’s something tantalizing about the growly edge of his voice, the way it rolls over me, much like the feelings that rolled over me when he held me on the ladder.

I shift slightly, determined not to let Ash get under my skin. No, he does that with all the other women in town, and I will not be another tally mark in his black book.

“I also recently acquired a grand and slightly rundown manor house at auction. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that’s left me questioning my sanity. Oh, and everyone calls me Ori, unless they’re you. Then it’s Ms. Ice Queen.”

“Your mouth never stops, does it?”

“Sometimes, when I’m otherwise occupied.”

Shit, I realize how that sounds. Did I mean it like that? And did I mean for him to interpret it as a subtle innuendo?

Ash’s brows raise and he nods his head slightly before reaching for his glass to take a swallow. “This is good whiskey.”

Seems he isn’t going to mention my quip, which is just as well.

“I have good taste.”

“You do.” He shifts in his seat, tossing his booted legs on the wobbly coffee table. “Tell me about this house you bought. Are you talking about the old Dean estate?”

“That’s the one. It needs a ton of work, and I am not at all talented in that arena.”

“Maybe you could scare it into submission with your temper.” I shoot him a scowl, earning a chuckle in response. “I’m glad you bought the place. When it went up for auction, I was afraid some real estate developer would scoop it up, raze the house and split up the land.”

“They might have had the right idea, honestly. The to-do list seems endless.”

He leans forward, stroking his beard. “I can help you with the renovations.”

“You’re a carpenter, too?”

He dusts his fingers on his shirt, puffing out his chest. “I’ve got skills.”

I sputter my whiskey at his brazen comment. “All sorts, I’m sure.”

“I’m not denying it.”

I roll my eyes, choking back a laugh. “Neither are most of the women in this town.”

Hey, if he’s taking the conversation down this path, I’ll go along for the ride.

“What exactlyhaveyou heard about me? Actually, hold that thought.”

Without waiting for my reply, Ash disappears to the far side of the basement, returning moments later with some pretzels and fruit. “I put a small fridge in earlier this year, and I always keep some food down here. Never thought I’d need it for an impromptu sleepover, but here we are.”

“Look at you. Prepared for every situation.”

“Like I said, I’ve got skills.”

I’m sure you have many.

Leaning back against the couch, I let my gaze wander over Ash—reallylook at him for the first time since my arrival, and I understand Mina’s fixation. The man is beautiful. He could be a model with his finely chiseled face and piercing eyes. Then, there’s his body—no clothes in the world could hide the bulging muscles, all covered in colorful ink designs.

Totally not my type, but I see why women swoon over him.

“What really happened to your date? I can’t imagine you end most evenings before eight o’clock.”

Ash shrugs. “I called it off early. Had other things to do.”

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