Page 94 of The First Spark

I swear, the man gets within ten feet of me, and I damn near come on the spot, just from his proximity. He’s obviously cast one hell of a spell on my body, and no matter how hard my heart tries to remind me that Ash is a terrible idea, my body isn’t listening.

Which means I need to leave—immediately.

A task made more difficult by Ash’s deliberate effort to prolong our conversation.

I peer over the top of my glasses, my mouth twisting into a half-smirk. “That depends. How would you prefer?”

I ask the question, though I already know the answer.How indeed. My money’s on a quick blowjob in the supply closet—when his harem isn’t looking, of course.

Sorry, Ash, but that’s not happening. Not after the other day.No matter how glorious your cock may be.

“Looks like you’re the one who needs warming up.” He grabs my still-cold hands, bringing them to his lips. His tongue teases along my fingertips in a soft, deliberate caress. “And as for making it up to me, I’ve got a ton of ideas when it comes to you.”

That line should work, but all it does is arouse my fiery indignation. Because I don’t just want another night with the man. I wantallof them, and that isn’t a possibility.

With a roll of my eyes, I pull my hands back. “Always comes back round to sex, doesn’t it?”

He drops his hand to the windowsill with a hard sigh. “That’s not what I meant.”

Let’s be real. It’sexactlywhat the man means. He just doesn’t enjoy being called out on it.

Time to steer this chat to neutral waters. “How about this? I’ll pay you back in free coffee and baked goods for Black Lotus. Everything on the house for the next week. Be sure to take full advantage of all the goodies.”

Ash’s eyes widen at my segue. “While a thoughtful gesture, that is not necessary. How about you stay safe out there and I’ll consider us even.”

I force a smile and nod. “Fair enough.”

What is wrong with me? I wanted to get off the sex talk track, but now I’m disappointed that he followed my lead.

See? This is why I need to avoid Asher Hammond, at least until this addiction to him ceases to be an issue.

My phone beeps with new texts, and I lean over toretrieve it from its hiding spot on the passenger side floorboard.

I stifle a laugh as I flip through the myriads of messages. Roger is certain the hostess is plotting against him and if he has to order one more martini, he’s not telling me all the gossip from the city.

After shooting him a quick-witted retort, I turn my focus back to Ash. “Sorry about that.”

“He’s impatient, huh?” Ash asks, clicking his tongue against his teeth.

“A bit, yes.”

“Let him wait.”

There’s a forcefulness in his declaration that catches me off-guard. “Excuse me?”

But Ash ignores my response, choosing to focus on the inky darkness surrounding us. “You went home the other day without saying anything. I expected you to come back, and you just left.”

Ah, yes. The holiday festival.

Heaving out a sigh, I realize there’s no avoiding this conversation, even though I’m nowhere near ready to have it. My ego’s still too raw to be rational.

I tap my finger against my mouth, debating the best way forward. “I figured you already had a full plate with all your friends. All yourfans. You didn’t need me tagging along, too.”

He drums the windowsill, the aggravation apparent in his rigid stance. “Here’s the thing. I wouldn’t have asked you to go if I didn’t want you there.”

We can go round and round all night, circling the truth, but what’s the point? I know why Ash slept with me, even if he’d rather eat glass than admit it.

Better to end this now. Let him know I know and be done with it.

---