Page 47 of Igniting Sparks

“I would have guessed you to be a beer man,” Bitsy says, enunciating each syllable as she clicks her tongue against her teeth.

“I’m many things, Bitsy. No one thing defines me—although I do love a good single malt.”

“Actually,” Trevor interjects, “I think I might join Braden in a glass.”

My, how the tables have turned.

I hide a laugh behind my hand, although the more I try to remain stoic, the harder it becomes.

When the server returns with the whiskey, I raise my glass in a toast. “To a wonderful weekend. May it be full of the best surprises.”

Braden’s eyes lock with mine, an intensity brewing there as he sips his whiskey. “To discovering every exquisite, delicious temptation life has to offer.”

I fan myself, fully aware I’m blushing like a fool. “My, it’s a bit warm in here, isn’t it?”

Braden leans in, his lips grazing the sensitive skin of my throat as his hand finds the small of my back, warm and deliberate. “Sweetheart, I haven’t even struck the match yet.”

Congratulations, sir. You’ve just short-circuited my brain.

“I must say, Braden,” Bitsy interjects, drumming the table with her manicured nails, “you are not what I expected. Especially not for Mina.”

What the hell does that mean? Is she insulting him, me, or both of us simultaneously?

I stiffen, but Braden curls his hand in my lap, giving my fingers a reassuring squeeze. “You’ll be glad to know Mina and I are very happy together. We take care of each other. Ineveryway.”

I swear, he can’t help himself. He knows his words throw Bitsy, so he sprinkles some in to counterbalance her entitled arrogance.

It’s a symphony of personalities, and I really didn’t think anyone could toe the line with Bitsy’s sharp tongue.

But Braden is outwitting her at every turn.

And from the look on his face, he’s enjoying every second.

Sadly, I don’t know if he’s helping or hindering my effort to secure the studio, but there’s no way in hell I’m stopping him.

I stifle a yawn and glance at the clock. Despite being twenty-five, I’m an early riser—and my bed is calling.

Braden stands, smiling at everyone. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ve both had a long week, and we still have to check in. Don’t want to miss a minute of the festivities.”

“Of course.” Bitsy forces a smile, silently admitting defeat—for this round, at least. “Sleep well, and I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

Braden leads us from the table, and I pull him aside thesecond we exit the ballroom. “Whoareyou? That was amazing.”

Braden shrugs. “She wants to play? I’ll play. Just because I’m covered in ink doesn’t mean I’m not also business savvy.”

“The fifty was a nice touch. Tack it onto my ever-expanding bill.”

He glides a thumb along my lower lip, a strange smile on his face. “You owe me nothing, save one thing.”

“Uh-oh. Dare I ask?”

“You let me handle Bitsy, because I will not abide her treating you shabbily.”

Truly the greatest man on the planet.

“She has no idea what she’s in for, does she?”

“No.” He leans in, his lips brushing my ear, his fingers dipping beneath the hem of my skirt to trace the contours of my thighs. “Andneitherdo you.”