Page 116 of Igniting Sparks

“It’s agreatoffer.”

And it is. In fact, Leo isn’t lying about it being life-changing.

She shakes her head, snatching my whiskey and taking a sip. “I don’t know what to do, Braden.”

“Yes, you do.”

She jumps to her feet, pacing the kitchen tile. “It’s not that simple. It’s so far away, and I don’t know anyone in Los Angeles. My family is here, and you’re here, and?—”

Oh, how I recognize this indecision.

“What you’re feeling is normal, Mina. I felt the same way when I was offered the apprenticeship in London. My life was here. Everyone I knew was here.”

Mina pauses, fixing me with her sharp gaze. “And you didn’t go.”

I suck in a breath and grab her hand, pulling her onto my lap. “That was the wrong choice. I should have gone. I’ll never know what path my life might have taken if I had pursued it.”

She sniffles, dragging her hand under her nose. “I know you’re right, but…”

I band my arms around her waist and rest my head against her back, her racing heartbeat echoing in my ears. “Will you do me a favor?”

“Of course.”

“Answer these yes or no questions for me with the first feeling that pops into your head. Don’t overthink it. Don’t think about it at all. Just answer.”

“Okay,” Mina whispers, her voice lined with doubt about this activity.

“Don’t worry, I promise it’s not painful.”

“For you, at least.”

No, sweets, it’s going to hurt like hell forme.

I press a soft kiss to her neck. “Do you love me?”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Yes.”

“Do you want to dance again?”

“Yes.”

Deep breath, man, hold it the fuck together.

“Do you want to take this offer?”

“…Yes.” She pivots in my arms, her hand clamped over her mouth as if terrified of my reaction.

I pull her hand away and press a lingering kiss to her lips, resting my forehead against hers. “There’s your answer. So… when do you leave for LA?”

Mina strokes my cheeks, her fingers soft against my skin. “Leo has a client waiting, so he wants me there within the week, which is such short notice. I can’t do it that fast.”

“Yes, you can. I’ll help you.”

Even if it breaks me.

She swipes her cheeks, her expression brightening. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Come with me.”

“What?”