Page 5 of Igniting Sparks

Is this where I mention how many men my cousin has bedded over the years? Because I have receipts, and I’m not afraid to unleash them.

Vanessa may parade about in designer labels, but she’s no lady.

I gesture wildly to my cousin. “Vanessa isn’t getting married.”

“Aren’t I?” And then the bitch hits me with it—a flash of the biggest damn diamond I’ve ever seen, sparkling on her ring finger. “Aunt Bitsy met him on our weekend retreat.”

Bitsy folds her fingers like a steeple and meets my gaze. “He’s the most charming man. Good stock. Works on Wall Street. His family sits on the board of Grayson Industries.”

Translation? He’s egotistical, spoiled, filthy rich, and a perfect fit for my aunt’s ludicrous demands.

“You’re still single, aren’t you, Mina? Never could find the right man.” Vanessa’s tone is mocking as she gloats at her victory.

Game, set, match, right?

Wrong.

Ever since my mother told me about my aunt’s proposition, I’ve thought of little else. I love that studio, and I know it like the back of my hand. But it’s antiquated and needs a revamp, something to pull it into the 21stcentury and make it accessible to all the people of Sparkwood.

I have big plans for that little studio and I’m not going down that easily.

Vanessa wants a fight. I’m ready for some jousting.

“Actually, I’m engaged.” My voice emerges strong and sure, even though my claim is total crap.

I haven’t been on a date in years.

Bitsy’s eyes widen at my disclosure. “Really? How do I not know this bit of information?”

I shrug and return the menus to their holder. “You never call or visit. How would you know?”

“Come on, Mina?—”

But my aunt shushes Vanessa, her attention on me. “Who is he?”

Brain don’t fail me now.

“He’s… wonderful. Very handsome, talented, successful.”

Vanessa glares at me, unconvinced. “Doeshehave a name?”

She reads through my bullshit much as I read through hers.

But since we’re both playing to win, I’ve got no choice but to keep chasing this rabbit trail.

I motion to the coffee bar. “Let me grab your cappuccinosand a few muffins that just came out of the oven. Then I’ll tell you all about him.”

As soon as I figure out who the hellheis.

Chapter 2

Anything for You

Mina

Iduck behind the coffee bar and set about making two cappuccinos, sans poison, at least for the moment.

My mind races, trying to build a perfect fiancé in my brain. One who might exist in reality, should the need arise to fake an introduction.