Page 194 of Chasing Sparks

“I almost told you everything that night in the speakeasy, when I was drunk.”

“Iknewyou were drunk.” Ori points a finger at me, but I catch the wicked gleam in her eyes. Damn, I’ve missed her mischievous side.

I’m hopelessly addicted to it—and to her.

"Still meant everything I said." And I did—now more than ever. "But I kept quiet, even though I hated the distance between us. I couldn’t risk you acting out of sorts or saying something that might raise Kevin’s suspicion."

Ori plants her hands on her hips, shooting me a mock glare. “Are you saying I don’t have a good poker face?”

“You’re the worst liar in history, but I love that about you.”

The words slip out before I can stop them, although I’m not sure my pseudo admission counts. Somehow, those three little words—I love you—don’t seem nearly grand enough for Ori and our baby.

“I amnotthe worst liar,” she grumbles.

She doesn’t bring up my mention of the L word, but I see her edges softening as she grants me entrance to her heart once more.

I raise my hands in mock surrender, a smug smirk coloring my face. “Hands down, the worst, but that’s what makes you perfect. Do you honestly think, for one second, I wanted to be away from you?”

“It was a lot more than one second. It was about a million of them.”

“I hated every day we were apart, but it made me realize something important. See, I didn’t think I was ready for you, Ori, but I’ve realized that’s not the case. I’ve been waiting my whole life for you.”

A slow smile spreads across her face, lighting her up from the inside. “That was good, Ash. Really good. So, you’re ready for me now?”

“Absolutely.”

“And you’re ready for this?” she asks, pointing at her still-flat abdomen.

“Without a doubt. So, are you still mad at me?”

Ori bobs her head, considering my question. “Yes.”

Then, in a totally unexpected move, she pulls off her shirt and twists her hair into a messy bun, her movements unhurried and deliberate.

“What are you doing? Not that I’m complaining about you stripping down.” My voice thickens with desire as I drag my tongue across my lower lip.

If I had my way, Ori would be naked 24/7—for my eyes only, obviously.

"The water’s warm," she says, motioning to the steam swirling thick in the air, as if she isn’t ignoring the important question I just asked. "I’m taking a shower."

She slips her hands under the waistband of her sweats and slides them down in one fluid motion. Her bare skin glistens as she tosses them aside and steps under the shower spray.

Fuck, my cock is desperate for a piece of this action. I grunt and adjust myself, realizing it’s been far too long since I’ve made love to my gorgeous woman.

Hopefully, that drought ends tonight.

“Seriously, you forgive me, right?” I ask, peering around the shower curtain and dragging my gaze slowly over every inch of Ori’s form.

She flashes me a cheeky grin as she runs her hands along her body, ensuring I have a front-row seat to every one of her delectable curves. “Forgive you for keeping me in the dark while you try to rid the world of vermin? I don’t know. It’s a big ask, Hammond, but I might let you try to convince me. That is, if you’re interested.”

“Fuck yes, I’m interested.”

“Then get the hell in here.”

My woman doesn’t have to tell me twice. I’ve never stripped down so fast in my life.

Once beneath the warm spray, I grab Ori to me, enveloping her slight frame in my arms. Her body melts against me and I close my eyes, allowing the moment to sink in.

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