Page 55 of Igniting Sparks

The florist nods with a smile. “He’s right. On all accounts.”

“How do you know the meaning of flowers?”

Okay,thatpart is a little more embarrassing. Not exactly info you’d expect from the classic alpha male playbook.

I run my finger along the dark purple petals. “My mom was obsessed with the meaning of flowers. The meaning of everything in nature. Growing up, she used to tell Ash and me stories about the fairy folk who lived in the woods beyond our house. Said they loved flowers and berries, so she always left some out for them.”

Mina places her hand on mine, her fingers delicate againstmy rough skin. “I believe her. That farm is magical. Then again, so are you. A man of many hidden talents.”

She doesn’t realize her innocent touch is damn near driving me mad.

Trust me, I’ve replayed that night in the garden a thousand times. In those versions, I don’t stop. I give in to every instinct and take her among the flowers, with the stars above us.

Every time, she’s perfection. A woman with a heart too big for her chest, more beautiful on the inside than the outside—which is saying something, because she could bring Paris Fashion Week to a halt.

I’m dangling on the edge of control, and next time… we’re not stopping. I’ll kiss every inch of her until she’s shaking with need and begging for more.

“Braden? Are you okay?”

Mina’s voice pulls me out of my fantasy, and I adjust my pants, realizing no cold shower stands a chance against my libido. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

Her wide blue eyes search my face, framed by lashes dark enough to be illegal. “About what?”

I could lie. Say something generic and steer us toward safe waters.

But I’m done playing it safe with Mina.

“You. And how absolutely stunning you are.” I face her fully, sliding my hands up her arms to frame her face. She trembles as my thumb traces her lower lip, and I nuzzle my mouth against hers. When she moans into the kiss, I shift the angle, deepening it, pulling her close as she rises on tiptoe and tangles her fingers in my hair.

Jasmine and honeysuckle fill the air, blending with the scent of her skin. I cradle her head, greedy for more and not giving a damn who’s watching.

My tongue slides against hers, promising without words all the ways I plan to make her mine.

All the ways I’ll protect her from those who want to hurt her.

I break the kiss with a huff, resting my forehead against hers. “I needed that.”

“So did I,” the florist mutters with a grin, fanning herself. “You two are… something.”

“You really are a man of many talents,” Mina whispers, brushing her fingers across her kiss-swollen lips.

I grab a daisy from the table and tuck it behind her ear.

“What does this one mean?” she asks, checking her reflection in the mirror.

I brush her hair from her neck and kiss the delicate skin there. “Happiness. Beauty. Perfection. Basically, you.”

She flushes and nudges me with her shoulder. “That tickles.”

“That’s the point. And Mina? I’m just waiting for the right time to show youallmy talents. So I hope you’re prepared, because I plan on taking all night with you.”

She turns, ready with a smile—but it drops.

Shit. What did I say?

Mina clears her throat and pastes on a polite grin. “Good morning, Aunt Bitsy.”

I huff out a sigh as the moment evaporates.