Page 39 of Igniting Sparks

She drags a hand through her mussed hair. “Trust me, that wasn’t dancing.”

“It was to me, and it was beautiful. Look, your aunt’s deal is ridiculous, but if that’s how she’s going to play it, then we play along. Worst-case scenario, I’ll drive up a bit later on Saturday, but she’s not getting rid of me that easily. And then we’ll spend that expo convincing her we are the happiest, most in-love couple in the world.”

“You must be a better actor than me.” Mina grabs her coffee mug and carries it to the sink.

She’s holding it together, but the look on her face is killing me. It’s like she’s given up, and I know my actions last night played a large part in that.

So, if acting the part of the devoted fiancé for a few days is what Bitsy requires, it’s game on.

Besides, it gives me time with Mina, where shehasto speak to me. Maybe I can convince her I’m not a bad guy.

Maybe pigs will fly out of my ass, too, but I’m willing to give it a go.

“Smile, Mina. It’s all going to work out. I promise.”

Finally, she meets my gaze, her blue eyes cold and lifeless. “That’s the trouble. In my life… it never has.”

Brothers always know when something is off.

I’m not in my office for two minutes when Ash walks in and closes the door. “Are you okay?”

I run a hand across my jaw, uncertain how much I want to disclose. Look, Ash can keep his mouth shut, but the more time goes on, the less convinced I am that I made the right choice by pushing Mina away yesterday.

What if I fucked up a really good thing?

Twenty-four hours ago, we were kissing in her new in-home dance studio. I was king of the world.

Today, she won’t even look at me.

I sigh and scrub my face with my hands. “Look, I know it’s last minute, but I need this weekend off.”

Ash leans against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “Is everything okay?”

“Mina’s aunt invited us to some wedding expo at Aurum Ridge this weekend. She argued I had to work but her aunt seems to believe if I’m serious about being a good husband, that I’ll find a way. Mina told me not to bother, but I know what this dance studio means to her.”

“Her aunt is a piece of work.” Ash considers my offer for a moment before nodding. “Hey, if you want to spend a weekend browsing wedding vendors, who am I to stop you?”

“Thanks, man. I owe you one. Surprised that Ori doesn’t want to go. Isn’t this something brides go rabid over?”

“Nah, she’s pretty low-key about the whole wedding thing. Then again, she’s wrapped up in the new house and the baby right now.”

I bite back a smile. Hard to believe my brother—once the biggest player in Sparkwood—was tamed by the tiniest woman in town. And when that man fell, he fell hard.

I’m realizing what that feels like, except my weakness is a blonde ballerina… whose advances I turned down last night.

Ash settles into a chair and fixes me with his gaze. “What else is going on?”

See? Told you he’d know immediately.

I kick my booted legs up on the corner of the desk and heave out a sigh. “Something happened between Mina and me last night.”

A grin lights up Ash’s face. “About damn time. I’ve been telling you to pursue her for months.”

“We didn’t sleep together. We were going to, but then Mina told me… she’s inexperienced.”

“So? Never stopped you before.”

I don’t want to broadcast Mina’s sex life—or lack thereof—to the entire town, but I need my brother’s advice.