Page 67 of The First Spark

Like Ash, he’s also covered in colorful ink, with longish dark hair that always seems a bit tousled, and green eyes that are just a shade darker than his brother’s. A gorgeous specimen, to be sure, but without the cocky charisma that pulses through every cell of Asher Hammond. No, Braden is quieter, more subdued, and though admiring glances are often thrown his way, he’s not the kind of man who thrives on flirtation.

Too bad I have a ridiculous crush on the playboy half of the Hammond brothers, because Braden is undoubtedly the safer bet for my heart. But hearts don’t give a damn about safety nets or security. They leap headfirst into theabyss without bothering to check if there’s water in the pool.

That, and Braden belongs to Mina. Even if he doesn’t know it yet.

“Damn. You’re drawing that freehand? You’re good.”

Braden chuckles, his gaze focused downward. “I’ve always loved painting, but I’m nowhere near as talented as Ash.”

“That’s not true.”

Braden shrugs and dips his brush into a deep red. “Sadly, it is. His portraiture and realism skills are ridiculous. Did you check out his portfolio?”

“I did, along with yours. Don’t sell yourself short. That fox tattoo you created is stunning.”

He bites his lip, a soft smile on his mouth. “Thanks. One of my favorites, too. Ash has always pushed the envelope with ink. I stick to neo-traditional tattoos—animals, birds, flowers.”

“Good thing I like animals, birds and flowers.” I’m not sure why, but I feel the need to bolster Braden’s ego. Although I know he and Ash are close, I get the distinct impression he lives in Ash’s shadow.

How can he not? Ash is larger than life, both in reputation and ego. Just ask his fan club, which accepts countless new members daily.

Still, it’s obvious Braden is proud of his big brother and I know the feeling is mutual. I wish I had a sibling. It’s difficult growing up as an only child—there’s this invisible drive to be all things to all people and that is a recipe for disaster.

“Hey, I wanted to thank you. Ash told me you signed the revised lease.”

“Happy to help. Really happy we’re not at war anymore.”

Braden nods and rolls his eyes, giving me a good-natured chuckle. “We’re all thankful for that.”

“Sorry. I didn’t realize the toll it took on everyone.”

Braden switches colors, highlighting the petals with a delicate pink. “Let’s put it this way. You two are far more fun to be around now.”

“When we’re not trying to kill each other, you mean?” I sniffle and rub my nose with my free hand, acutely aware of the falling temperature inside the tent. “You think we’ll get snow tonight? It smells like it.”

“Let’s hope not, because Ash rode in on his bike today. I’ve traveled on two wheels during a snowstorm, and I don’t recommend it.”

“Maybe you could give him a lift home, should he require it?”

He shoots me a sly look from under the brim of his baseball cap. “Maybe you could, since you two are friends now.”

Are we though? We’ve fucked. An epic fuck, to be sure, but it was a one-night stand. If my store wasn’t next door to Ash’s parlor, would I have ever seen him again? Better question, if I didn’t hold half the rights to the basement, would that one night together have happened in the first place?

I’m not one to ruminate on my decisions. A good time is a good time, and I’m far past the age of berating myself for caving to carnal pleasures. But what happens when you want more than one night?

“Ash has dreamed of opening a speakeasy in Sparkwood for years, and it’s the perfect spot for it,”Braden continues. “Trust me, he’ll make sure it doesn’t hurt your store in any way. He’ll take care of you.”

Good to know, although Braden’s definition of care no doubt differs from my own.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Braden and I snap our heads up in unison as Ash’s voice slices through our conversation, sharp and heated.

“She’s trying some ink on for size,” Braden replies with a shrug as he returns his attention to my skin, adding a few finishing touches to the leaves. “Ori has such pale skin, so the color pops.”

But instead of admiring the delicate flower decorating my forearm, Ash continues to glare holes into his brother.

Braden sets the brush to the side and shakes his head with a chuckle. He doesn’t bother to hide his amusement over Ash’s obvious annoyance.

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