Page 45 of Chasing Sparks

“That’s what you think?” he scoffs, running a hand through his hair. “That I’m rushing out of here to see another woman?”

“It makes sense. You wanted an early dinner. You brought two bottles of wine. You’re watching the clock.”

Ash takes my free hand, his lips brushing softly across my knuckles. “You are way off. I brought two bottles because I wasn’t sure what you were cooking, and I’m watching the clock because I have somewhere to take us—and the sun sets so damn early this time of year.”

I frown, glancing down at my leggings. “I’m really not dressed to go out.”

“Put on pants, then.”

“See, that was code for I don’t want to leave the warmth of my apartment and go sit in some bar. No offense.”

Ash grabs the back of my chair, pulling it gently from the table. “Lucky for you, I’m not taking us to a bar. Now go throwon some jeans. In fact, I’ll help you. Wait, on second thought, I better not—if I strip those off you, we’re definitely not leaving.”

“Sounds like you’re still hungry, Asher.”

He bends down, his breath warm against the back of my neck as he nuzzles the skin there. “For you, I’m always hungry.”

Universe, hold up a damn minute.

I stop dead in my tracks when I meet Ash outside and see him waiting on his motorcycle.

Yes, I’m aware he owns one, but I assumed we were taking something with windows and a roof, especially since it’s a brisk forty-five degrees and falling fast. Never mind that I’m a motorcycle virgin.

“I don’t have a helmet.”

Ash pulls one from his saddlebag and places it on my head. “I’ve got you covered.”

“But I’ve never ridden before,” I stutter, worrying my lower lip with my teeth.

“If you’re my girl, little one, you’ve got to ride. Trust me—I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I don’t know if it’s the way he uses my pet name or the quiet promise in his eyes that melts my hesitation, but I nod in agreement. With a deep breath, I push aside the fear and take his outstretched hand.

Time to trust the man.

Fifteen minutes later, Ash steers down a narrow road, stopping at a rocky outcropping. The winter sun kisses thehorizon, spilling a breathtaking blend of pinks and purples across the sky.

“It’s incredible,” I murmur, offering Ash a grateful smile as he helps me off the bike. I step closer to the edge, letting the view steal my breath. “The most beautiful sight ever.”

“Yes, it is.”

But Ash isn’t looking at the overlook. His green-hued gaze is locked on me, hunger blazing in its depths, undeniable and all-consuming.

I could cave to his intimations, which is exactly what my body is begging me to do, but my heart isn’t on board with being just a helping to his several-course dinner.

Best to keep our conversation on the straight and narrow. “Do you come here often?”

“Yes, but I never bring anyone with me.”

An odd response. “How come?”

He sighs, his gaze fixed on the valley below. “I’m afraid they’ll ruin it for me.”

I wander back to the bike, my fingers brushing over the smooth lines of the handlebars. “Why did you bring me?”

He catches my hand, his fingers wrapping gently around mine. “Because somehow, I know you never will.”

His sweet words resonate with my heart. No matter his long-term intentions, Ash trusts me, and that feels special coming from a man who walled off his heart years ago.

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