Page 22 of Chasing Sparks

“This is business related. Don’t lowball the price of the renovations. I want the house restored properly, and I have the funds. Don’t cut me slack because I’m your …”

I trail off, unsure of what to call myself. His friend? Neighbor? Fuck buddy?

I know I’m not his girlfriend, although it is my end goal—even if that idea is probably more terrifying to Ash than a drunken monkey with a tattoo gun loose inBlackLotus.

“We’ll figure it out. I’m not worried,” Ash says, his voice steady as his eyes lock on mine. “I’ll take care of you.”

An emotion flashes in his green eyes. It’s not love, but there’s a protectiveness there, and I know he means every word.

And believe me, ladies, there is nothing like a strong, handsome man telling you he’ll protect you to make you throw caution to the wind.

Trust me.

I skate my hands lower along his thighs, moving ever so slightly against his groin.

“Wait a damn minute,” Ash says, gripping my hips. “You have to play fair, beautiful, unless you’re planning to renegotiate the terms of our deal.”

“Maybe I am.” His cock strains against his jeans as I continue grinding against him, my moves slow and deliberate.

“I think someone’s all fired up after round one and wants a repeat performance.”

“I wantseveralencores, Asher Hammond.”

“Your wish is my command.”

I scratch my nails along his cock, earning a low grunt of approval. “When you say things like that, how can a woman say no? Want a down payment for services rendered?”

To my surprise, Ash shakes his head, threading his hands into my hair and pulling my mouth to his. “I’m taking you to dinner, Ori. My dick may hate me right now, but I’m doing this right.”

“Doing what right?”

“Us.”

Chapter 3

I’m Not That Guy

Ash

“L

et me get this straight. You want me to give up a day of football and beer to work on Ori’s house?”

My brother Braden is none too happy that I’ve volunteered him for duty this weekend, but I know I can finagle a yes from the guy.

“She’s overwhelmed after purchasing the Dean Estate and I don’t want to see her get taken advantage of by some sleazy contractor.”

Braden snorts out a laugh as we walk over to One More Page for our mid-morning dose of caffeine. “Three weeks ago, you would have relished the idea of her losing her shirt to a scumbag.”

“Times change. Besides, you like Ori.”

“I always have butyoufelt a distinctly different emotion toward the woman.”

I shrug, pulling open the door to the bookstore. “Like I said, times change. Are you in or not?”

Braden sighs, tugging a hand through his dark hair. No doubt he’s adding this to my ever-expanding list of IOUs. “I’m in, but you’re buying me coffee for the next week.”

“Dude, I buy you coffee now,” I volley back as we sidle up to the counter, where Ori’s co-worker Mina—her right-hand woman at the bookstore—is waiting with a grin. “Morning, Mina.”

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