Page 100 of Chasing Sparks

“I love being surprised, so keep them coming, big man.”

“Be ready tomorrow at eight, okay?”

“Done and done.” I step closer and steal a kiss from his soft lips. “I’m really proud of you. You had a dream, and you brought it to life.”

“There’ve been a lot of dreams coming true lately,” he murmurs.

A knock at the office door breaks our moment, but not before I catch the look in his eyes—nervous, yes, but also hopeful.

I’m not just another good time.

Even if he can’t say it now—possibly ever—I’m pretty damn certain he feels it. At least some degree of it. I’m clinging to that hope … along with the glorious orgasm my man just gifted me.

“What were you doing?” Mina asks the second I return toOne More Page.

“Giving Ash coffee, which is exactly what I told you I was doing.”

She clears her throat, pulling a shred of paper from my hair. “And what was he givingyou?”

My cheeks burn as I wave her off and walk to the opposite side of the counter. “Behave.”

“Well, someone has to.” Mina motions to a well-dressed man by the coffee bar. “He wants to speak with you.”

“What about?”

“He wouldn’t say, but insisted on waiting for your return, so he’s not a customer.”

“Wonderful,” I mutter, heading toward the man.

“May I help you?”

The portly gentleman smiles and stands, extending his hand. “Ms. Thorne?”

“Yes.”

“I represent McGwyer Holdings, and they would like to make an offer on your property.”

“I don’t own this building.”

“But you own the Dean Estate.”

Fuck, he’s another seedy investor. They’re like cockroaches—you smash one, and ten more pop up.

I straighten my shoulders, refusing to let this man see any sign of weakness. “I do, and I’ve no desire to sell.”

The man, unfazed, pulls some papers from his briefcase. “I think you’d do well to consider their offer. Miss, it’s a lovely house, but it will require extensive renovations. The costs will be considerable, and I doubt you’ll recoup it when you sell. McGwyer can take it off your hands.”

“I’m not concerned about the cost. I considered that when I bought it.”

“You’re a single woman. What in the world do you need all that space for?”

“Excuse me?” My voice rises, sharp and cold.

Who the hell does this man think he is?

I open my mouth, ready to put this arrogant prick in his place, but a low, familiar voice cuts through the air behind me.

“First, that’s none of your damn business.”

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