Page 71 of Love Me Reckless

“Is that why you canceled your plans and asked me to lunch today? To warn me?” This hurts. Here I was thinking he had truly wanted to see me, to spend time with me.

His face goes remarkably serene. “Of course not. You’re overreacting.”

My eyes are starting to sting but I will my emotions back to a simmer so I can speak without exploding. “You’ve just made horrible assumptions about my friend based on what little you know about his past, and now you’re threatening to confront him with it? That’s not okay.”

His face contorts into that open-mouth sneer that shows his teeth. “Kirilee, calm down.”

I sense the other diners are focusing our way, but I don’t care. “Promise me you won’t scare off my friends.”

“That is not my intention. I’m simply looking out for you.”

Do I believe him? The answer is not clear. Birch didn’t deny the possibility of confronting Sawyer if he deems it necessary… is that because he can’t? Or am I making this into a bigger deal than it needs to be?

“Now finish your lunch,” Birch says in a steady tone meant to soothe me, but my throat feels hot. “I have a surprise for you.”

The way his eyes have softened makes this even more confusing. Do I trust him, or trust my gut?

After we leave the restaurant,Birch drives me a short way up a narrow, paved road that months ago led to a grassy hillside. What’s here now is a barren expanse of pale, rocky ground, with foundations being prepared for what looks like a dozen new homes. The snow covering the surrounding area makes it look out of place. A detail scratches to the surface of my thoughts as we step from the car. The icy breeze whips through my hair. I’m not dressed for the cold so I zip up my jacket and hug myself.

Birch walks to the right side of the gravel entrance road and peels back the thick plastic sheet covering a pale stone marker.

KIRILEE HEIGHTS is etched across it. I stare at it, trying to get my bearings. He put my name on a development?

“These will be the first net zero homes in the ranch. What do you think?” Birch asks with a confident smile.

I force a smile. “Wow.”

He walks back over and offers his hand. “I knew you’d be pleased. Come on, I’ll show you where the wastewater treatment system will be and the solar panels.”

As I take his hand, the detail wriggles free.You won’t be able to build anything in the winter.

Does that mean those rules only apply to me and my ideas?

I pace outside the shop,concentrating on breathing slowly. Everything I’ve read says that a consult with your chosen tattoo artist is a good idea. It helps prepare you both and for the artist to understand you a bit more.

If I could just work up the nerve to open the door.

Inside my purse, I have three different versions of my design. I’ve scoured the internet for ideas, sketched dozens of my own, and though I think I know what I want, it’s daunting.

This will be a permanent change, one I can’t take back. It’s exhilarating, but also terrifying.

After another deep inhale, drawing on the strength I know is inside me, I push through the door.

Inside, the black and white checkered floor and walls adorned with framed images of body parts freshly etched with ink is a startling difference to the quiet street outside. There’s a soft hum and faint conversation filtering into the reception area.

A skinny, bald man with a septum ring sits behind a reception table. “The nail spa’s down the street.”

Prickles dance over my skin. “I’m not looking for the nail spa.”

The man gives me a quick up-down glance. “K.”

“I have an appointment for a consult.”

He slides a mouse on a keypad and glances at his screen. “Are you Kaylee?”

“Kirilee.” I force my feet to move.

His lips twist, like he doesn’t believe me. “Wait here.”

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