Page 95 of Igniting Sparks

Sir, return to your drink. I am not here for you.

My eyes dart around the darkened interior, desperately searching for Braden.

Then I find him, hanging out with a half-dozen people near a pool table. Braden sits on a leather couch, beer in hand, talking to Zane. But that’s not what upsets me.

It’s the striking brunette sitting next to him. She’s way too close for my liking—and seems to inch closer by the second.

If she touches him, I’m breaking her fingers

Who could blame her? Braden Hammond is gorgeous, funny, charismatic, and kind. He’s everything a woman could want—a walking green flag of a man—who also looks incredibly delicious naked.

I get why she wants him, but that man belongs to me.

At least, I hope he still does.

The edges of my façade crack beneath my fear, but I suck in a breath and march toward them.

Go big or go home, right?

I stop directly in front of Braden and shoot the buxom brunette a pointed stare. “Excuse me. You’re in my seat.”

Braden’s eyes widen. “Mina, what are you doing here?”

I grab his beer and take a swig, placing the bottle on the nearby table. Then I hike up my skirt and straddle his lap, earning several shocked gasps and snickers from his friends.

Let them look. I have important business to address.

I rest my hands on Braden’s shoulders, fix him with my gaze, and say the only thing I know is true. “I’m here for you.”

But instead of embracing me, he sits rigid, his face a sea of uncertainty. “What about dinner? Your aunt? Leo?”

“You should have been there. You told me to seize what I want, right?”

“Yeah…”

I swallow, forcing my nerves to settle. “I want you.”

“Mina, I don’t think?—”

I cover his mouth with my hand. “Just be quiet for asecond, okay? You were right. Bitsy wanted to set me up with Leo. She knew our engagement was fake, and she had some choice words for you.”

“Shock of the century,” Braden mutters, rolling his eyes.

“So, I told her you are the greatest man I’ve ever known and that I’m hopelessly, totally in love with you. All I want is a life with you. Just you. Will you give me another chance?”

Do you know how long a second is when you’re awaiting the answer to your life’s happiness?

An eternity. That’s how long it feels.

And Braden isn’t quiet for one second. He’s silent for several, each one stretching out like a lifetime.

He runs a hand along his bearded jaw. “I never wanted it to come to this.”

“I know.” Grasping his hands, I press tiny kisses to his fingers. “Look, I don’t deserve you, Braden, but I’d really like a chance to show you I will.”

Braden extricates his fingers from my grip, and I realize I may have damaged us too badly for him to consider me as an option.

But I won’t go down without a fight.