Page 50 of Chasing Sparks

Mina glances up as I walk back intoOne More Page, a look of surprise crossing her face. “That was fast.”

“He’s not there.”

“Is he playing hooky?”

“Likely. Braden didn’t know when he’d be in, but my guess is soon, since he has someone waiting. Either way, I’ll have to thank him later.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with all sorts of interesting ways.”

I chuckle and shake my head, but I don’t deny a damn thing. “Sadly, you and I are working late tonight, remember? He’ll have to wait for his thank-you gift.”

“I bet if he knew what you were offering, he’d find a way to make sure you closed early.”

Chapter 7

Cue the Lube & Handcuffs

Ash

“T

he prodigal son returns.” Braden shoots me a smirk as I stroll into Black Lotus. “Where the hell have you been all morning?”

I roll my eyes at my brother, flipping through today’s mail. “I was at town hall, getting permits for the speakeasy. If you’d checked my schedule, you’d know that.”

“How’s that going? You on track to open on time?”

“Yep.” I am, too. The transformation—or shall I say, restoration—of our basement back to its original glory as a 1920s speakeasy is moving along without a hitch.

My crews aren’t thrilled about working overnight shifts, but it can’t be helped. The basement sits under Ori’s shop, and the grinding of power tools isn’t exactly great for business.

So, they work through the night, and I pay them accordingly.

Doesn’t stop them from bitching about it, though.

“And did you settle on a name?” Zane asks, leaning over the counter, a bottle of water in his hand.

“Rum & Ruin.”

“Good choice,” Braden replies, dusting his nails on his shirt.

Of course he says that—it was his first choice for a name.

Still, I can’t argue. It’s a great name, and damn, does she roll off the tongue, which isexactlywhat you want. If a name is catchy, people remember it—not that anyone will forgetRum & Ruinonce she opens.

She’s going to be fabulous.

I feel eyes on me and glance up, my gaze shifting between Braden and Zane. Okay, something’s up, because these two look like the cat who ate the canary.

“Did I miss something?”

Braden bites back a grin. “You haven’t been home the last few nights.”

I scoff. “What are you, my mother?”

“I’m just curious where you’ve been. Helping the contractors?” With every word, his smile widens because my brother knows damn well that’s not the answer.

I cross my arms over my chest and rock back on my heels. “I crashed at Ori’s place. Is that okay with you?”

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