Page 104 of Igniting Sparks
That’s why Ash and I keep in close contact with her. She needs a support system, and right now, that’s us.
“Hey, Kiki.” I lean in and kiss her cheek. “How are you doing?”
She shrugs and forces a smile, her gaze fixed on the courtyard. “It’s a lovely party.”
“Hard to believe Ash is getting married.”
“I suspected Ori might be the one after that night in the bar.”
“Really?”
She nods and takes a small sip of wine. “He was so flustered around her—and so damn mad when she left with another man. I knew then he was a goner. Looks like you’ve found your happy ending, too. Congrats.”
My eyes find Mina, twirling with a few kids on the dance floor.
“Damn, you have it bad,” Kiki says, an actual smile finally tugging at her lips.
“I do, don’t I?” I rub a hand over my brow and laugh. “Shit.”
“It’s a good thing. Love is a good thing.” Kiki shifts her weight, unease rolling off her as a few guests walk past, shooting narrowed glances her way. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come.”
I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug. “Bullshit. We love you, and we wanted you here. If anyone has something to say, they can take it up with me or Ash.”
“Everyone hates me, and I don’t blame them. I’d hate me, too.” Kiki sets her drink aside and buries her face in her hands. “How did I miss it, Braden? How did I not know this terrible thing about the man I loved?”
This poor woman.
Her pain whips across my chest, and I hold her tighter, stroking her back. “None of us knew, Kiki. He made damn sure of that. What he did is not your fault—and you need to remember that.”
“Try telling that to the people of Sparkwood. They barelylook at me. Business has dried up completely, because who wants to hire the wife of a monster?”
“Actually, I have a business proposal for you.”
Kiki steps back, wiping her eyes. “Are you inventing work for me now?”
“Not at all. This is a bona fide job.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t find another dance studio for rent in the area. There aren’t many, which is surprising.”
Seems Kiki and I are on the same track.
“Exactly. That’s why I want to find a location that will work and then create the studio space.”
Kiki’s eyes widen. “That’s not a bad idea. What kind of timeline are you thinking?”
“As soon as possible.”
She rolls her eyes and snorts out a laugh. “Of course. I don’t suppose you have a contractor on speed dial, do you?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. Why? Do you have a space in mind?”
She bites her lower lip. “Well, I don’t want you to think I’m just looking out for myself, but what about the spot at the opposite end of Black Lotus?”
I furrow my brow, trying to picture which space she means. “The arts and crafts place?”
“They moved out last week. Broke the lease and everything.”
“Because of Drake?”
