Page 84 of Chasing Sparks

“Five days and four nights in the Keys.”

Her eyes widen as her jaw drops. “You booked us a trip?”

“First-class accommodations all the way,” I reply with a grin as I wrap an arm around her waist. “From the plane to the resort. Only the best for you.”

Her lips part, clearly trying to process the information. “What is this for?”

I shrug, my tone softening as I tilt her chin up to meet my gaze. “I could say it’s for Valentine’s Day, but it’s really because we deserve a break—and because I want to spoil you a bit. So, what do you say?”

“Who’s going to watch the store while we’re gone?”

“Braden and Mina. I’ve already spoken to them.”

“You really did plan this for us.”

“Imagine that. Now, I’ll ask one more time—yes or no?”

She jumps into my arms with an excited yip, her hands wrapping around my neck as she peppers kisses across my face. “That’s ahellyes. Five days to work on my tan. Nude sunbathing, here I come.”

I smile, but then her words register. “No, no, no. You’re not showing this body off to anyone but me.”

Ori rolls her eyes, her lips curling into a mischievous smirk. “Fine. Is a dental floss bikini acceptable? Ash, I have a fantastic ass. I need to show it off. You can wear a Speedo.”

I narrow my eyes, recognizing the teasing glint in hers. She loves getting a rise out of me. And I love putting her right back in her place.

Lowering her to the ground, I deliver a firm smack to her ass, well aware our buddy Eddie is still lingering.

But this time, it’s not just about sending a message to the overly friendly contractor.

Every day, I find it harder and harder to resist the tiny woman at my side.

Maybe you should stop trying.

For once, the thought doesn’t fill me with dread.

Maybe it’s time.

“What did she say?” Braden asks the second I stroll back into Black Lotus.

“It’s a go. You sure you don’t mind watching the store, too? I know it’s a lot, but I really need the downtime before the craziness of the speakeasy opening.”

Braden rolls his eyes. “You need a tropical vacation with your girlfriend.”

I wave my hand in agreement as I black out my schedule for the next week. “That too. I’ll mail you a palm tree.”

“Just send some blasted sun. I never thought I’d say this, but maybe Mom and Dad had the right idea, moving to Florida.”

“Spring will be here soon, and all will be right in the world. We just have to muddle through the shit until then.”

“Says the man boarding a plane to the Keys tomorrow.” Braden grabs a sticky note, waving it toward me. “Hey, change of subject—Lucille called and left a message for you. Wants you to call her back. Are you two talking again?”

“Not at all.”

It’s the truth. After her random, insistent call begging to meet up several weeks ago, she dropped off the face of the earth.

To be honest, any thought of the woman had slipped my mind—completely.

Huh. That’s never happened before.

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