Page 13 of Chasing Sparks

But the one overriding thought? I’m ready to eat the ornaments on the artificial tree to ward off the gnawing in my stomach.

A quick glance at the clock tells me it’s way past dinnertime, which means Ash’s time to get his happy ass over here is also up.

Apparently, he’s having far too much fun with his ladies to wrap things up in a timely fashion, and I’m not sitting here all night like some besotted fan.

On to plan B.

I grab my phone and dial the local pizza place. My original idea? A cheesy Stromboli jam-packed with enough pepperoni to choke a horse.

But halfway through my order, a better idea hits me.

Ash wants me to hang around?

Fine, but there’s a ticking clock for that request and if he knows what’s good for him, he won’t make me wait.

I stroll next door and shoot Braden a smile when he glances up from his desk. “Hey Braden, where’s the man of the hour? Still entertaining?”

Yes, I’m testing the waters.

Sue me.

A grin splits Braden’s face at my question. He looks just like his brother, but Braden and Ash are so different when it comes to their ideas on love.

Ash hates the concept.

Braden is open to the idea.

Neither one starves for female affection.

Such are the trials and tribulations of the Hammond men.

Braden jerks his thumb over his shoulder, toward the back of the parlor. “Come to rescue him?”

“Something like that.”

Totally false bravado, but I need all the help I can get right now, and Braden is too much of a gentleman to call me out on it.

With a sigh, I toss my hair over my shoulder and follow the sound of laughter to the back seating area, earning a surprised look from Ash when he catches sight of me.

“Hey, Ori.”

“Hey yourself.” I nod at each of the women, but my smile doesn’t reach my eyes. How can it when it’s one hundred percent fake?

At least they’re all dressed and sitting an appropriate distance from my man.

My man? What the hell is wrong with you, Ori?

Love. Do. Not. Recommend.

Terrible for the psyche.

Before my brain can pick apart my latest thoughts involving the L word, I plow ahead. The sooner I state my case and leave, the better.

The rest is up to Ash.

“It’s late and I’m starving. I ordered a pizza from that place you like, and it will be here in thirty minutes. After that, both me and said pizza will be downstairs and I hate dining alone. I’m sure you’ll be finished with yourinterviewby then.”

A scoff flies from one woman’s mouth, but I pay her no mind.

---