Page 57 of Chasing Sparks

“It’s complicated.”

“Bullshit,” Casey snorts. “It’s complicated because you got caught. Otherwise, it would be as simple as you, me, a bottle of wine, and hours of casual sex.”

I pivot in my seat, a flash of anger rushing through me at her presumptions. “Was that your plan? Does the deal currently on the table hinge on how many orgasms I dole out to you tonight, or is it based at all on my talent as an artist?”

Casey’s eyes widen as she takes a slow sip from her wine glass. “Don’t get mad at me for doing exactly what you’ve done all these years.”

“And what exactly is that?”

“You’re gorgeous. Oozing sex appeal. Beyond talented in the bedroom. You know it, and everyone who knows you knows it. It’s hardly a secret. In fact, you pride yourself on a constant rotation of beautiful women, but you’re not a dick about it. You’re always honest with your intentions and always deliver on your lady’s sexual fantasies. You are the quintessential definition of a great fucking time. I’m the female version of you.”

Damn it. She’s right. I’ve spent years winning at this game, so why does it suddenly feel like I’m losing everything?

“That still doesn’t answer my question about your supposed business deal.”

“The world tour is based on your talent, Ash, but let’s be honest. Your model good looks are good for business. Women love a bad boy, and you fit the bill.” She finishes her glass of wine and motions to the server. “As for the extracurricular activities, I thought we hit it off well last time. Really well, and I got theimpression you’d like to see me with my clothes off as much as I’d like to see you.”

I rub my hand across my brow, a massive headache brewing in my temples. “Casey?—”

“If she’s just your friend, what does it matter what you do after hours?” She holds up her hand, cutting off my answer. “I saw your face when she walked over, but more importantly, I saw hers. That woman doesn’t consider you a friend. I feel bad for her.”

“Why?”

Casey shrugs, smiling as the server refills her glass. “She was stupid enough to fall in love with you.”

Her words hit against my emotional armor, and trust me, it’s already taken a beating tonight.

“Why is that stupid?”

And why do I care so much that Ori might be in love with me? Plenty of women have told me they were falling for me. Each got gently but firmly reminded of my position on the topic. Then, to save future awkwardness, I began pulling away.

It was the best thing for them.

And the easiest thing for me.

But Ori isn’t like these other women, and I can’t imagine my world without her in it.

“Because you don’t return her affections,” Casey reminds me. “Come on, let’s finish dinner, and then you can hash it out with Ori—although I’m pretty sure the damage is done.”

Sadly, I’m pretty sure she’s correct. But I can’t give up so easily.

“I’ll be right back.” I push away from the table, phone in hand, and stroll to the entrance.

A blast of Arctic air greets me, though it’s likely far warmer than Ori is right now.

Sure enough, she doesn’t answer when I call, and after a few minutes, my text is still unanswered.

Read, but unanswered. The words stare back at me, a silent confirmation that I’ve screwed up royally. What the hell am I supposed to do now?

“Fuck it,” I mutter as I walk back inside, sliding into my seat and motioning to the server. “A glass of whiskey, please.”

Then I turn to Casey, my arms crossed on the table. “Give me the details of this world tour.”

“Here or at my hotel suite?”

The woman doesn’t know when to stop.

“Here,” I bark. “I’m busy tonight.”

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