Page 4 of Dart to Me
He leans against my car, arms crossed over his chest. The streetlight casts shadows that accentuate the sharp angles of his face. “So, about that tattoo...”
“Are you offering your services?” I ask before I can stop myself.
“As it happens, I am a tattoo artist. Or was. Among other things.” There’s something guarded in his expression now.
“Really? What brings a tattoo artist to Lawson Ridge, of all places? We’re not exactly known for our thriving body art scene.”
He shrugs, a casual gesture that seems practiced. “Change of scenery. Needed somewhere quiet for a while.”
“Well, quiet is our specialty here. Along with gossip and apple pie.”
Julian laughs, the sound warming something inside me. “I noticed. Mrs. Henley asked me three times if I was ‘just passing through’ before I even reached the checkout.”
“That’s her subtle way of gathering intel. By tomorrow, half the town will know there’s a mysterious stranger with tattoos buying...” I peer into his single paper bag. “Instant coffee and protein bars? That’s criminal our town.”
“Haven’t had a chance to explore the local cuisine yet.”
The words tumble out before I can reconsider: “I could show you around sometime. If you wanted.”
I’m about to backtrack when he nods. “I’d like that.”
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a receipt, scribbling something on the back before handing it to me. “My number. In case you decide to take the plunge.”
I stare at the number, unable to contain the smile tugging at my lips. “For the tattoo, right?”
“Or dinner. Your choice.”
My fingers close around the receipt, and I tuck it safely into my purse. And Julian gets on his motorcycle and takes off into the night.
JULIAN
Pulling into the driveway,I grab the lone grocery bag from the passenger seat and make my way inside. The house is still pretty bare, but I drop the groceries on the table and let out a sigh that seems to echo through the empty, open spaces. It's impossible to ignore the flutter of excitement—and anxiety—that stirs in my chest. How did I let this happen so fast? I’m getting entirely too close to my neighbor. What was supposed to be a fresh start in Lawson Ridge seems to be unraveling into a tangled mess of attraction and distraction. I need to get my life back on track, find some stability, not be thrown off course like this. The first day in this town, and already I'm sidetracked by a smile and a voice. How could I have known my neighbor was going to be unbelievably gorgeous when I signed that lease? Yet here I am, barely moved in and already daydreaming.
I put the groceries away, trying to focus on a simple task rather than the thoughts of my neighbor, Ellie.
My phone buzzes with a text from my sister:How's the new place? Meet anyone interesting yet?
I stare at the screen, my thumbs hovering uncertainly. If only she knew. What would I even say? “Oh, you know, justpotentially ruining my fresh start by developing feelings for someone I barely know?”
Instead, I type:Place is good. Still unpacking. Nothing interesting yet.
The lie sits uncomfortably as I hit send. I toss the phone onto the counter and walk to the window, peering through the blinds toward the neighboring house. No movement. Part of me is relieved, another part disappointed.
This was supposed to be about finding myself again after everything fell apart back home. New town, new job, new perspective. The plan was simple: establish a routine, focus on work, maybe join a book club or something equally harmless. Nowhere in that plan was there room for getting butterflies over a neighbor I just met.
I let the blinds snap shut and press my forehead against the cool window glass. Maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe this is just the excitement of something new, the novelty of connection in an unfamiliar place. It'll fade. It has to.
The sound of a car door slamming outside makes me jump. I peek through the blinds again, my heart racing embarrassingly fast, but it's just someone delivering a package next door. I watch as they leave it on the porch and drive away.
“Get it together,” I mutter to myself, turning away from the window.
I need to settle in, to remember why I came here. Lawson Ridge is my chance to rebuild, not to complicate my life with a distraction—even one with eyes that seem to see right through me.
My phone buzzes again. It's my sister.
“Nothing interesting?Really? That's not what social media tells me. Ellie Harper just posted about meeting her newneighbor. Hashtag welcome to the neighborhood. Hashtag new friends.”
My stomach drops. Of course my sister would know Ellie—everyone seems to know everyone.
