Page 12 of Igniting Sparks
I shrug, trying desperately to shoot glances across to One More Page without the guys noticing. “I think they’re estranged. Mina seemed really uncomfortable around them.”
“Can’t say I blame her, but be careful there, man. That is not a family to fuck with.”
Ash isn’t wrong. The Farnsworth family has their hands in every business venture in town. If you cross them, they can make your life hell.
But Mina doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. Her gorgeous, willowy body that I now know on a far more biblical level.
A flush climbs my neck as I recall our brief kiss. It started off clumsy, with an almost high school feel to it, but as soon as I relaxed into it, so did Mina. And then, all bets were off.
Softest lips I’ve ever felt, and trust me, I’ve kissed more than my share of lovely ladies.
But Mina is different. She’s young and innocent and… fuckingyoung.
And yes, despite my half-hearted claim otherwise, I know Mina has a crush on me. It’s a well-worn ribbing around Black Lotus, but what the guys don’t know is that I like her, too.
Even though it’s the dumbest idea I’ve ever had.
At twenty-five, she’s twelve years younger than me. I remember being that age and I was a conceited, selfish prick with one goal—grabbing as much tail as humanly possible. But I grew up and thankfully, grew out of that phase.
Now, my idea of a perfect night is lying curled up next to a gorgeous woman while we watch a movie and drink a beer.
And there have been plenty of women. I’m lucky like that.
But I want more. I want it all—the marriage and kids and white picket fence. And I know for a fact I won’t find it with a twenty-five-year-old kid, no matter how fucking gorgeous she may be.
Trust me, Mina is stunning. People joke she’s a walking, talking Barbie doll and they’re not far off, but she’s also one of the sweetest girls I know. Sweetest tasting, too.
Fuck, my mind is not a fun place to be right now.
Zane kicks his feet up on the desk. “Are you single or not? Because I have a few gorgeous ladies dying to meet you at the party. Of course, if you’re full up, it means more for me.”
“I’ve got a client, so I’m going to prep,” I mutter.
“Is that a yes or a no?” Zane presses.
Love how much fun he’s having with this scenario.
Flipping Zane the finger, I shove out of the conversation and head for my office, although I’m sure the guys will have tons more to say on the topic.
Right now, I need to get my head on straight.
It was one kiss.
How hard can it be?
Five minutes later, after wiping down the tattoo chair three times, I have my answer. Even the harsh chemical odor of antiseptic does little to ward off my nerves.
“This is never going to work,” I mumble, grabbing my phone out of my pocket.
I shoot off a text to Ori, demanding that Mina come speak to me immediately.
What will I say to her once she gets here? Not a damn clue, but to be fair, she started it. I’m entitled to ask at least a few questions.
Pulling up my client’s custom design on the tablet, I suck in a deep breath and begin reworking a few of the intricate lines.
My art usually brings me peace, but today isnotthat day.
Jesus Christ, Braden, shake it off, man. This is hardly the first time a woman has kissed you unexpectedly.
