Page 53 of Chasing Sparks

“You mean your girlfriend?”

I’m going to kill Braden. Son of a bitch won’t rest until I admit how I feel about Ori. And Ican’tadmit it—to him or myself.

Ori and I have been hanging out for a month, and it’s been bliss. She’s perfection—beautiful, smart, sweet, sexy as hell, and with a mouth that could wreck a man in the best ways possible.

If I were the marrying kind, she’d be it. But I’m not. So here we are.

Maybe one day, I’ll believe the bullshit I’m spinning in my head to cover the fact that I’m crazy about her. Wildly, wickedly, over-the-moon crazy about her. And that terrifies me. I swore I’d never walk that plank again. I can’t let my guard down—not even for Ori.

Especiallynot for Ori.

So, we keep things cool. The woman never pushes the issue. It’s as though she understands I’m like a cornered animal with the L-word. Any mention of it and I’ll be scoping out the nearest escape route.

We hang out, have amazing sex, and leave love to other people. Why mess with a good thing?

Still, this dinner with Casey feels wrong. And it shouldn’t.

I groan, tugging at my hair. “Braden, please don’t start. I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m having dinner with a business associate who could help Black Lotus. I’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity.”

“Maybe.” Braden shrugs, pushing himself from the chair. “But some would say you’re a fool for passing up yourotheropportunity.”

At the door, he gives the wall a couple of taps. “Be careful, man. I love you and want you happy. But Ori’s my friend, too. Don’t play her. Just be straight with her.”

“This place is fantastic,” Casey gushes as we stroll into the trendy seafood restaurant.

She’s not lying.

“It’s been a huge hit. They even get people from the city up here to sample the chef’s wares.”

Casey pivots, running a finger down the button-front of my shirt. “I know some other wares I’d like to sample.”

Oh fuck. Here we go.

Two months ago, I would have dragged her to the nearest bathroom and ripped that skintight sheath of a dress from her body.

Now, all I can manage is an uncomfortable laugh as my brother’s warning swirls in my head.

Did I tell Ori where I was going? Sure, I mentioned I had a last-minute business meeting.

Did I offer specifics? Not a one.

Why borrow trouble when I don’t know how tonight will play out?

But as Casey links her arm through mine, it seemsshehas a really good idea, which only serves to further addle my brain.

Is Casey attractive? Without a doubt. She’s hot as fuck, and I’ll put money on the fact that she can work her body like it’s nobody’s business.

But somehow, the idea of sinking inside any woman besides Ori just isn’t appealing anymore.

My best option is to play it cool and keep it professional. That is why Casey requested this dinner meeting, even if we both know her reason is bullshit.

We settle into a booth, and right off the bat, she orders some wine—an overpriced luxury blend that’s no doubt one of Casey’s power moves, designed to loosen me up in all the right ways.

Hate to break it to her, but I can afford the bottle, too.

She clinks her glass against mine, a smile spreading across her face. “It’s been too long, Asher Hammond. You’ve been too damn busy.”

“You know I’m opening the speakeasy. Time is at a premium these days.”

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