Page 59 of The First Spark

Too late, as the memory of our night together once again invades my every cell—his long fingers wrapped around my hips as he sank inside me, his gaze never wavering from my face as he whispered how spectacular I felt. How beautiful I was at that moment.

Damn, but he’s good.

“At least you and Ash aren’t at war anymore.” Mina’s statement interrupts my thoughts, and I shoot her a smile before reaching over to squeeze her arm.

“I didn’t realize it was so hard on you guys. I’m sorry about that.”

Mina waves her hand, dismissing my apology. “Don’t worry about it. Besides, it’s all in the past. You two kissed and made up, just like I said you should.”

Mina is lucky I love her. Otherwise, I’d push her pretty ass into the nearest snowbank for her continuous intimations.

“Are you going to drop it?”

“Never. Way too much fun to mess with you.” She jerks her chin in Ash’s direction. “Why don’t you go over and talk to him?”

“And say what? Excuse me, may I cut through your throng of fans? Let me take a number for a moment of your time? Hard pass.” I shake my head and focus myattention on a velvet drape, running my hand along the soft fabric. “I’m happy here on the fringes.”

“Maybe he’s waiting for you to talk to him.”

A snort of laughter flies out of my mouth as I point toward Ash and his eager fan club. “Does he look like he’s waiting? Trust me, the last thing I need is a man with that much competition.”

“With the right man, there wouldn’t be any competition.”

Mina’s sentiment vaguely echoes what Ash told me during our night together. How therightman would claim me, not wait for me to do the heavy lifting.

Case in point: Asher Hammond isnotthat man, no matter what my hormones say.

I wave my hands around, grateful my friend and I are on the same page. “Exactly. I need one of those. Know where I might find one around here?”

“One what?” a deep voice inquires behind me—a voice with which I’m very familiar.

Crap. How much did he hear?

A slow smile stretches Mina’s face as she gazes over my shoulder. “Ori needs a good man. Know of anyone who might be interested?”

My face flames hot at my coworker’s words.

Seriously, woman, please shut up.

“Oh look, cookies. Have to grab one of those.” Mina scampers across the tent, but I catch the triumphant smirk on her face as she passes.

I’m definitely firing her later.

“I have a present for you,” Ash says.

Turning on my heel, I accept the cup of steaming liquidthat he offers with a smile. “Mulled wine. So, this is where that delicious smell was coming from. Thank you.”

He shoves his hands in his jeans and scuffs his boot across the pavement. “I figured you might be cold. Seems all the other women out here are freezing their asses off.”

“Might have something to do with their attire, or lack thereof.”

“Tell me something.” He jerks his thumb toward a small group of women huddled around the heater. “Why do women dress like that and then complain they’re cold?”

He can’t be serious with this question.

Rolling my eyes, I take a sip of my wine. “You knowexactlywhy they’re dressed like that.”

“I do?”

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