Page 15 of Igniting Sparks
“Well, that’s the only love Aunt Bitsy knows. Love that looks good on paper.”
And there is no way that I am anywhere close to whatBitsy wants for Mina. In fact, I’m the antithesis of her perfect guy.
A fact which amuses and enrages me in equal measure.
“Was our one time showing enough to convince her?”
“Hardly, but I can’t ask you for more. I just wanted to apologize.”
Here’s my out. My chance to walk away and leave Mina—and the dance studio—to their fate.
But that’s something I can’t do.
“What do you need from me? I’m happy to help, but I’d like access to the playbook.”
Mina bites her lip again. “She mentioned getting together to have dinner. She wants to get to know you.”
“You mean drill me?”
“Pretty much. Doesn’t that sound like a blast?”
“Well, I think I can manage one dinner.”
“Really? You’d do that for me?”
Sweets, I’d do a lot more than that.
“Absolutely. We’re friends, right?”
The instant I say it, I detest the way it tastes. I’m not surewhatwe are at this point, but that kiss was legions away from friendly.
The smile falls from her face. “Friends. Yes, we are. At least I hope we are. Praying my impulsive kiss didn’t screw things up.”
“A good kiss is always welcome.”
“Was it a good kiss, though?”
“You don’t think it was?”
I’m willing to offer a replay, if she has doubts.
No, Braden, you will not go there. Even if she is fucking gorgeous when she’s flustered.
A bloom of color once again spreads across Mina’s face. “I thought it was wonderful, although I have little experience in that area.”
“I doubt you have any difficulty with men.”
It’s true. A woman like Mina will have scads of men clamoring for her attention. She looks like a runway model, the kind of beauty that can walk into any bar, anywhere, and demand the attention of any man.
And get it, too.
She laughs, averting her gaze. “You’d be wrong.”
Agree to disagree, but it’s time to get this conversation back on track.
“So, dinner with your aunt, where I play the part of a loving and devoted fiancée.”
“Think you can fake it for that long?”
