Page 66 of Chasing Sparks

But Mina barely hears me as she barrels on with her diatribe. “I stood up for you. When Ori figured she meant nothing to you, I negated her statements because I saw how you looked at her. I pushed her to pursue you, and I feel terrible about it.”

“Wait just a damn minute. She didn’t want to pursue me?”

What the fuck?

Mina manages a strangled laugh. “She thought you were hot, but so does everyone. And after that night together, she was prepared for it to be the end. Not because she didn’t want more, but because she knew how you were—per your own admission. I convinced her it was different with her. Imagine my surprise when I see you dining with another woman.”

“Nothing happened.”

“But would it have happened if we hadn’t shown up? That’s the rub, Ash.”

Her words stop me cold as they sink in.

Would I have slept with Casey if Ori had never walked through the restaurant door?

If I knew Ori would never find out, would I have acted on Casey’s offer?

It only takes a second to know my answer.

“Where is she?”

“Out.”

“A few more details, please.”

“Why? So you can lure her back only to hurt her again? Ash, I should have listened to everyone in town when it came to you.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean? I’m a good guy, Mina. I don’t hit women, abuse animals, or even drive above the speed limit, for Christ’s sake.”

“I know. Youarea good guy. A hell of a nice guy. But you don’t believe in love or relationships. You’ve always been that way for as long as I can remember, and you have zero plans to change. I see that now, but more importantly, Ori does, too.”

“Fucking hell,” I grunt, tempted to smash the glass counter with my fist. “Please, just tell me where she is.”

Mina crosses her arms, her glare unwavering. “Give me one good reason.”

I realize that if I don’t bare my soul to Mina, she won’t tell me where to find Ori—and I can’t go another minute without knowing where she is.

I meet her gaze, my voice low but resolute. “Because I can’t lose her. Not like this.”

Chapter 9

A Tale of Breadfruit

Ori

“C

are for another?”

Bartender, you have no idea.

All I manage is a slight nod, keeping my focus glued to the hockey game blasting from the television above the bar.

Too bad I don’t know a damn thing about hockey. All I see are two teams chasing a puck across the ice, and half the time, I couldn’t tell you where the puck is if my life depended on it.

Apparently, I understand hockey about as well as I understand Asher Hammond.

Not. At. All.

---