Page 44 of The First Spark

At least until I wash the last remnants of her away.

I need to get out of my head. Correction. I need to getherout of my head.

Hopefully, seeing her again will shake back into place all the shit that’s now jangling around in my brain.

Twenty minutes later,I push open the door of One More Page, the bells jingling as I step across the threshold.

Sucking in a breath, I wait for the woman of the hour to appear.

No such luck, as Mina pokes her head out from behind a bookshelf and shoots me a coy grin. “Asher Hammond.”

“Morning, Mina.”

The willowy blonde walks toward me, and I give her an appreciative once-over. She’s a beauty—a true California girl who’s never set foot in California.

But despite Mina’s obvious good looks, she doesn’t do it for me.

One, because I know Braden has a thing for her, although he will never admit that fact. Per him, she’s too young. Too innocent. Andthatis too much of a dangerous combination.

But I also know my brother has banged women far younger than Mina. Hell, she’s twenty-five, not eighteen.

But the real reason her long and lean looks don’t do it for me?

I've recently come to realize that I have a type.

A particular kind of woman who makes me weak in the knees and causes my heart to do things no heart should ever do. A woman who takes my breath away and occupies my every thought.

A woman I can’t allow myself to go near again.

And that's a fact I must keep reminding myself.

Every damn second.

“Two days in a row. That’s a new record. Cup of joe for you?” Mina asks, arching one well-manicured brow at me before heading toward the coffee bar.

It’s hard to determine if the woman is digging for information, but for now, I opt to play it off.

“I hear you serve the best coffee in town.”

“Among other things. I’m surprised to see you here again so soon. Out of character for you. Or is this your new normal?”

Her wink solidifies it.

She suspects something. Now, to determine how much and in what detail.

Hey, women talk about this kind of crap. I know, because I’m often the topic of conversation where the women of this town are concerned.

I tug a hand through my hair and chuckle. “You caught me. I have an ulterior motive this morning.”

“Knew it.” She bites her lower lip to keep from laughing, but her eyes dance with amusement.

Sorry, kid. I’m not caving that easily.

“I need some books on the Roaring '20s. Topics like architecture, fashion, food. That sort of thing. I figured you fine ladies would be the people to ask.”

Mina nods, the sarcastic gleam falling from her eyes. “Oh, I assumed you were here to visit with Ori. Guess she signed the paperwork for you?”

I rock back on my heels and shove my hands in my pockets, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

---