Page 78 of Chasing Sparks

“What were you two saying about me?”

Should have known the man wouldn’t let that statement lie.

“Why? Are you paranoid?”

“No, but I’m curious what shit my little brother was spouting.”

I set the eggs aside and hop onto the counter, swinging my legs slightly as I plant myself directly in front of Ash. “He said you were over-the-moon cuckoo for me.”

Okay, Braden didn’t exactly say that, but it’s a good opening, and it may be enough to convince Ash to talk about his past.

“I knew he was spouting shit.” Ash laughs at my look of mock horror, wrapping a hand around my nape to steal a soft kiss. “I like you okay, Ori. You’ll do.”

I fan myself, shooting him a side-eye. “Who says romance is dead?”

Yes, I’m playing it off and volleying back banter, as is our norm. But I know Ash well enough to realize that his humor is simply a bandage for the pain.

How do I know? Because I’ve been there. After my dad walked out on my mom and me, I became a pro at pretending I didn’t care. If I could fool everyone else, maybe I’d convince myself too.

Still waiting on that one.

“You know I’m not a big believer in romance. It’s all superficial, surface-level bullshit. Don’t get me wrong—if you want flowers, I’ll get them for you. But I hate the idea that how I feel is measured by how big a bouquet I buy.”

I slide off the counter and dump the eggs into a pan. “I get that.”

But apparently, Ash doesn’t think I do. He steps closer, his face a mix of conflicting emotions. “You know I’ll get you flowers, Ori. I’ll get you whatever you want.”

“I can buy myself flowers, but I appreciate the sentiment.” I pause, letting the air between us grow thick before adding, “Although I do have one request.”

Ash stops in his tracks, his hands sliding into his hair as he exhales sharply. “I may live to regret this, but go ahead.”

I stop stirring the eggs and face him. “Tell me about her.”

Ash’s brow furrows. “Who?”

“You know who.”

His eyes scan the far wall, squinting in the morning light. “Casey? I told you, nothing happened between me and her.”

“Not Casey. The woman who changed your mind about love.”

“Shit.” He mutters the curse under his breath, pivoting away from me. “I don’t want to talk about her.”

But I’m not willing to let the subject drop. Not this time.

The first night, I barely knew the man and allowed his past to stay firmly corralled within the confines of his mind. Butnow, we’re an integral part of each other’s lives. This isn’t about prying—it’s about understanding him.

Most importantly, understanding ifwehave a fighting chance.

“It’s impossible for me to fight the ghost of her if I don’t even know what I’m up against.”

“It was a long time ago, Ori.”

I shake my head, pointing toward the floor. “No, she’s still very much here—in every day and every moment. Look at it this way: maybe if you tell me about her, I’ll understand why you hate intimacy and romance and the dreaded L word, and I’ll leave you alone about it.”

“Doubtful.” Ash scrubs a hand over his face, his jaw tight as if holding back words he’s not ready to say.

I reach out, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. “Always a chance. Come on, talk to me. You know I’m a good listener.”

---