Page 8 of Igniting Sparks
I have two choices, let Braden escape… or throw myself on the mercy of the court.
“Please don’t leave yet.” I rest my hands along his chest, daring to meet his gaze. “Can you play along for a few minutes? I’ll give you anything you want.”
I mean it, too. If he demands my soul as payment, I’ll deliver it gift-wrapped.
Braden’s gaze narrows as he grips the edge of the coffee bar. “What do you mean, play along?”
“That’s my family. My aunt, cousin, and my mom on the right,” I mumble, catching my lower lip between my teeth. “Just… pretend you’re in love with me. Can’t get enough of me. Like I’m the best damn thing you’ve ever seen.”
“Best thing ever, huh?” A smirk quirks the corners of Braden’s mouth and, once again, I’m replaying that intoxicating kiss.
No man should be that talented, which makes me wonder how good he is ateverythingelse.
Color flushes my cheeks under his intense gaze. “Hey, I said pretend.”
I expect him to beg off, make a joke,something—but he glances toward the table and nods, like he instinctively knows what I need. “Okay.”
“Really?”
His face relaxes into a smile. “Like I said, Mina, anything for you.”
We’re about to test that theory.
I grab his hand and lead him to the table, trying desperately to ignore my mother’s shocked expression.
Please Mom, don’t say a word. I beg of you.
“Braden, this is my Aunt Bitsy and my cousin, Vanessa.” I motion to each. “This is Braden Hammond… my fiancé.”
You know those moments where things could go either way? This is one of them.
Braden’s hand slips from my grasp and I draw in a breath, certain he’s about to drop the truth bombshell.
But he doesn’t.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close, dropping a soft kiss on my forehead.
Forehead kisses are one of my favorites. Especially when given by a gorgeous, tattooed man.
Although that kiss earlier?
That one is going down in history.
Focus, Mina. Stop thinking about Braden’s mouth for two minutes.
So not happening.
Braden nods toward my aunt, offering her a warm smile. “Pleasure to meet you both.”
My aunt looks Braden up and down before clicking her tongue against her teeth. “What is it you do, Braden?”
Braden jerks his thumb over his shoulder. “I work at Black Lotus.”
“Black Lotus?”
“Tattoo parlor next door.”
Her eyes widen and I see the gears turning in her head. She hateseverythingabout Braden Hammond, from the tattoos littering his exposed arms to the hair hanging too low over his ears to the silver hoop in his nose.
