Page 96 of Chasing Sparks

A muscle jumps in his jaw, his smile tight. “How interesting. I hope you had amenable company. I own a glorious home down there. Next time you’re thinking of a trip, let me know.”

I’m not sure what the man is offering—his home or his company as my escort next time—but either way, it doesn’t sit right with me.

“We stayed in a beautiful resort.”

“Of course you did. Nothing but the best for you, Oriana.”

Time to steer this chat back to business topics. “What can I do for you? Hunting for another first edition? I got a few in last week.” I motion to the display case standing against the backwall. Each prized book nestles on velvet stands, highlighting their ornate leather-bound covers.

“No, actually. I have something for your friend, Asher.” He pulls a wrapped book from his briefcase, the leather-bound cover peeking through the tissue paper. “Would you be so kind as to see that he gets this?”

“Sure. He’s right next door, you know.”

“I know, but something tells me he’d far rather see you than me.” He snaps his briefcase shut and offers a stiff smile. “I’ll be making more regular visits to see you—I mean, your wonderful book collection. Until next time.”

The door swings shut behind him, leaving me standing there with the package in hand.

“What was that about?” Mina asks, eyeing the book curiously. “He brought you a gift?”

“Not me. This is for Ash.”

“Strange, I didn’t think they knew one another.”

“How do you know?”

“When Kevin was here another time, Ash was none too happy with how friendly he was toward you. But he didn’t act like he knew who he was when I mentioned his name.” She gives me a gentle nudge and a knowing look. “Then again, Ash isalwaysjealous where you’re concerned.”

“Not hardly,” I reply with a roll of my eyes. “Although I will run this over to him. But first, tell me about you. Was it truly terrible while I was gone?”

Look, I know it’s no picnic to work short-staffed while knowing the person you’re covering for is lounging in the tropics. But I hope having Braden here to assist her made it a worthwhile undertaking.

Plus, I gave her the same number of days off I was away. Sure, she didn’t get to frolic on a beach, but she avoided blizzardnumber two, which swept through Sparkwood two days ago. Fair trade, right?

“Braden was a tremendous help. He dug out my car when it snowed and even followed me home.”

“Did he now?”

“He didn’t come inside,” she rushes to add, her cheeks flushing.

“Well, that’s just silliness on your part. Imagine the fun you two could have had.”

Despite her obvious beauty, Mina is the world’s worst flirt. She’s friendly and sweet with everyone else, but with Braden, she’s painfully shy—like a high schooler with a crush. If things are to move forward, it’s clear he’ll be the one holding the reins.

“I could barely speak to the man. Not everyone has the ability to spout such sinfully wicked things as you, Ori.”

“Imagine if they did? What a world it would be,” I reply, blowing a kiss to Ash as he scurries past the shop window. “I don’t know where he gets the energy.”

No joke. Since our return a week ago, I’ve only seen Ash in passing.

Apparently, the contractors needed him to make several decisions about Rum & Ruin’s renovation, and our vacation threw a wrench into their plans. To atone, Ash has been working ontheirschedule—which means he’s been running on caffeine and a prayer.

Judging by his hurried pace as he disappears downstairs, he hasn’t slowed down since.

I’ll admit, a small part of me wonders if my confession of love struck fear into him. Maybe he’s pulling back emotionally and using work as an excuse for the distance.

But a bigger part of me trusts him. Deeply.

Even if he can’t say the words, I know he cares about me.

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