Page 99 of The First Spark

“Well, well, well, speak of the devil,” Mina says from her perch on the ladder. “Ash is on his way over.”

“Shit.” So much for keeping my cool. I scramble to my feet, knocking over a few books in my haste. “Do me a favor—tell him we’re closed, and he’ll have to grab his coffee somewhere else tonight.”

“What if he wants to talk to you?”

I wring my hands, desperate for the right words.Anywords, at this point.

Sensing my nervous energy, Mina climbs down the ladder and pulls me into a hug. “Go into your office. I’ll handle Ash.”

All I can manage is a quick nod, eager to retreat to the safety of my inner sanctum. Motioning to the scattered books around us, I say, “And then head home. I’ll meet you and the girls there for movie night.”

“What about inventory?”

What about keeping quiet so I can escape to my office?

I wave my hand at the mess of books. “Tomorrow’s another day, and the books aren’t going anywhere. See you in an hour.”

Note to self:refrain from holding any variety of liquid item when flustered out of your mind. Without fail, you’ll wind up wearing said item.

I blot at the coffee stain on my blouse, but it’s a futile effort. With a sigh, I unbutton it and shrug it off. Best to leave that mess for the washing machine. Lucky for me, I came prepared with a change of clothes for movie night, and it’s the epitome of high fashion—fleece leggings and asweatshirt big enough to burrow into for the rest of winter.

At least I avoided engaging in stilted dialogue with the man who bartered orgasms for my signature.

Mina took one for the team.

I duck into the tiny bathroom adjacent to my office. It’s no bigger than a broom closet, but it comes in handy during times like these.

A quick glance in the mirror reveals the wear of the last week. Funny how my night with Ash—whiskey-fueled and sleep-deprived—left me with pink cheeks and a healthy glow the next morning. Now, despite crawling into bed before ten every night, my eyes possess a deadened look, as if my soul is too tired to maintain the facade.

Maybe I just need a few good orgasms. I’ll give my vibrator a spin later, even if it’s a poor substitute. Honestly, it’s like eating spam after dining on caviar—not even in the same universe.

Blowing out a breath, I shake off the despondency and turn on the faucet to wash my face. Nothing like frigid water to scare the horniness right out of you.

Over the sound of the running water, I hear my office door creak open before swinging shut.

That’s strange. I guess Mina is still here.

“Mina, can you toss me my shirt from the bag in the corner?” I call out, drying my face with the hand towel hanging next to the sink.

But there’s no answer.

Maybe I’m hearing things, or the ghosts have chosen tonight to make their presence known.

Dear God, let it be the first option.

I emerge from the bathroom, clad only in my bra andpants, and cast a quick glance to the office door. “Hey, are you still here?”

“Depends on who you’re looking for,” a deep voice says to my right.

There, seated behind my desk with his hands casually folded behind his head, is Ash—wearing a devilish grin.

I jerk my hands to cover my tits. “Holy hell, you’re not Mina.”

Chapter 20

The Art of Not Falling

Ori

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