Page 23 of Chasing Sparks

I scan the perimeter of the bookstore, but Ori is nowhere in sight. When I turn back to Mina, she’s watching me with a sly smirk.

The woman knows exactly who I’m looking for and she’s loving every minute of it.

“What can I get you two?” Mina asks, a hint of color climbing her cheeks when Braden offers her a dimpled smile.

What Braden and Mina need is a locked room and some private time, though my brother would sooner die than admit it. I know he’s got a thing for the stunning blonde, but he’ll never act on it—and I have no idea why.

Something to pick his brain about later.

“That Jamaican blend this guy loves so much.” I jerk my chin in Braden’s direction before pivoting to take another sweep of the store. “Where’s your fearless leader?”

“She’s not here yet, which is odd. Ori is never late.”

But Iknowexactlywhy she’s running behind. Our pizza picnic didn’t end until after three in the morning, when we awoke curled up together on the couch. Despite the warmth of her arms, the cold had settled into the basement, and Ori said it was time to head home.

I begrudgingly agreed.

I rarely hang around long after the deed is done, but it’s different with Ori. Something about her embrace just feels right.

Plus, we were busy.

I got that woman off several times last night. Damn, she’s breathtaking when she comes. Don’t get me wrong—any orgasm is an ego boost, but with Ori, she’s on a whole different level.

Plus, she’s fucking delicious. Getting her off gets me off, even if my cock and I aren’t on speaking terms this morning.

Ori offered numerous times to lay aside her rule about dinner before coitus, but I stuck to my guns.

Iwantto take her out. For some reason, I need to prove I’m not the man she’s so sure I am—even though she’s had me pegged since day one.

I chuckle and run a hand along my jaw, remembering the taste of her honey on my tongue. “Cut her some slack. I wore the woman out last night.”

Mina scoffs at my bold statement, but it’s a gentle hip check to my right that steals my attention.

I glance down at Ori, grinning as she shoots me her favorite mock glower.

“Tell me, who did you wear out? Certainly not me, because I’m raring to go this morning,” Ori teases, flashing a cheeky smirk.

“You slept well. Admit it,” I whisper, leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek.

“Sure. Chamomile tea helps.”

“My tongue helps,” I volley back.

“Yes, it does,” Ori purrs, her eyes fluttering shut as she bites her pouty lower lip.

Fucking tease.

Ori loves pushing my buttons, but what she doesn’t realize is I’m more than happy to take full advantage of every perk that comes with our newly forged friendship.

She thinks I won’t take her right here? Bend her over this counter and peel those pants from her luscious ass? Sink balls deep inside her as I mark every inch of her as mine?

That visual is enough to wake upeverybody part, desperate for some additional playtime.

I grunt and shift my leg to adjust myself, grateful for the baggy jeans. Without them, there’d be no hiding the effect Oriana Thorne has on me.

But of course, Ori notices. The woman notices everything.

Mina clears her throat, breaking up our flirtations as she slides a cup of coffee my way. “Sorry to interrupt your party.”

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