Page 62 of The First Spark

What I don’t mention? That he’s the first man I’ve slept with in nine months. My guess is he’s slept with ten times that many women in the last week.

There’s that damn nausea again.

But although my statement could be construed as a compliment, it’s obvious Ash isn’t taking it that way.

He averts his eyes, focusing on the far side of the tent. “How many men are in this select group?”

Odd question.

I tilt my head to peer up at him, my lips curled into a teasing smile. “Why do you want to know?”

Ash shrugs and cracks his knuckles as a ripple of tension shoots through him. “Have to know how many asses I need to kick.”

A thrill rips through me at his reply, even if it’s likely just bravado. “Hmm. Interesting.”

“Are you going to answer my question?”

I shake my head and take another swallow of wine, even though I can’t hide the smile crossing my face. “Nope.”

“Really, and why not?”

“Way more fun this way,” I reply with a wink and a quick hip check. “Besides, I don’t care to knowyournumber. No way can I fight off that many women.”

Ash chuckles, the deep sound vibrating through his chest. “You’d fight these women over me?”

“Only to defend your honor.” I set my wine down and raise my fists, adopting a boxer’s stance. “As you can see, I’m fierce and highly intimidating.”

A full belly laugh breaks from Ash’s throat as he looksdown at me, his eyes crinkling with mischief. “Not the adjectives I’d choose for you, but I appreciate the sentiment, Little One.”

Little One. It’s hardly the first time someone has commented on my size, but it’s the way he speaks the words. There’s a warm affection lining each syllable.

Or maybe the mulled wine is getting to me and I’m seeing things that aren’t there.

Again.

I lower my fists and relax my posture. “What adjectiveswouldyou choose to describe me?”

Ash wraps his arm around my waist, hauling me close again. “No way. You have to answer first. How many asses am I kicking?”

He says the words against my ear, his mouth lingering against my skin a second longer than necessary, and I fight to maintain our cordial camaraderie as my heart hammers in my chest.

I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. “Not nearly as many as I am. Let’s leave it at that. Now, it’s time to turn the focus ontoyou. See that woman? The one with the short blonde hair?”

Ash follows my gaze to the woman leaning against the bar, but he doesn’t release his grip on my waist. “What about her?”

“She told me personally that she dressed like that for you.”

Ash snorts out a laugh. “She hasn’t said a word to me.”

“Said plenty to me.”

“Wait a damn minute. Why were you talking about me? Are you two friends?”

“Contrary to popular belief, not all of my conversationsrevolve around you.” I lean to the side and snatch my glass of wine off the table, acutely aware that Ash’s arms remain wrapped around me.

Trust me, I’m not the only one who’s noticed. There will no doubt be a contract on my life for Ash’s public display of affection toward me.

Eh, his embrace might be worth dying for.

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