Read Igniting the Flame (Firebrand Series) for Free Online Page B

“you’re the last woman I’ll ever make love to.”
    Her heart nearly exploded with joy. With those words echoing in her mind, she took his hand and led him to her bedroom.
    Later, they lay in bed, her head resting against Ash’s chest and his arms wrapped around her. From time to time she reached up and touched his cheek, and he kissed her fingertips.
    “Are you okay?” he whispered.
    “Yes,” she murmured. “And you?”
    “I’ve never been as happy or felt more at peace than I do now.”
    “Me, too.”
    She’d never felt so contented in her life, and she nodded on the brink of sleep as she snuggled closer. His arm tightened around her shoulder, and he whispered in her ear. “We truly belong to each other now.”
    “Forever,” she said as her eyes drifted closed.
    The next thing she knew, she awoke alone in bed, and the sun was shining in the windows. Ash must have let himself out after she’d fallen asleep. Still unable to believe what had happened last night, she reached over and touched the pillow where his head had lain. Rolling over, she pressed her nose against it and inhaled his scent.
    Then she lay back and surrendered to the thoughts she’d tried to keep at bay ever since she and Ash had returned to her home. It had only taken her a few minutes to forget the vow she’d made years ago to wait for marriage. Some part of her wanted to blame Ash, but she couldn’t. It had been as much her decision as his.
    There was no going back now. She’d made the choice last night, and in so doing, had determined the path that her relationship with Ash would travel. Time would tell whether or not she’d chosen wisely.
    After a few minutes, she sat up on the edge of the bed and smiled at the note lying on the bedside table. She opened it and her heart raced as she read the scrawling handwriting.
    Good morning, beautiful. I didn’t have the heart to wake you after you dropped off. I just wanted to enjoy lying next to you and watching you sleep. Maybe I can come over again tonight after we have dinner at my house. I want to introduce you to my father and brother. Have a great day and think of me. I love you. Ash
    She’d seen Ash’s father and brother from time to time in town, but she’d never met them. Now she found herself invited to dinner at their home. Humming her favorite song, she jumped up, rushed to her closet, and began rifling through the hangers to pick out what she’d wear tonight. Something told her she wasn’t going to be able to keep her mind on her work today.
     

Chapter 6
    His father and brother were already eating breakfast. Ash paused outside the dining room door and listened to the low hum of their voices as they discussed the latest acquisition of DeHan Enterprises. In the past he’d barely paid attention to these mealtime conversations, but that was about to change.
    The day he stepped into that trailside shelter and encountered Lainey, he’d known his life would never be the same again. His need for her had soon rivaled his love for Firebrand, and the choice between the two had been made last night.
    He sighed, pulled the sleeve of his suit coat over the cuffs of his shirt, and straightened his tie. No time like the present to state the intentions he had for his future. Maybe his decision to enter the family business would heal the rift that had existed between him and his father for so many years. He took a deep breath and stepped into the room.
    They looked up when he entered, surprise on both their faces. He sat and took a sip of the orange juice the cook had set at his plate. As if she could sense his presence, Millie pushed the kitchen door open and smiled at him. “Ready for coffee, Mr. Ash?”
    He nodded. “Yes, thanks, Millie.” He glanced at his brother’s plate. “And I’ll have some of those pancakes if you have more.”
    She smiled at him. “You know I always have more for you.”
    “You’re the best,” he called out as she closed the door and disappeared