Page 12 of The First Spark

Ori

“T

hat’s it. The world is coming to an end. That’s the only explanation I can figure for what I witnessed earlier today.”

I quirk a brow at my coworker, Mina, as she deposits a stack of books next to me on the counter. “What are you talking about?”

“Asher Hammond was in One More Page. Never thought I’d see the day.”

I roll my eyes and grab the top book on the pile, flipping through the pages. “When did we get this in? Did you order it?”

Mina lowers the book in my hands before sending me a knowing smirk. “Don’t change the subject.”

“Why would I want to discuss a subject as undesirable as Asher Hammond?”

Mina bites her lip, but a small giggle escapes her mouth. “Maybe because he climbed up that deathtrap of a ladder to rescue you.”

Well, fuck. I was hoping Mina missed that slice of the evening.

“He said it was a one-time deal. Next time, he’d watch me fall.”

Her eyes widen at my words. “He said that? Really?”

“Right hand to God,” I reply.

Look, I won’t admit it to Mina, but I’m grateful Asher was there. Grateful and mortified, in equal measure. No doubt he’s reveling in the idea that he now has something to lord over me.

As if the man needs more fodder for his portfolio on hating me.

He’s got volumes on that subject.

Mina rests her hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “He wouldn’t. He’d save you every time.”

A nice thought. Total crap, but I’ll give the woman points for trying.

My bet is Asher only savedmeto save face in front of his fuck buddy. If it had only been the two of us in the store, he would have left me dangling in midair, tossing a chuckle up for good measure as he walked past.

I exhale sharply, eager to shift the conversation to something less aggravating. “There won’t be any need to save me again. That ladder is heading to the dumpster first thing in the morning.”

“He smells good, though, doesn’t he?”

“I have no idea,” I reply through gritted teeth.

Another lie, considering I spent a few minutes clinging to him like a terrified kitten stuck in a tree.

And to answer Mina’s question, Asher smells amazing. He also feels amazing, with biceps as big around as my head.

But of course, none of that matters, because one trait stands out aboveallthe others: he’s an egotistical jackass.

Mina has some nerve, insinuating I actually enjoyed my time in Asher Hammond’s arms.

My only hope is a sudden attack of amnesia so thatImight forget the entire event.

Forget the snarky look in his eyes and the cruel curl of his lip when he put me in my place—yet again.

The worst part of this entire situation? I’m a likable person, and the people of Sparkwood agree. Hell, even his date and I got along, although I question her taste in men.

But to Asher Hammond, I’m the Ice Queen. Yep, that’s my nickname, courtesy of the county’s biggest player. How do I know this little tidbit? It’s a small town, and people talk. Let’s just say it only made me hate him more once I learned his moniker for me.

---