Page 39 of The First Spark

“I hear you make a mean cup. I’ll have to drop in at some point and try it.”

“On the house.”

Ash sets me down, nodding toward the stairs. “Go ahead. I’ll be up soon.”

Ah, can’t walk up together, either. That would be too obvious. Yet another fact that sticks in my craw.

I pause at the bottom of the stairs, knowing this is my last chance before our moment is past.

How do I do this? I’ve never, not once, engaged in a one-night stand. Hey, I love having a good time, but I reserve my affections for people who want me for more than one round.

But what if Ash is as nervous as I am? What if he’s waiting for me to make the first move?

What the hell. I’ve always been a woman who goes for what she wants. Why stop now?

With a steadying breath, I prepare to make a total ass of myself, whilst sending up a silent prayer that I don’t. “I had a wonderful time. Actually, I don’t remember ever having this much fun before.”

“Me, too.” Ash’s gaze focuses on me like a laser, but I must push through.

“We should get locked in together again sometime. Or try something different, like dinner.”

Ash nods but averts his gaze as he pulls a hand through his hair. “Always a possibility.”

And there it is, the official blow-off.

I have joined the ranks of countless other women and, just like them, failed to be anything more than a footnote in Asher Hammond’s black book.

Talk about mortification at its finest.

“Right. Well, bye.” A full body flush breaks out across my body at his response, but I manage a last smile before dashing up the stairs.

Once inside One More Page, I make a beeline for the bathroom. Staring in the mirror, I blink away the tears welling in my eyes.

Don’t you dare, Oriana. You knew what kind of man Asher Hammond was. Hell, he told you he doesn’t believe in love or relationships. You just didn’t listen.

“You willnotbe one of those women, moping about after a man,” I hiss at my reflection. “You’re going to go home, clean up, and then hurry back here to get your ass in gear. You have a store to run and a life to live. Asher Hammond was a one-time deal. The deal is done.”

Time to get my head on straight and back to the business at hand.

Namely, pretending last night never happened.

How hard can it be? Sure, it was great sex, but it’s not like I’llneverhave incredible sex again.

Maybe it was only memorable since I haven’t had a decent lay since arriving in Sparkwood six months ago. Yes, that’s got to be the reason.

And now, I can pursue an equally brilliant fuck with a far more attainable conquest. Asher Hammond isnotthe last of his kind.

Easy come, easy go.

What a complete and utter load of horseshit.

With a deep, centering breath, I yank open the bathroom door.

“Morning, Mina. Sorry I worried you,” I call out toward the main part of the store before dashing to my office.

“I suppose I’ll forgive you. On one condition.” Her voice echoes down the hall, but I note the lilt in her tone.

No way, my darling friend. I’m not havingthatconversation right now. The sting of Ash’s blow-off is far too fresh to discuss.

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