Page 47 of Exposed Ink

“You mean there’s something about me,” I say, refusing to mince words. “You’re comfortable, Sour Patch. In my home, in my arms. And it allows you to fall asleep.”

I expect her to deny it, so I’m taken aback when she says, “Yeah, it’s you. But, Shane …” She sighs. “I feel like I’m leading you on because I know you want more from me than I’m capable of giving you.”

“I just want you,” I find myself saying. “However I can get you.”

“You say that now, but eventually, you’re going to want to get married and have more babies. Look at how close you are with Taylor.”

“How about we just take it one day at a time? No labels or promises. Just enjoy each other’s company.” I tip her chin so she’ll look at me. “Okay?”

“Okay,” she breathes. “I can do that.”

“Good. Now, as much as I love cooking, I have to get to work this morning, so how about we grab some breakfast, and then I’ll drop you off on my way to work?”

“Where’s Taylor?” she asks, glancing around.

“Right here,” Taylor says as she descends the stairs with her bag draped over her shoulder. “And I’m about to be late to school.” She rushes over and gives me a kiss on my cheek and then gives Kinsley one as well. “Have a good day! I have cheer practice and work, so I’ll be home late. Love you!”

“Wow, she’s chipper in the morning,” Kinsley notes.

“It’s the cheerleader in her.”

While I get ready for work, Kinsley insists on taking Becky for a quick walk. Usually, in the morning, I just let her out into the backyard to do her business, but if Kinsley wants to walk her, I won’t stop her.

* * *

When we arriveat Thea’s Breakfast Nook, everyone stares at us curiously. It’s a small town, and with me being a local firefighter and having lived here my entire life, I know just about everyone.

“Shane,” Thea says with a smile. “How are you doing this morning?”

“Good,” I tell her. “Just grabbing some breakfast before work.”

“And who is this beautiful woman?” Thea asks, smiling at Kinsley.

“This is Kinsley. She owns Exposed Ink, the tattoo shop downtown.”

“Oh.” Thea’s eyes light up. “How fun! I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo,” she says to Kinsley. “A little butterfly or unicorn.” She waggles her brows, and Kinsley stifles a laugh. “Maybe one day, I’ll get brave enough or drunk enough and actually go through with it.” She winks. “Your mom and dad come in often, so it’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Kinsley says, her eyes filled with mirth. “And anytime you want to come in, just ask for me.”

“Will do,” Thea says, showing us to our table and setting the menus down. “Take a look, and someone will be with you shortly to take your order.”

“What happened to refusing to kill all the unicorns?” I murmur once Thea is out of earshot.

“To see that woman, who is probably in her eighties and has never been inked, get a tattoo would be worth killing a unicorn.” She smirks, grabbing the menu. “Now, tell me what’s good. I’m starved.”

“Everything,” I say honestly because I’ve yet to eat anything here that wasn’t delicious.

While we eat, Kinsley gushes about how she still can’t believe she got to meet one of her favorite authors, which leads to who she’d love to meet in the future, and while she talks, I can’t help but think about how much she’s changed in the month since I met her. She’s laughing and smiling and talking animatedly. She might not want to admit it, but I’m totally growing on her.

After paying the bill, I swing by her place to drop her off.

“Thank you for this weekend,” she says, sounding almost shy. “I had a good time. Even if it started against my will.”

I bark out a laugh. “Does that mean I’ve earned your number?”

Kinsley shakes her head and grins. “Not a chance. I had a good weekend, but notthatgood.”

FIFTEEN

---