Page 58 of Chasing Sparks

A hint of a smile plays on Casey’s mouth. “I’ll be damned.”

“What now?”

“You love her, too.”

“No, I don’t. She’s a great woman, but?—”

“Keep denying it, but your face says it all. Just like hers did. If she’s such a great woman, don’t leave her dangling out there for some schlep to scoop up. Better claim her for yourself before someone else does.”

But I know the truth. Love isn’t real. It’s a story people tell themselves to feel less alone. But Ori? She’s real. And damn it, she’s mine.

I just hope I’m not too late to fix this mess.

Chapter 8

Find Your Place—Now

Ash

Inow understand how people must have felt as they crossed the threshold to certain death.

Am I being dramatic? Obviously. But there’s a chill to the air surrounding Black Lotus, and it’s more than the arctic temperatures outside.

I’m jonesing for coffee, but I’m fairly certain my favorite java haunt won’t be too amenable to me this morning.

And then there’s Ori. I’m desperate to speak to her, although I have zero idea how to broach the topic of last night.

Nothing happened. Sure, Casey threw out a few more offers before I dropped her at her hotel, but I held firm. For the first time in forever, I had no urge to take a beautiful woman up on her offer of illicit fun.

Why?

Because Casey, although sexy as fuck, isn’t Oriana Thorne. That woman has invaded every corner of my psyche.

The thought running on repeat in my brain isn’t a ready-and-willing Casey handcuffed to a bed; it’s Ori’s face when I introduced her as my friend. The look of dejection that washed over her has lodged in my heart like a splinter I can’t remove, no matter how many needles or tweezers I try.

What a fucking disaster.

And I know I’m in the doghouse with my petite librarian because the texts I sent her last night are still unanswered more than twelve hours later.

Yes, texts. As in more than one.

When I neared Ori’s apartment en route to the farm, I texted her—again—and told her I was around the corner and would love to drop by for some late-night snuggling.

I used the termsnuggling, for Christ’s sake.

I figured my message was twofold: reassure Ori I wasn’t sleeping with Casey and earn some face time with my favorite lady.

But it was radio silence from her end. Not even a thumbs-up to acknowledge the text, which, in hindsight, is a loud enough message on its own.

With a final glance through One More Page’s windows, I walk into Black Lotus, rubbing my hands together to ward off the chill.

Braden looks up from the desk, shooting me a gaze that’s equal parts irritation and curiosity. “Look what the cat dragged in.”

“Cut the shit. I was home before nine, which you damn well know.”

Yes, I’m speaking at an abnormally loud volume. I want the entire shop to hear me, so I can deaden this issue right now.

“Much to Casey’s chagrin, no doubt.” Braden smirks, motioning toward a cup of coffee. “Grabbed you one while I was next door. Figured it might be safer for you that way.”

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