Page 42 of Igniting Sparks

“Maybe. You love reminding me of mine.”

Touché, Mina. Touché.

“Trust me, sweets. You’re all woman.”

Am I pushing? Of course. Is it working? Damned if I know.

Mina points down a side street. “The flea market is down that way.”

“I know, but we’re not going to the flea market for your ring.”

Mina’s eyes grow round as saucers as I park in front of a small jewelry store. “Braden, I’m broke, remember? I can’t afford an apartment, much less a diamond ring.”

Pivoting in my seat, I grasp her fingers and brush soft kisses across her knuckles. “This store belongs to a good friend of mine. Let’s go in and have a little chat with him—see what we can work out.”

“Work out? As in… trade?”

“That might fly if he wants a plethora of ink or dance lessons.” I chuckle at her horrified expression. “He’s lent my family jewelry before. My mom had this huge shindig to attend, and he let her borrow an emerald necklace from the store.”

“I don’t know. This sounds like a terrible idea. I’m hardly a celebrity.”

She looks terrified—which sends my protective instincts into overdrive, even if her fears are focused on cut diamonds and band designs.

“Yet. But you will be.” I qualify her statement, earning my first genuine smile of the day. “Look, if he isn’t cool with it, no big deal. I’ll throw down my credit card until we’re able to return the ring. Sound good?”

I hop out of the truck and walk around to Mina’s door. With a dramatic sigh, she slides to the ground and shrugs. “I guess.”

“Mina, your aunt’s no fool. She knows the difference between real jewelry and costume, and I’m fairly sure shewillinspect it. She’ll see through a flea market find in a heartbeat. Besides, if we’re going to do this, let’s do this right. Come on.”

The bell above the door jingles as we step inside, and my buddy Teddy strolls out from the back. A broad grin spreads across his face when he sees me.

“Braden Hammond, how the hell are you?” He pulls me into a big hug before grinning at Mina. “Who is this lovely lady?”

“This is Mina. We’re shopping for an engagement ring.” I drape an arm around Mina, pulling her close. She stiffens and averts her gaze, and I swear my friend is going to think the woman is my hostage instead of my fiancée.

Teddy pumps the air with his fist. “Holy shit. That’s amazing. I better be invited to the wedding. Congratulations, man.”

Mina shifts her weight from one foot to the other, herdiscomfort increasing by the second. She shoots me a glance, and I know she expects me to spill the details to Teddy about our arrangement.

But right now, I’m enjoying the idea of her too much.

After a beat of silence, Mina sighs and shakes her head. “No need to congratulate us, Teddy. It’s not?—”

“It’s not something we’ve made public yet.” I tighten my grip around her waist, wrapping my hand around her hip in a protective gesture.

I damn near burst out laughing at the incredulous look Mina shoots me. No words are needed, but I hear her loud and clear.

Braden, what in the hell are you doing?

“I told Mina that you could help us find the perfect ring.” We step toward one of the glass counters, filled with engagement rings. “Shit, there really are a ton of options.”

“And that’s just a sampling,” Teddy replies, walking behind the counter. “What kind of ring are you looking for, Mina?”

Mina shrugs, the anxiety wafting off her in waves. “I don’t know anything about engagement rings.”

Teddy nods and chuckles. “Good thing I do. We’ll start easy. Do you want a solitaire? A three-stone? Maybe a halo option?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Her words fall flat and emotionless from her lips.