Page 21 of Chasing Sparks

Ash scoffs, his fingers digging into my ribs and eliciting a squeal. “Who’s playing games now?”

“I’m not, I swear. I’d love to go, but I really need to get the shop ready for the holidays.”

“Let me get this straight. I ask you out and get shot down. Twice.”

A grin splits my face as I smack a kiss to his mouth. “To be fair, you’ve canceled on me three times, so I’m owed at least one more attempt.”

Just like that, the heaviness and dread of the last two weeks fall away.

Maybe it’s Ash’s proximity or the afterglow of the mind-blowing orgasm he gifted me.

Maybe it’s because he’s trying to live up to his end of the deal.

Maybe it’s that dreaded L word lingering between us—the one neither of us dares to utter.

All I know is that I adore every moment with him, with or without clothing.

My onetime nemesis has somehow become one of my favorite people.

Funny how life works out sometimes.

Ash pulls me into another fierce kiss, setting every nerve in my body alight. “Tell me, woman, when can I take you to dinner? Or do you need to consultyourpacked calendar?”

“I’ll make you a deal. Since you guys are stopping by to look at the house, I’ll treat you all to dinner.”

Ash smiles, dragging a finger gently along my cheek. “Takeout will be fine. Besides, I’m on sexual timeout until we have a proper dinner, remember? A date shared with Braden and Zane is not my idea of a good time.”

“Knew it was all about the sex.”

“Not at all,” he replies, his voice dropping. “Though feeling your tight pussy squeezing my cock is about as close to heaven as I’ve been.”

I plant my hands on my hips and roll my eyes.

“What did I do now?” Ash asks, throwing up his hands in mock surrender.

“How many women have you used that line on? Be honest.”

“Wait … let me think …” He averts his eyes, tapping his chin as he recounts the numerous women he’s bedded over the years.

By the time he meets my gaze, only one of us is smiling.

Newsflash, it’s not me.

“I’ve said it to one woman. A gorgeous librarian type who’s glaring holes into me as we speak.”

“Likely story,” I mumble, feeling the flush climb my cheeks.

“True story.”

The bastard and his romantic spoutings.

“Goodstory.”

“I have my moments.”

I drum my fingers against his chest, feeling his muscles flex beneath my hands. “One more thing.”

Ash groans, scrubbing his face with his hands. “Only one?”

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