Page 43 of Igniting Sparks

I hold up a hand to Teddy. “Give us a second, okay?”

I pull Mina to the side and tip her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Hey. I know it’s hard, but could you try to act like you like me?”

Mina crosses her arms over her chest and glowers at me. “You know I like you, Braden. That’s not the issue. Why didn’t you tell Teddy the truth? Tell him that this is just a fake showing?”

It’s a fair question, and one I have the perfect answer for—thought up right on the spot. Best part? It’s true, so she can’t argue it.

“Sparkwood is a small town, Mina. Word travels fast, and everyone’s going to know we’re engaged by the end of the weekend, right? I told you before that if we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.”

“Seems to be your credo,” Mina grumbles, swiping a few tears from her eyes.

She might not want to discuss last night, but if we’re going to make this work, she needs to believe my intentions are honorable.

“Damn straight it is.” I frame her face with my hands and press a lingering kiss to her mouth, savoring the taste of her. “You deservespecial. Not mediocre, not fake, and certainly not some drunken escapade. You need top-of-the-line, fantastic, over-the-moon experiences. Every. Single. Time. And dammit, if I’m your fiancé, then that’s what you’re going to get from me. So, could you stop fighting me, please?”

Mina’s bright blue eyes search my face, a hint of a smile creeping across her lips. “Damn, when did you get so bossy?”

And just like that, Mina lays down her arms.Poof.

Argument? What argument?

My mouth twitches in amusement as I shrug, dusting my nails across my shirt. “Well, Iamthe man in the relationship, so I have to take charge occasionally. Don’t worry, I fully understand I’m never winning another argument.”

A full grin breaks across her features as she relaxes her posture. “So long as you’re aware.”

“Trust me, I know. Now, could you please resume your role as my ridiculously in-love fiancée?”

Mina giggles, and it’s the sweetest sound I’ve heard all day. “For you? I’ll give it a go.”

Just like everyone else, Mina has Teddy charmed within thirty seconds. There’s something so ethereal about her. She possesses this ingenue quality—equal parts innocence andplayful exuberance—all wrapped up in the body of a fashion model.

No joke. I assumed shewasa model when we first met. I also tripped all over myself, trying to appear cool and unaffected by her beauty. When I realized she was also a sweetheart, all bets were off.

Now we’re shopping for rings for a fake engagement that’s feeling more real by the minute.

What a wild trip.

Mina points to a small, nondescript-looking ring in the case. “How about this one?”

I know what she’s doing—picking the cheapest ring in the store in an effort to save me money.

Not happening.

I give the ring a cursory glance and shake my head. “Absolutely not.”

Mina rolls her eyes and snorts before pointing to the ring next to it, only a fraction larger than the first. “Fine, boss man, how about this one?”

“Still no. Come here.” I motion for her to join me by the adjoining case. “I like this one.”

Teddy describes the ring, using a bunch of technical terms I don’t understand—cut, clarity, and a few other C-words I’ve already forgotten.

All I know is that it’s a beautiful ring, and it will look beautiful on Mina.

Mina gulps and shakes her head when I show her the diamond ring—a gorgeous round stone surrounded by tiny sapphires. “It’s stunning, but that’s a very expensive ring, Braden.”

“Let’s focus on the first part of that statement,” I reply, motioning for Teddy to take the ring out of the case. “Just try it on. Humor me.”

Mina’s lips quirk with mischief as she holds out her hand. “I think that part isyourjob.”