Page 33 of Igniting Sparks

Zane referred to Braden asmyman, but is he?

Guess there’s only one way to find out.

I’ll walk over and chat with Braden and his… friend. Gauge her reaction to me. More importantly, gaugehis.

And hopefully not make a total ass of myself in the process.

You can do this, Mina. Deep breath.

I stroll across the room, slapping on what I pray is a neutral expression. “Hey. Who’s winning?”

Braden bends over the table to take his shot, sinking a solid in the side pocket. “As of right now, I am. What’s up, lucky charm? Where have you been?”

A flush of color climbs my cheeks as I take another pull from my drink. “I’ve been hanging out by the bar for the last half hour.”

Braden leans on his pool cue, a curious expression crinkling his eyes. “Why didn’t you come over?”

Another shy smile. Another swallow. Damn, these are going down far too easy. “Didn’t want to bother you.”

And if the look on his female friend’s face is anything to go by, I’mdefinitelyin the way.

But if Braden notices her aggravated expression, he doesn’t acknowledge it. He rests the pool cue against the wall and closes the distance between us. Then he grasps my hand and twirls me into his arms. “Bother me.”

I giggle at his overt affection. “Well, since you asked so nicely.”

The woman clears her throat behind us. “Braden, it’s your shot.”

“Be right there.” But he doesn’t move, his arm locked firmly around my waist. “You want to play the winner?”

I shake my head, finishing my drink. “No thanks. I’m going for a refill.”

Braden’s eyes widen as he brushes a lock of hair from my face. “What is that, anyway?”

I shrug and stir the straw through the cubes. “A Zane special.”

“Oh boy. How many have you had?”

Why is everyone acting like I’m slurping tequila from the bottle?

“I don’t know. Two?”

Braden chuckles and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Be careful. Zane’s drinks can sneak up on you.”

Braden’s comment rubs me wrong. It feels fatherly, as if I’m incapable of handling myself or my liquor. “I’ll be fine. Not feeling a thing.” Shaking my cup, I motion toward the bar. “Come find me after you win.”

Zane lets out a low whistle as I place the empty cup on the bar. “Damn, woman.”

“Refill, and yes, I feel fine.”

“You’ll be feelingmorethan fine soon,” Zane replies with a smirk.

Five minutes later, I realize what Zane means. Instead of feeling uptight, I’m loose. Comfortable, even.

And brave enough to spin on the stool, lock eyes with Braden and crook my finger at him, motioning him to my side.

“Someone’s feeling good.” Braden grabs a fresh beer from the fridge and perches on the stool next to me.

“I am.Verygood, in fact. Did you win?”