Page 82 of Chasing Sparks

My Woman Loves Surprises

Ash

I’ll admit, Ori’s calm and collected response to my story about Lucille surprised the hell out of me—especially when I reiterated how I had no plans to change my opinion on love and marriage.

But she just smiled and carried on with our day. And what a day she made it—filled with laughter, a delicious home-cooked meal, and several rounds of mind-blowing sex.

The best part, though? When she fell asleep on me while we watched a movie, with my cat, Merlin, curled up beside us.

In those moments, just like on our first night together, I let my walls down and allowed myself to bask in her presence.

I may not be the man who can give her the life she dreams of, but she’s the one woman I’m willing to go the distance for—even if I have no idea what that looks like.

At first, I braced for Ori’s inevitable breakdown, convinced she’d sit me down and tell me that, after thinking it over, thisrelationship wasn’t what she signed up for—and I’d have to let her go, knowing it was what she deserved.

Even if it killed me.

But it never came.

After a couple of weeks, I stopped waiting for the other shoe to drop and focused on all the good in my life—and, damn, there’s a lot.

The speakeasy finally looks like a bar again, even if it’s still missing plumbing and seating. The polished oak counter stretches the length of the room, and the walls, painted a deep emerald green, glow softly under vintage sconces.

Every day, my team of contractors edgesRum & Ruincloser to completion.

Let me tell you, I never thought this dream would come to life, but here it is—the embodiment of the spirits which I believe still roam the streets of Sparkwood.

Black Lotusis busier than ever, thanks in part to Casey’s article inInk Spot. And just the other day, I got another call from her—no, notthatkind of call. Turns out, she meant it about the tattoo world tour. Now, it’s just a matter of hashing out cities and dates to ink in some of the finest parlors around the globe.

Talk about living the life. I’ve got a gorgeous woman, a thriving business, and a soon-to-be Sparkwood hotspot.

The only downside? The frigid temperatures which seem intent on sticking around until spring—andfucking Eddie.

I tried to convince Ori to hire someone else—someone who doesn’t grate on my nerves simply by existing—but she insisted on having Eddie restore the Dean Estate.

Sure, the guy has solid credentials, and his restorations in the area are impressive. But that doesn’t mean I have to like him. There’s just something about the way he always seems to be hanging around Ori that drives me nuts.

I get it. My woman is beautiful. But back the fuck up, okay?

He does not need to drop byOne More Pageevery damn day. That’s why phones, email, and, hell, Morse code exist. Pick one.

At least the work he’s done on the carriage house is up to snuff—and trust me, I’ve checked. His crew has rewired and re-plumbed the entire place, and they’ll be ready to start hanging sheetrock soon.

Not soon enough, though. And even once the carriage house is done, I know he’ll be around for at least another year working on the main house.

Fucking joy of joys.

But today? I’m not worrying about Eddie or his dogged persistence.

Today, I’m celebrating—and it’s not just any celebration. Ori’s going to love this.

She has no idea what’s coming, but I can’t wait to see the look on her face.

A scowl replaces my smile when I walk intoOne More Page.

Once again, Eddie is here, and this time, he’s bent over the counter, examining an old book.

He looks up, shooting me an affable smile. “Hey there, Ash. How are you doing?”

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