Page 25 of The First Spark

Gliding my fingers along his biceps, I release a low purr. “I have tons of ideas, Ash. Question is, which one should I play with first?”

Shock passes across Ash’s features at my come-hither approach, but he recovers quickly, that half-smirk decorating his mouth. “Tons, huh? Ori, this is an entirely new side of you.”

“Ash, you don’t knowanyside of me.”

This time, his face remains impassive, but a flame sparks in his eyes. Seems Iamgetting to the man.

See? Way too much fun. Men who never have to work for a woman’s attention don’t know what to do when they’re denied what they believe is a God-given right.

Asher Hammond is gorgeous, successful and, if the word on the street is to be believed, a king between the sheets.

But none of those characteristics will make me dropmyknickers.

For me, sex is more than a physical act. It’s a connection. If he doesn’t stir something in me, he’s notgettingin me.

Still, this is a fun way to pass the evening, and he is some fine eye candy.

Ash leans against the sofa, resting his head in his hand. “Yet.”

I scrunch my nose, shooting him a curious look. “What?”

“You claimed I don’t know any side of you, Ori. I issued a qualifier. I may not know youyet, but that is about to change, love.”

Chapter 6

The Space Between Us

Ash

Asnort of laughter escapes Ori’s mouth, but I catch a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes.

“What’s so funny?”

She dismisses my inquiry with a wave of her hand, throwing in an eye roll for effect. “Have youeverhad to work for a woman’s affections?”

Her question hits the bull’s-eye, even if I won’t admit it aloud.

But I know one thing for certain—Orianawon’tbe one of those women.

That knowledge only makes her hotter, and trust me, even when I couldn’t stand the sight of the woman, I sure as hell enjoyed watching her walk away.

Hey, a great ass is a great ass, and Ori’s peach is magnificent.

Then again, so is the rest of her.

Ori pulls her legs from underneath her, pinning me with her dark gaze. “Are you ever going to ask?”

Her question throws me, especially considering wheremy mind—and our conversation—has been treading. “About us having sex?”

She snorts again, a trait I find more adorable every time. “No, Ash. About my handy dandy signature, which I know you need. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? We both know it isn’t for an impromptu sleepover.”

There’s something indelibly sexy about a woman who sees through the fluff and bullshit, aiming right for the heart of a situation. Ori has it in spades. “I consider the sleepover a bonus.” At her incredulous look, I chuckle, realizing thatallmy usual tricks are getting me nowhere. “Have you heard any of the details about my plan for this space?”

“You want to open a bar, right?” Ori shrugs and captures her bottom lip between her teeth. Now I’m staring at her mouth again.

What the hell were we talking about? Braden is right—this woman has me all kinds of mixed up.

What is it about her?

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