Page 108 of Igniting Sparks

“Sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Hammond,” Mina groans, burying her face in her hands, her cheeks red as a lobster.

“Don’t be sorry,” my mother replies. “You two are adorable together. We’re heading to the hotel now—our flight back is at the crack of dawn.”

“Why aren’t you staying longer?” I ask, leaning against the wrought-iron railing.

“Your father booked us a trip to the Bahamas as a surprise anniversary gift.”

A smile lights up Mina’s face. “Nicely done, Mr. Hammond. Have fun.”

My mother winks at her and jerks a thumb toward my dad. “He’s a good one. Taught his sons well, too. Okay, let go of her for a second so I can say goodbye.”

As I watch my mom and Mina embrace, I realize—once again—howrightthis feels.

How natural and easy.

“You’re coming to Florida soon, right?” my mother asks. Not really a question—it’s more of a demand.

Mina happily obliges. “Of course. I’ll even bring your son along.”

“Thanks a lot,” I mutter, hugging my folks goodbye.

“Do you think they like me?” Mina asks, watching them depart.

I wrap an arm around her shoulders, dropping a kiss to her hair. “Theymorethan like you. If they had their say, we’d be getting married tomorrow.”

“No way we could do that,” Mina says, shooting me an incredulous look.

Okay, weird response. I wasn’t asking—but damn, she was quick to shoot the idea down.

And why does that knowledge bother me so much?

“I mean… next week might work. But a girl needs a dress.” She pops out her hip, fixing me with that azure gaze.

“Next week, huh? You drive a hard bargain.”

“You love it.”

She’s right. I do.

Mina’s phone rings, and she grabs it from her bag, her smile faltering.

“You okay?”

But Mina remains silent, her gaze glued to the screen.

“Mina?”

She nods and waves off my question. “I’m… fine. Just need to take this call.”

The warmth in my chest fades by degrees.

Something’s wrong.

Chapter 23

Still a Dancer

Mina