Page 204 of Chasing Sparks

“I’ll get right on that and come back in a year with either a thoughtful response or a clever retort—just in case you insulted me.”

He laughs, his thumb still tracing lazy circles on my hand. “I didn’t insult you.”

“Good to know.”

“Just listen and you’ll know what it means,” he says, his voice dropping slightly. “Sei sempre nel mio cuore.”

Even though I don’t understand the individual words, I feel their weight.

Once again, Ash has assured me that his heart is safely—and only—mine.

Chapter 30

Letting Go

Ori

Rum & Ruinhas only been open for an hour, and it’s already the talk of the town. A line stretches around the block, with people clamoring to get inside the intimate new hotspot.

Lucky for me, I have an all-access pass.

I wind around the crowd, shooting them a smile as I descend the steps into the roaring '20s.

A warm buzz of conversation weaves around me as I enter the speakeasy, mingling with the rich scent of aged whiskey and a faint smokiness in the air. The polished wood floor vibrates beneath my feet, the bass line from the jazz quartet thrumming throughout the space.

A few locals raise their glasses in greeting when I enter.

Doesn’t hurt to know the owner, I guess. Even if I haven’t seen the man in the last ten days.

After the Lucille and Trace whirlwind, Ash needed to get his head in the game if he wantedRum & Ruinto open on time. He’sbeen working around the clock, but like everything in his life, he makes success look effortless.

Still, I miss the man.

Twirling around, I take in all the details: the brass sconces throwing golden light onto the polished wood tables, the soulful jazz song crooning about love and loss, and the servers decked out in full flapper gear. Their sequined dresses catch the light as they glide between tables, fringes swaying in time with the music.

I scan the room, but there’s no sign of Ash. He’s probably somewhere behind the scenes, ensuring every detail is perfect.

One thing is for certain. F. Scott Fitzgerald would be proud.

“Ori, you’re here.” Mina rushes over, pulling me into a warm hug. “You look fabulous.”

“Have to play the part, right?” I sway my hips playfully in my emerald green dress. I’d found this beauty at a vintage shop and knew it would be perfect forRum & Ruin’s grand opening. Paired with T-strap heels and a string of pearls, I feel like I’ve stepped straight out of the Gatsby era.

I motion to my friend. “You’re gorgeous, as always. Has Braden seen you yet?”

Mina blushes, waving a hand to dismiss my question. “He’s got his fair share of admirers tonight.”

I follow her gaze to where two women sit with Braden, hanging on his every word. But I also see something Mina doesn’t—how Braden’s gaze flits to my friend’s form every few seconds.

“I think you should give them some healthy competition.”

“No. I’m terrible at flirting,” Mina protests.

But I’m not about to be dissuaded. I stride over to Braden’s booth, flashing fake smiles at his two guests. “Hey, Braden.”

“Ori. How are you?”

“Good. I’m off to find a drink, but will you keep Mina company?”

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