Page 103 of Chasing Sparks

But maybe not. Maybe this time will be different because I’m different. Ori is different. She’s not Lucille, and she’s never given me a reason to doubt her sincerity.

Granted, neither did Lucille—until the day I proposed. And look how that turned out.

See? This is the shit circling my head. All. Day. Long.

But tomorrow night, I’m biting the bullet. I’m not ready to admit that I’m in love, but I am ready to reassure Ori that I don’t want any other women—ever. Period. End of story.

And if any guy comes near her, they’re going to wind up as dog food.

Not even kidding. The possessiveness I feel toward that petite ball of fire grows exponentially by the day. Pretty soon, it will consume me, much like everything else about Ori.

Then, I’ll tell her how I want us to grow a life together. Working on the Dean Estate, pooling resources, and building something real.

I think she’ll be on board.

It’s going to be good.

“Hey,” Braden claps his arm around my shoulder, his characteristic grin lighting up his face. “I’m thrilled for you. She’s a good woman. A damn good woman.”

“I take it you’re a fan of Ori?” Truth is, I know my brother loves her. He’s also got the hots for her employee, Mina, but that’s a story for another time.

“I enjoy seeing my brother happy after so many years of watching you miserable.”

“I wasn’t—” But I stop myself because, despite the devil-may-care facade I wore as I played with countless women, I was deeply unhappy.

Now, for the first time, I see a future that isn’t just me, my bike, and some one-night stand. I see a life with Ori.

“Am I right?” Braden nudges me, pushing as usual until I cave and admit he’s been correct all along.

“Damn it, dude. You’re right, okay? She’s amazing, and … I’m crazy about her.”

“Was that so hard?”

Actually, it was incredibly easy.

Maybe Icantell Ori how I feel.

Maybe this time, my heart won’t get ripped apart.

So much crap to do, and there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

I head downstairs, giving a quick once-over to the day’s work before sending the guys home. They’re busting their asses, andRum & Ruinis coming together quickly.

Not as quickly as I’d like, but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, right?

Settling into my office, I pull out some designs I’ve been working on, my mind already running through the changes I want to make. My gaze drifts, landing on the book Ori delivered earlier.

I still have zero clue why some random guy would give me a book, but perhaps it’s like Ori said. Maybe he’s excited about the speakeasy opening, too.

Leaning back in the chair, I flip through the pages. The scent of old paper fills the air, and I must admit, the book is pretty damn cool.

A piece of paper slips out, landing in my lap. Frowning, I unfold it, expecting some notes or a misplaced receipt.

It’s neither.

It’s a letter.

And it’s addressed to me.

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