Page 71 of The First Spark

“Obviously. What other reason might I have?”

My friend pulls open the deli door, holding it for me. “You’re the worst liar. Just admit you’ve got a thing for Asher Hammond.”

“Never.”

“Still a liar,” she responds in a sing-song voice before turning her attention to the case of pre-made sandwiches.

I catch my reflection in the mirror hanging over the deli counter—the long dark hair, cheeks pinked from the cold, full lips and dark eyes dancing behind my lenses—and recall Ash’s compliment as he held me in his arms.

Really fucking pretty.

There was something so genuine and endearing about his words, as if he never imagined this thing happening between us, but now that it has, he’s okay with the idea.

I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts.It’s just a passing flirtation. Right?

Mina turns back with a grin. “You’re blushing. Don’t even try to deny it this time.”

“Maybe it’s a two-way street.” That’s as much as I’ll offer, but for my friend, it’s enough.

She wraps an arm about my shoulder, giving me a quick hug. “I don’t think there’s any maybe about it.”

A smile splits my face as I give the deli worker my order, but Mina’s words dance along the edges of my mind.

She’s right. I need to stop overthinking this situation with Ash and just let it unfold. It’s obvious he likes me and tonight, we’ll see how much.

But for now, I’m content with the fact that in a room of half-naked women, all desperate for the man’s attention, I was the only one he saw.

Chapter 14

Caught Red-Handed

Ori

After a quick bite to eat, Mina and I hightail it back to the store. We duck inside to let the staff know we’ll return in an hour to relieve them before walking next door to Black Lotus.

I’ve only been inside one other time, and let’s be honest, I was too damn angry to appreciate the upscale decor.

My knowledge of tattoo parlors is nil, but Black Lotus reeks of sophistication and understated elegance.

Sleek pieces of artwork line the walls, no doubt courtesy of the resident artists, and soft lighting casts a gentle glow over the reception area. Two leather loungers and a dark green velvet couch sit against the far wall, currently occupied by a handful of tattooed beauties, their inked skin an extension of the artistry displayed on the walls. The space feels inviting, yet there’s an undeniable edge to it, a blend of luxury and creativity that’s both alluring and slightly intimidating.

His world is so different from mine. I don’t belong here, do I?

I only allow the thought to linger for a moment beforekicking it aside. When given free rein, my brain never fails to drag me to the darkest emotional crevices, threatening to pitch my happiness over the edge without so much as a backward glance. But not today. Today, I refuse to let doubt take root.

“I’m impressed,” I murmur to Mina. “It’s more gallery than grunge.”

“Almost like they’re not the heathens you believed them to be,” Mina replies with a snort.

“Remind me again why we’re friends.”

“Because you love me and can’t live without me.”

Now it’s my turn to snort out a laugh. “Keep telling yourself that.”

Granted, every word is true. I’d be lost without Mina. She’s the little sister I never had.

We weave through the crowd of twenty or so people until we have a clear view of Ash and his workspace. It’s not as close as I’d prefer, but I have the distinct feeling if I push these folks out of the way, they’ll return the favor.

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