Sparks Like Ours by Melissa Brayden

Author:Melissa Brayden [Brayden, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635550153
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2018-05-20T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

“I don’t think you properly appreciate the music,” Christopher said to Elle as they turned the corner into her neighborhood. They’d hit up the little jazz place, the one that had snagged all the rave reviews, only to find that they were at complete odds over the music.

“I love jazz,” Elle explained. “But that music tonight had no identifiable melody. It was a series of random notes. I couldn’t get into it.”

He shook his head. “I think you’re missing the point. Jazz is supposed to be unpredictable.”

“Then call me crazy, but it was too jazzy. I need beginner’s jazz. That was advanced placement.”

“Who’s that?” Christopher asked, ducking his head and peering through the windshield as they approached Elle’s house.

She followed his gaze and her breath caught. Seconds later, a smile took shape on her lips. Sitting on her curb, headphones in her ears, sat Gia in jeans and cozy blue hoodie. A chill moved through Elle and she shimmied against it. “That’s Gia.”

He nodded. “Her photos don’t do her justice.”

Elle sighed, knowing that was the damn truth. “She a knockout, isn’t she?”

“I see why you’re dreaming about her.” He reached for the door handle. “I’m gonna say hello.”

She froze. “Do not say anything embarrassing. Or that I don’t understand jazz.”

He balked. “I’m a gentleman.”

As the car pulled into the driveway, Gia stood and pulled the headphones from her ears. She smiled tentatively as they exited the car. Elle had wondered how she’d feel when she saw Gia again. If she’d get the same butterflies, if she’d be happy to see her or awkwardly trying to find her footing after that kiss. But once her eyes landed on Gia’s chocolate brown ones, any worry she had flew straight out the window. Her heart thudded out of happiness, not concern.

“Hey,” Gia said as she approached the car. “You weren’t home, so I thought I’d wait a little while. See if I could catch you.” She turned to Christopher. “Hey. Gia Malone.”

“Christopher VanCamp. Elle’s date tonight.”

Gia’s eyebrows rose and Elle passed Christopher a pointed look.

“Her very platonic date.”

She watched as Gia’s features relaxed once understanding took hold.

“Nice to meet you,” Gia said. “Elle speaks well of you.”

He turned to Elle with a grin. “I’m flattered. Well, if your intentions are honorable, I’ll leave the two of you to whatever you have going. Are your intentions honorable?”

“Christopher,” Elle said flatly, in warning.

Gia smiled. “Intentions of gold.”

Christopher backed up toward his car, still in big brother mode. “Great. Holding you to it. You guys have a nice night. Play her a little jazz,” he said to Gia.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Elle said through gritted teeth. While annoyed by his protective act, she couldn’t help being touched by the sentiment. He cared, which mattered to her.

They waited as Christopher pulled out of her driveway and headed off into the night. Alone in front of her house at close to eleven p.m., Elle stared at Gia and Gia stared at Elle.

“Hi,” she said, finally, after drinking Gia in.

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