Page 101 of Chasing Sparks

Ash steps into view, his broad shoulders practically blocking me from sight. His arms cross over his chest, and the man takes a small step back under the weight of Ash’s glare.

“Second,” Ash continues, his tone hard as steel, “just because she’s single now doesn’t mean it will always be that way. Hell, she wants like a dozen kids.”

I’m not sure which shocks me more: the brazenness of this stranger or Ash’s defense, boldly stating I’m not bound for a life of spinsterhood.

“But how will she afford the repairs?” the man persists, clearly grasping at straws.

“Again, none of your business,” Ash fires back, his voice carrying an edge that leaves no room for debate. “Between Ori and me, there are more than enough funds. Are we done here? I think we are.”

The man stammers something unintelligible, straightening his tie like that will save face, then quickly gathers his papers and scurries toward the door.

As the door swings shut behind him, I glare at the space he left behind, my pulse still pounding.

Ash smirks, his eyes softening as they meet mine. “He’s a piece of work.”

“He’s not wrong about the costs.” I mumble out the admission, hating that there is truth to that asshole’s words.

Ash steps closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Doesn’t matter. You don’t have to face it alone. Not anymore.”

The blood pounds in my ears, so loud I can barely hear his next words.

He glances at the clock. “I have to run, but I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t worry. We’ve got this, Ori.”

“Damn, but that was hot.” Mina walks over, joining me at the coffee bar, her grin as wide as the Hudson.

“Are you talking about that smarmy investor? If so, we need to work on your taste in men.”

Mina waves her hand, a look of disgust passing over her features. “Not him. Ash and his full-throttle defense of you.”

“I didn’t even hear him walk in.”

“You should have seen his face when he overheard what that jerk was saying to you. Stormed over like he was about to strangle him.”

“It was impressive. My own personal bodyguard.” I’m trying to downplay it, but Mina is right. Ash’s tongue lashing hit me inallthe feels.

“Way more than that. Did you hear him? She won’t always be single. She wants twelve kids. Ori and I will handle the expenses.” She hops onto the counter, her face alight with mischief. “I just need to know. When’s the wedding?”

“For God’s sake,” I mutter, grabbing a stack of books to return to the shelves, hoping to smother the blush creeping up my neck.

“I’m serious. Ash doesn’t behave that way—ever. I told you, Ori. He’s different around you.”

“You barely knew the man before.”

“I knewofhim, and trust me, that’s enough to know this isn’t typical behavior. He wants a future with you.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Why?”

I stop mid-step, as the bluntness of her question catches me off guard, and the raw truth bursts from my mouth before I can stop it. “Because he doesn’t love me.”

The room falls quiet. My voice trembles as the words hang in the air, stark and painful. I grip the edge of the counter, my knuckles white.

Mina tilts her head, her expression softening. “How do you know?”

“I told him I loved him, and he reiterated that although he cares for me, that emotion isn’t in his wheelhouse.”

“Hmm.”

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