Page 24 of Chasing Sparks

A bark of laughter escapes my brother, and I realize that I’d forgotten anyone else was here besides Ori.

This isn’t the first time, either. Hell, it’severytime with this petite siren, which is fartoo dangerous a concept for my taste.

Ori shoots me an appreciative glance as she adjusts her glasses before giving me a playful punch in the arm. “Real nice. Getting me all hot and bothered. Don’t you have work to do? Sexy women to ink?”

“Messing with you is far more fun.”

She runs her fingers along the collar of her shirt. “You’re just hoping for another wardrobe malfunction.”

“Prettiest view in town.”

She really is. Ori isn’t my usual type, but she’s exquisite. She’s the living embodiment of a sex kitten librarian, and I’ll fully admit I have a raging fetish for it.

And for her.

A confident grin splits Ori’s face as she rests her palms against my chest. “You’d better go or else we’ll have to discuss your behavior in my office.”

Fuck, can we? Screw clients. I’d far rather spend the day screwing her.

“Please?” I chuckle, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “Before I forget, me and the guys will be up at your place on Saturday around nine.”

Ori claps her hands together, thrilled I haven’t forgotten my promise to inspect the damage at the estate house. “You’re the best. Thank you for this. I know it’s hardly a fun way to spend the weekend, but I’ll bring lots of food and hopefully make it a bit less painful.”

Braden waves his hand, dismissing her worries. “No problem, Ori. We’re happy to help.”

He means it, too. Although he’ll give me some good-natured ribbing about it, he’s fine with missing a few hours of football and beer.

Ori notices a well-dressed customer standing by the antique bookcase and waves toward him. “I have to run, but have a great day.”

I watch her stroll over to the man, her face lighting up in a smile as he sets down his briefcase to engulf her in a hug.

A muscle jumps in my jaw as I observe their interactions. All I know is, if he tries that maneuver again, I’m breaking his hands.

Mina notices them, too. “He’s been in a few times. Keeps saying he’s searching for first editions, but I think he’s gearing up to ask Ori out.”

The fuck he is.

“Who is he?” I snap, taking a long pull of coffee to hide my irritation.

Mina shrugs. “I think his name is Kevin. Obscenely wealthy, judging by his outfit. That briefcase costs over ten grand.”

“Fucking waste of money,” I grumble.

I clear my throat, my eyes glued to them as they chat on the other side of the store. Why the hell is he standing so close to her? And why is she letting him?

Then the man glances in my direction as a sneer spreads across his face. Clearly, he’s enjoying the reaction he’s provokingin me, but if he doesn’t back the fuck up, he’s going to end up with a pair of black eyes.

“We’d better go,” Braden says, nudging my arm. “I don’t have bail money.”

Swallowing down my jealousy, I huff out a breath, forcing a smile for Mina. “You let me know if he bothers you two. I’ll handle it personally.”

“Thanks for looking out for us.” Mina bites back a smile as she hands us a few muffins from the case. “On the house. Oh, and Ash, I wouldn’t worry too much. Seems Ori has a type and he’s not it.”

I nod and rock back on my heels. “Who said I was worried?”

Mina lets my question lie, but her smile speaks volumes.

And she’s not the only one.

---