Page 205 of Chasing Sparks

Braden smiles and slides out of the booth without hesitation. “Absolutely. I didn’t think she wanted to talk to me. She’s been distant lately.”

“I wonder why.” The sarcasm practically drips from my voice, but the younger Hammond brother doesn’t pick up on it. “You make her nervous.”

“Me? Why?”

“For the same reason she makesyounervous. Now scoot—I need a liquid refreshment.”

I smile when I sidle up to the bar, noting the mirror from the Dean Estate hanging front and center. She looks perfect there.

“What can I get you, miss?” a familiar voice asks from the other side of the bar.

I turn and grin at Zane, who’s fully embracing the 20s-era theme. "Moonlighting, huh?"

He shrugs. “Keeping the natives in line.”

“Good luck with that. So, what do you recommend?”

“For you? It’s obvious. There’s only one choice.” He mixes a few ingredients together and sets the glass in front of me.

“That better be virgin,” Ash says over my shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I’ll always protect your mama bear,” Zane replies with a wink.

I accept the drink and turn to face Ash, my breath catching at the sight of him. He’s stunning in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark suspenders framing his broad shoulders, and fitted charcoal pants that leave little to the imagination, highlighting every inch of his delicious physique.

“Don’t you look incredible?”

He polishes his fingers on his shirt, offering me a flash of his dimpled grin. “Not too bad, huh?”

“Good enough to eat. Although, I thought we weren’t telling anyone about our—you know,” I say, arching an inquisitive brow.

Ash shrugs, his signature smirk firmly in place. “I might have mentioned it to a few people.”

“Well, Zane is family. Has anyone asked about Lucille leaving?”

“Funny thing. Seems no one in town is surprised the baby isn’t mine.”

“I wonder why,” I muse.

“Because I’m crazy about you and the entire population of Sparkwood knows it.”

“NowthatI like to hear.” I take a sip of the drink, tasting the hint of peach on my tongue. “This is delicious. What’s it called?”

“The Oriana.”

“You named it after me?”

“Yep. She’s our signature house cocktail. Sweet, delicious, and will put you on your ass if you’re not careful.”

“Sounds about right,” I reply with a grin. “It’s damn good.”

Ash leans closer, his voice a husky whisper. “Doesn’t taste nearly as good as you.”

I shoot him a playful scowl. “You didn’t really name it after me.”

“Check for yourself. You’re pretty damn important to me.” He pulls a menu from the bar and points to the top of the drink menu. There it is—TheOriana. I’ll be damned.

I bite my lip, fighting a grin as a rush of feelings sweeps through me. "So, you kind of like me a little, huh?"

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