Page 144 of Chasing Sparks

I may need to throw up first.

Eddie opens the door as I’m walking back, his laptop bag slung over one shoulder. “Hey, I wondered where you went. Shower’s all yours. I’m heading out.”

I engulf my brother in a hug, grateful for the unexpected kinship. “Be careful.”

“Of course. You sure you don’t mind me crashing here until I find a new place?”

“Not a bit. Better than that damn motel.”

“True,” Eddie says, adjusting the brim of his ball cap. “I’ll see you when you get back from the city. Call me to let me know you arrived safely and have fun at the conference.”

“Absolutely—” I pause as Ash’s truck drives out of the lot.

No warning. No goodbye. Nothing.

What the fuck?

“Was that Ash?” Eddie asks, confusion lining his face.

“Yep.”

“What was he doing here?”

I shrug. “Claims he was watching over me. He was supposed to come in for coffee, but I guess he had to get home to Lucille.”

“Christ, what a cluster,” Eddie mutters, shaking his head.

“Seriously. Okay, see you later this week.”

Once inside, I grab my phone and dial Ash’s number, but it goes straight to voicemail. Another four calls also go unanswered.

With a grunt, I head for the shower, figuring he’ll call me by the time I get out. Something must have come up, right?

Wrong. Because all my calls and texts remain unanswered an hour later.

“You know what, Asher Hammond,” I hiss at the phone, tossing it onto the couch. “I’ve had about enough of your games.”

Then I head into the bedroom to pack for my conference.

Looks like I’m on my own with this one.

Chapter 21

Rigged To Detonate

Ash

Fuck love. Fuck it in all its iterations.

I’m through with the concept.

I damn near inked the words across my face as a reminder should I ever be stupid enough to risk that emotion again.

Thankfully, Braden talked me out of that idea, although we’ve almost come to blows a few times in the last few days.

He wants to know why I’m being a belligerent prick. As if I owe him an explanation.

Oh, I’m out of my mind, and the scary part is … I kinda like it.

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