Page 105 of Igniting Sparks
She rolls her eyes and waves a dismissive hand, suppressing a sigh. “Of course. Not that they said it, but come on. Anyway, it’s one of the few properties I still own—I bought it pre-Drake. It’s a good size, and I think it could work really well for a studio.”
“You’d rent it to me? Seriously?”
See? Everything is falling into place.
“Of course. It’s standing empty, and I need the money. Lawyers don’t come cheap.”
I shove my hands in my pockets, running a few numbers in my brain. “Let’s do it.”
“Hang on, cowboy. Don’t you want to think it over?”
“I just did. Look, Kiki, I trust you. Plus, this is perfect—it keeps our little family close together.”
Tears brim in Kiki’s eyes as she presses her lips together. “Family. That’s nice. Okay, I’ll draw up the lease agreement. Thank you for helping me, Braden.”
“Thankyou. But I’m going to need more from you than just being my landlord. You’ve got a degree in interior design, right?”
“Yes.”
“And several years of dance under your belt.”
“Also yes.” She laughs, planting a hand on her hip. “I get the sneaking suspicion I’m designing this studio. Am I close?”
“Right on the money. But you won’t be doing it alone.” I wave at Eddie, who’s sharing a beer with Ash on the other side of the garden. “I have someone I want you to meet.”
Eddie strolls over, a wide grin on his face. “Hey, Braden. What’s up?”
“How’s work right now?”
Eddie shrugs. “It’s a bit slow, but that happens in this industry. Why?”
I clap my hands together. “Perfect—so you’re available?”
“For you? Sure.”
“I’ve got a job for you and Kiki.” I motion to the petite woman by my side. “Have you two met?”
Eddie’s gaze sweeps over Kiki, and I know exactly what he’s thinking—and he’s right. Kiki is a stunner.
“We haven’t. I’m Eddie Thorne, Ori’s brother.”
Kiki extends her hand, a tenuous smile on her lips. “Kiki Wilder.”
Looks like she’s using her maiden name again, not that it’s a big surprise, considering the notoriety surrounding Drake.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Eddie’s eyes narrow. “Sorry, you look really familiar. I swear I’ve seen you before.”
Kiki stiffens, no doubt bracing for an onslaught of accusations. “You have—on the front page of the papers, all thanks to my soon-to-be ex-husband. You know, the monster of Sparkwood.”
Eddie studies her, then nods slowly. “Yeah. I saw the article. I’m sorry you had to go through that. You’re not him, though. I hope you know that.”
“You don’t have to be nice to me. I just can’t wait to divorce the bastard.”
Now, this could go either way—but Eddie turns out to be as stand-up as his sister.
He reaches out and gives her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “Divorce isn’t easy. Trust me, I know. It’s not a club I ever wanted to join—but that’s life. I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
This time, Kiki’s smile is genuine. “Thank you. Both of you.”
