Page 9 of Chasing Sparks

How cute. He’s trying to preserve my modesty.

But modesty isn’t earning me drool worthy stares—my breasts are. Plus, there’s no one else here except hisfriends, and judging by their current attire—or lack thereof—they’ve clearly modeled their fair share of undergarments.

So, true to form, I opt to push Ash’s buttons, which is fast becoming one of my favorite pastimes.

I yank the pencil from my hair and let the dark waves tumble over my shoulders before leaning on the counter and mashing my tits together.

Ash’s eyes widen, flitting between the amused smirk dancing on my lips and my ample cleavage while I turn my focus to the packing list in front of me.

Your move, Asher Hammond.

I expect an exasperated shake of his head or even a snort of laughter at my inherent stubbornness.

I get neither.

When I glance up a few moments later, Ash is gone from the window, and the women are disappearing throughBlackLotus’sfront door.

Not the reaction I expected.

With a huff, I twirl on my heel and freeze in my tracks.

Ash stands not a foot away from me and, judging by the smoldering expression on his face, I know just what he’s thinking.

Time to feign innocent indifference—an infuriating and highly effective technique with men like Ash. “May I help you?”

Ash closes the distance between us, trapping me between the heavy oak counter and his muscled torso. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Whatever do you mean?” I bite my lip for effect, even pushing my glasses up my nose as I work the sexy librarian angle.

He slides his hands up my rib cage to cup my breasts, his thumbs dusting across my nipples. “These beauties are mine. For my eyes only.”

“Says who?”

Any woman who claims she hates a man with a jealous streak is lying. I’m not talking about a full-on smack down for disobedience—I’d never tolerate an ounce of that shit—but seeing the muscle in Ash’s jaw tighten at the thought of me sharing my lady parts with someone else is downright satisfying.

Not quite 'rolling in the sack with Ash' satisfying, but it’s close, and getting a rise out of the man who claims to be immune to jealousy? Pure satisfaction, even if my wardrobe malfunction was totally innocent.

“Don’t play with me, Ori,” Ash warns, leaning in to glide his tongue along my throat. “I’ll take you over my knee right here.”

Walking my fingers along the firm column of his chest, I release a husky chuckle. “A delicious offer, but that would mean abandoning your guests for the evening because I won’t settle for some quick fix. I’m craving an all nighter. So, I suppose playtime will have to wait … untilyoufind ample free time.”

He wraps his hands around my hips, hauling me flush against his erection. “Stick around tonight. My meeting shouldn’t take too long and then I’m all yours.”

“Tempting, Asher Hammond. Very tempting.”

And itistempting to cave to his demands and sit around whilst he entertains next door—though I shudder to think what his form of entertainment might involve with those sexy bitches.

Let’s be real: I knew Ash’s reputationlongbefore we indulged in the horizontal mambo, and I dove in anyway. I’d be downright foolish to believe he’d hang up his playboy hat simply because of two fabulous nights with me.

I may be a romantic, but I’m also a realist. Still, a simple agreement to Ash’s request is far too easy. Time to make him sweat a bit.

Besides, he owes me after canceling dinner and wreckingmyplans numerous times.

“Is that a yes?” Ash presses, his fingers caressing my sides.

“Guess you’ll find out when you’re finished. After all, I have other ways to spend an evening that doesn’t involve waiting around for you.”

Ash groans, but I catch him biting back a grin. “Woman, what am I going to do with you?”

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