Page 207 of Chasing Sparks

The weight of Casey’s words falls heavy around me. Granted, shecouldbe lying about the entire thing, but isn’t that a bit grandiose and detailed story to spin?

Besides which, what would be the point?

The answer? There wouldn’t be, which means Casey is telling the truth.

“You’re sure he said that?”

“Word for word.” She tilts her head, shooting me a curious look. “Now Idefinitelyknow you’re the reason behind it. Don’t worry, it’s his choice, but it’s a shame. It would’ve made him an international superstar in the tattoo world.”

“When was this supposed to happen?”

Casey shrugs, accepting a drink from Zane with a flirtatious smile. “A few months from now. He’d have been gone about twelve weeks.”

“And he didn’t tell you why he no longer wanted to do it?”

“It’s pretty easy to figure out, Ori. You’re his girlfriend. You’re his priority.”

Why the hell doesn’t that make me feel better?

“How do you know I’m Ash’s girlfriend?”

Casey smirks, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Every woman east of the Mississippi knows that. Honey, when a man like Asher Hammond leaves the market, women notice.” She winks and takes a sip of her drink. “Anyway, this speakeasy is amazing. The bee’s knees—wasn’t that what they used to say? I’ll have to plan a photo shoot here. Catch you later.”

“Wait.” I grab Casey’s arm before she can slip away. “If I talk to Ash and convince him to change his mind, willInk Spotstill agree to the tour?”

Casey considers my offer. “Honestly? I haven’t told my bosses yet. I was hoping I could come here tonight and sway him myself.”

We’ll ignore, for a moment, the tactics she likely plans to employ to sway him to her way of thinking. After all, I remember all too well her handcuffs and lube comment that night at the restaurant.

But that’s neither here nor there.

Sucking in a breath, I force a polite smile. “I’ll talk to Ash.”

“Are you sure?”

Am I? The thought twists in my chest. Letting Ash go means losing him to the global stage. And even though I know he’d come back to Sparkwood, I don’t know if he’d return to me.

But I can’t hold him here, either. That’s the worst kind of prison—one built of guilt and obligation.

“I’m positive,” I state, my voice steadier than I feel. “Just give me a little time.”

“Great. Thanks, Ori.” Casey clinks her glass against mine and disappears into the crowd, her cheerful demeanor firmly intact.

But my frivolity strolls away with Casey, leaving me with a growing kernel of doubt which threatens to eat away the tenuous happiness I’ve only recently built.

I’m not sure which bothers me more: Ash deciding against a global tour, something that would undoubtedly boost his prominence in the tattoo industry, or him never mentioning it to me.

All I know is I refuse to be the reason he stays. I won’t be yet another obligation he has to fulfill.

Arms slip around my waist, and Ash’s intoxicating scent washes over me as he nuzzles my neck. “Hey, little one. Sorry, it’s so crazy tonight. I promise I will have more time for you two starting tomorrow.”

His words are tender, and I know he means them, but I need to speak my piece—before I lose my nerve and bury the issue.

I turn in his embrace, resting my hands on his muscled forearms. “Never apologize.Rum & Ruinis a triumph, and I hope you’re enjoying every second.”

His gaze sweeps around the speakeasy, an affable smile on his lips. “Hard to believe this is where it all started, huh?”

“A new beginning.”

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