Page 100 of Playing For Keeps
“I don’t want to entertain that idea, so I’m not going toanswer.” I nuzzle the crook of her neck. “Could I entice you back to bed?”
“Babe, we had sex when we woke up and again after we had breakfast. As much as I’d love to, I need to get going soon.”
“Okay. I understand, but you’re irresistible, so it’s hard to hold in my desire for you.”
She pats the top of my hand. “I’ll be home in the blink of an eye. This trip is so short, you probably won’t even notice I’m gone.”
“I doubt that. I already miss you.” My chest heats as I sink into my love for her.
“I feel the same.” She turns and gives me a quick peck. “Help me bring my bags out of the bedroom. I need to get going.”
“Okay. You finish getting what you need in here, and I’ll get your suitcase.” I break away and go get the items she needs.
We leave for the airport a few minutes later. She chews on her thumbnail as she gazes out the window.
I place my hand on her thigh. “Are you doing okay?”
“Yeah. Just nervous.” She weaves her fingers with mine. “Do you think he’ll agree to this?”
“I don’t know. Hunter says Aiden’s a great private investigator. If you two get on the same page, I think he’ll get on board.”
She rolls her lips between her teeth as she nods and looks out the window again. She’s in her head, and there’s nothing I can do to ease her worry.
I release her hand so I can turn the wheel. “When you spoke with Hunter, did he say anything about seeing anyone?”
She faces me. “No. Why?”
“He had a woman at his place today.”
“Really?” She shifts as she glances down. “It could’ve been his assistant, Katy.”
“I don’t think it was. He told me he had company he needed to attend to.”
“Hmm. Maybe he’s dating again.”
I peek over at her as she plays with her jewelry. Her calm expression tells me she’s not bothered by the information, but she’s a pro at hiding her feelings when she’s confused.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything, but she called him yesterday. As much as I want to believe her reason for doing so, there’s a question in the back of my head.
Would she be happier there with him?
My adrenaline has taken over, so the sting of the needle is more muted than when the tattoo artist started. The machine buzzes as he takes another swipe at the design he’s creating.
I breathe through the burn. “How’s it coming along?”
“Sick.” He lifts the needle from my skin and wipes a cloth across my shoulder blade. “Your story is wild, and this piece will tell anyone looking at it what you went through in a second flat.”
“I only need one person to understand the meaning of it.”
“The woman who inspired this?”
“That would be the one.”
He goes back to scratching at my skin. Another artist walks by and does a double take.
She stops and checks it out. “Damn, that’s one of the coolest scar cover-ups I’ve seen in a long time.”
“See how I blended these flying particles into the frame of his previous work?” My artist stops what he’s doing and runs his finger along the edge of the family crest I have inked on my back.
