Page 95 of Chasing Sparks

Ori wants me in this moment, and atthismoment, I can give her everything.

Chapter 14

We Have A Problem

Ori

“H

ow was it?” Mina asks, resting her elbow on the counter.

“I would tell you, but then you’ll hate me because you had to survive a blizzard while I sat poolside, sipping tropical beverages.”

Mina rolls her eyes, but I see the grin threatening to explode across her face. “You’re right. I hate you.”

She doesn’t, of course. First, because the woman doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, and second, because she adores the idea of Ash and me together. Something about the undeniable attraction of polar opposites, which, I have to admit, isn’t entirely off base.

We are from opposite ends of the spectrum, but somehow, we work. I glimpsed us reflected in a storefront in Key West, andinstead of looking ridiculous, we looked ... fabulous together. Like we were made to fit.

Of course, it could be love talking—a love only I feel ... for now. Still, I’m glad I said it. I’m glad he heard me.

I knew he wouldn’t say it back—he’s told me enough times he doesn’t believe in love—although some wisp of my romantic soul hoped he might surprise me.

No such luck. Not with words, anyway.

But then there wasthatmoment. The one where he tossed the condom aside as though it didn’t matter anymore—his movements deliberate, his eyes locked on mine. Emotions flashed across his face—feral desire tangled with an unshakable certainty. There was no hesitation. I didn’t stop him. I couldn’t.

And it didn’t end there. The hunger in Ash was different after that—more intenseand all-consuming. Something shifted in the man, and he couldn’t get enough of me. We caved to our carnal desires several times that last day, each time more urgent than the last, as if waiting was no longer an option.

Hell, he dragged me to a far corner of the first-class lounge at the airport, caging me in his arms as he pressed his length against me, his lips voracious against my neck as he whispered all the filthy things he had in store for me.

But he wasn’t content simply to tell me his plans.

“Turn around,” he demanded, twisting his hand in my long locks. “Place your hands on the wall.”

The devious glint in his eyes screamed trouble, but I couldn’t resist him. My breath hitched as I obeyed, my palms flat against the cool surface, anticipation thrumming through my body.

I gasped when his fingers slid beneath my skirt, plunging inside me with a deliberate, possessive rhythm.

The more I squirmed, the tighter he held me, his free hand bracing against my hip as he pushed me closer to the edge.

I don’t know who saw us, and Ash claimed he didn’t care.

He’s always possessed a healthy sexual appetite, but this was a whole new side of the man—ravenous, impatient, reckless. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it.

There were the little moments, too. The sweet gestures which, in my heart, added up to love. As we walked through the airport, he kept his arm tight around me. During the plane ride, his hand never left my lap. And I caught the expression on his face as he watched me while we waited for the plane.

He didn’t think I saw him ... or maybe he did. Maybe it was his way of letting me know I wasn’t totally alone in this. That he feels it, too.

Either way, it was a fabulous vacation.

The bells chime over the door, jerking me back to the present moment. Glancing up, I smile as Kevin Duncan strides toward the register. The man has become a bit of a regular here, and despite his obvious wealth, he seems pleasant.

“Hello, Mr. Duncan.”

His gray eyes fix on me as he places his briefcase on the counter. “Please call me Kevin. Look at you—stunning color. You’ve escaped New York, haven’t you?”

“I have. Spent a few days in the Keys.”

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