Page 126 of Igniting Sparks

Leo rests a hand on my arm, giving it a squeeze. “You don’t need to sing Braden’s attributes. I know he’s a hell of a guy. And although I’m sure he’d appreciate your mama bear protective streak, I wasn’t insulting him. Just didn’t realize that illustration was also an area of his expertise.”

God, now I feel like a total heel. I rub my brow and offer a rueful grin. “I’m sorry. Aunt Bitsy was so unkind to Braden.”

“Hey, I’m nothing like your aunt. You know, she’s still hounding me about us reconciling.” He doesn’t follow up on the statement, just leans against the bar, regarding me with his dark eyes.

Please don’t tell me we’re having this conversation now.

“Leo—”

He raises a hand and chuckles. “I told her it wasn’t going to happen.”

“How did you know?”

“Simple,” he shrugs. “You’re in love with Braden. It’s obvious to pretty much everyone who talks to you for more than a minute.”

“But he’s gone,” I wail, the emotions threatening to spill forth. “He’s moved on.”

“What makes you so sure?”

I huff out a sigh and finish my glass of champagne. “I called him last night. He picked up—but didn’t know he had. His ass answered, you know? He was laughing with some woman. I couldn’t make out what they were saying.”

“That’s it?” Leo snorts.

“Isn’t that enough?”

Leo motions for me to sit. “Mina, I say this with complete love—stop being an idiot.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“So what that he’s out. Who the fuck cares? So are you,okay? But if you’re so worried about it, then go claim the man.”

“He lives across the country.”

“Then go home.”

I fold my arms across my chest, my voice rising. “Are you firing me? I did a great job today, Leo. How can you fire me?”

Leo pulls me into a hug, a wide smile on his face. “I’m not firing you, but let’s call it like it is—you’re not meant for LA. You’re an East Coast girl.”

“I don’t have a job back there, remember?”

“Sure, you do. I spoke with my partners after the shoot. They were equally impressed, and Ericka’s call to them didn’t hurt your cause. We can get you jobs in New York.”

I grip his arm, damn near falling off the bar stool. “Really? You’re not kidding?”

“I’m not kidding, although I have a favor to ask. Ericka wants to shoot another couple of videos, so we’re looking at another week of work out here. Think you can suffer through it before I pack you up and send you home?”

“Pretty sure I can.” My smile falters, which Leo catches.

“Uh-oh, what now?”

“I left him. What if he has moved on?”

Leo grabs another glass of champagne, clinking his glass against mine. “Show him why you’re the better choice. Know exactly what you want and make sure he knows it, too. Leavemaybeat the door this time around.”

“What if it doesn’t work?”

“Won’t know unless you try. But do you really want to go through life wondering if he might have beenthe one, and you were too chickenshit to find out?”