Page 85 of Chasing Sparks

And I know why—because of one tiny librarian who usurps my every thought. A tiny siren who has plans of strolling a beach wearing a dental floss bikini.

No way we’re ever leaving the hotel bed if she tries that. I’ll tie her gorgeous ass up and find a million ways to keep her occupied.

Braden shakes the piece of paper with the phone message under my nose. “What should I tell Lucille if she calls again?”

I shrug, not caring. “Tell her I’m on vacation and she’ll have to wait. Feel free to throw in a comment about Ori’s numerous assets, if you’d like.”

A slow smile lights up Braden’s face as he leans back in his chair. “Hallelujah. You’re finally past her.”

“I’ve been past her.”

“Bullshit. You pretended you were, but Ori got you past her. I could kiss her for that.”

“Don’t you dare touch my fucking woman.”

Braden smirks. “Look at you all possessive and shit. Just remember, I am not wearing a tux to your wedding.”

I shoot him a scathing glare. “Slow your roll. We’re going on vacation. I’m not marrying her.”

“Aww, here I thought I might have ignited the closet romantic in your soul.”

Fuck. The last person I needed hearing that line is the one now standing behind me.

Pivoting on my heel, I flash Ori a sheepish grin. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

She cocks a brow, crossing her arms as her lips twitch into a knowing smirk. “Yes, you did, but I’ll let it slide because you are taking me to paradise tomorrow.”

See what I mean? Without a doubt, the coolest chick on the planet. Hey, for all I know, maybe she’s good with our arrangement, too, and doesn’t want anything more.

Great times. Great sex. Tons of laughter. No need to muck it up with love and contracts.

So why do I hate that she heard me say those words?

Because you don’t mean them and maybe one day …

Braden cuts my thoughts short. “Hold up. You’re letting my brother get away with that?”

Ori shrugs, brushing her fingers over the counter. “Yep, although romantic guys get far more loving than ones who don’t believe in the concept. Pity for you, I suppose, Ash.”

She’s joking … I think. “I’ll find ways to convince you to cross to the dark side.”

“I’ve been on the dark side since we started hanging out together. Lucky for you, I kind of like it here.”

I pull her into an embrace, letting my arms linger around her waist as I nuzzle her neck. Her scent wraps around me—soft, warm, and forever inviting.

“I’m the lucky one,” I murmur, the thought slipping out unbidden.

Her gentle laugh vibrates against my chest, and for a moment, I wish I could keep her there forever, the rest of the world forgotten.

“What do you need, beautiful?”

“Something you can’t give me, so I’ll have to settle for the time of our flight tomorrow. Are we working part of the day?”

I shake my head. “Only on our tans. Our flight leaves at six-thirty.”

“Perfect, although I’m warning you, I’ll be running on sunshine and caffeine tomorrow, since tonight is all about packing.” She pecks my cheek and pulls from my embrace. “See you later.”

“Hey.” I grasp her fingers, giving them a gentle squeeze, my thumb brushing over her knuckles.

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