I have a very big problem … in the form of one very petite woman.
Don’t get me wrong. I adore women, and if you ask any female in Sparkwood, you’ll learn the feeling is mutual.
With one tiny exception.
Oriana Thorne is a literal thorn in my side—a plucky, infuriatingly gorgeous, pain in the rear who rents the store next to mine.
We’ve disliked each other from the beginning, or at least since she marched into my shop and started issuing demands. Needless to say, I didn’t roll out the welcome mat after that meet-hate.
I’d love to avoid the woman until the end of my days, but as fate would have it, I need her help.
Without her approval, my plan to open a speakeasy beneath our shops is dead in the water.
Considering Oriana is as fond of me as I am of her, winning her assistance will be no easy feat.
So, when a faulty lock forces the two of us to spend the night together, it’s anyone’s guess if we’ll survive until morning.
But that’s a chance I’m willing to take. What’s the worst that can happen?
It’s not like I’m going to fall in love with the woman …
Download The First Spark FREE!
EXCERPT:
“Can I go again?”
Ori’s voice jerks me from my reverie, and I nod, pouring some more whiskey in preparation. “You’re hijacking this game, beautiful, but go ahead. Another deep and philosophical inquiry?”
“Not at all. An easy one. How many piercings do you have?”
Thank God, it is an easy question.
“Six… no wait, seven.”
“I see three.” Ori motions to my head, referring to my earrings and nose ring.
“My nipples and—” I stick out my tongue, running the bar along my teeth.
Now it’s Ori’s turn for the slight bodyweight shift. Seems I’m unhinging her, too. “Ah, interesting.”
“I haven’t heard any complaints. Great for all manner of dining.”
A cocky aside? Yes, but I need a segue from the heavy talk.
Ori giggles, a slight flush coloring her face. “Is that a fact?”
“It is.”
“That’s still only six piercings.”
I pause for effect, knowing this one will shock the hell out of a woman like Oriana. Hopefully, in all the right ways. “My cock.”
Those huge brown eyes widen, her jaw slackening at my answer. “You’re joking.”
“Nope. Want to see?” I slide my fingers beneath my waistband, tugging it down just enough to tease, giving her a hint but letting her imagination fill in the rest.
Will I show her if she responds in the affirmative? Damn straight, I will.
I’m going to push the envelope.
Starting now.
“Is that your standard line?” she asks.
“I don’t need lines.”
She captures her lower lip between her teeth, making my dick strain against my jeans.
“Doesn’t that make sex a painful undertaking?”
I lean forward, inching ever closer to her. “No, sweetheart. It makes it fabulous.”
“For you or me?”
Now, we’re getting somewhere.
“For us both. Admit it, you’re curious.”
ginreads 