Just One Spark (The Kingston Family 4)

She’d thought she was different than his other women. The groupies. Until she’d woken up alone the morning after, and he’d never mentioned their night together again. She closed her eyes, trying to rid herself of the painful memory, only to recall the panic on his face when he’d been on the phone with his lawyer. And the sheer relief when he’d heard the paternity results and realized his entire life wouldn’t be upended.

She’d been happy for him. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

“Are you finished with the self-flagellation?” Sasha asked. She’d followed Cassidy out of the room filled with men congratulating Dash and, as a good friend, had given Cassidy a few minutes to pull herself together.

Cassidy stood up and straightened her shoulders only to find Sasha staring, her gaze narrowed.

“What?” Cassidy asked.

“It’s not terrible to still have feelings,” Sasha said, quietly so nobody would overhear.

Cassidy shrugged. “I don’t have feelings unless you count being happy for him that he dodged a bullet.” They both knew she was lying. “That’s what I don’t understand about myself. Why do I care after he was such an ass?”

“Because you’re a good person, Cass. Are you sure you want to work with them?” Sasha asked.

Cassidy nodded. “This week is a radio interview. The first with the entire band since Axel joined them. The focus will turn to music, the guys will hunker down in the studio, and all will be fine.” At least that was the story she was telling herself.

“Okay then.” Sasha glanced at her watch. “I need to take a call, but I’ll drive you back to Dash’s house right after. I shouldn’t be long.”

“I’ll take her. I’m going home, anyway.”

Cassidy jerked, surprised by the sound of Dash’s voice. He stood in the entry to the kitchen. He wore a pair of swim trunks and an open button-down shirt, and his tanned, lickable abs were on display. His jet-black hair had been recently cut and was longer on top, looking like he’d been running his fingers through it in agitation.

Of all the Kingston brothers, Cassidy thought Dash the best-looking, his face lean, his features chiseled. He had full lips and he knew how to use them to give maximum pleasure. At the reminder, she folded her arms across her chest, covering her nipples so he couldn’t see how he affected her.

Sasha glanced at Dash. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Actually, it’s a perfect idea,” Cassidy said. “Dash and I can discuss what he and the band need from me.” She shot Sasha a reassuring gaze. Though Cassidy appreciated the support, she could handle Dash.

“Okay.” Although Sasha’s forehead wrinkled in worry, she walked over and gave Cassidy a hug, which she gratefully returned. Sasha was the sister she’d never had, and Cassidy loved her.

Sasha strode out of the kitchen, pausing to whisper something in Dash’s ear that caused him to wince. A threat to the family jewels if he hurt Cassidy again, no doubt.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

She nodded. She’d left her handbag in the kitchen, grabbed it from one of the chairs, and followed him out, coming to a stop in front of the almost-five-hundred-thousand-dollar sports car. This she knew from her brother and his obsession with them.

“Boys and their toys,” she muttered as he opened the door for her.

Dash chuckled, the sound a low rasp in her ear she was eager to escape, but as she slid into the low-slung seat, she caught a whiff of his familiar, musky scent. She inhaled, and arousal hit low in her abdomen as he shut the door, leaving her in the small interior, surrounded by the heady cologne. Already, she regretted not waiting for Sasha to drive her back.

There was no conversation thanks to the loud engine revving as he drove, but when he pulled into his long driveway, he parked the car and cut the motor.

Before she could find the door handle and escape, he spoke. “Cassidy, wait.”

Her hand froze and she had no choice but to turn toward him.

He’d placed his tanned, inked forearm onto the top of her seat, bringing them together in the small car. She’d already been inhaling his scent and getting worked up enough to squirm in her seat. Now his handsome face was too close for comfort. She’d gone from thinking they should clear things up between them to wanting to get away from his magnetic pull.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“You said we should talk about what the band needs from you,” Dash said.

She rolled her eyes. “I know how to do my job. I just didn’t want to make Sasha go out of her way to take me to my car when you were leaving anyway.” She pivoted toward the door, intending to make her getaway.

“I’m sorry.” His low tone reminded her of the rumbling voice on stage that had women throwing their panties at his feet.