Page 101 of Save Me

Nodding, she forced herself to relax. “I know, I know! I can’t believe I’m freaking out like this. It didn’t seem like such a big deal. Arianna was fine when you did hers last month.”

“Everyone’s different. Don’t compare yourself to your sister or anyone else. If you’re not comfortable doing this, then I’m not doing it. No big deal.” Taking her hand, he kissed it before rolling away.

And just like that, he was back to organizing his stuff.

“But…”

Ryker glanced at her over his shoulder, one dark brow arched.

“Can you…can you show me the design you came up with? You said it was going to be a surprise, but do I still get to see it?”

Shrugging, he went back to what he was doing. “It was just a butterfly, Ryleigh. Nothing major.”

“Okay, but I’d still love to see it. You know I love all your artwork and maybe if I see it, it will change my mind.”

This time, he turned to face her. Amusement was written all over his face as he leaned against one of the large crates. His arms were crossed in that laid back pose that was a little cocky and she shouldn’t be thinking anything even remotely sexy right now, but…she was.

“Please,” she said with a small pout.

Rolling his eyes, he walked over to another crate. “Fine.”

“Yay!”

He muttered something under his breath, but Ryleigh didn’t let it bother her. Swinging her legs over the side of the chair, she reached for the ginger ale and opened it. After taking a sip, she looked up to see Ryker walking over with one of his large sketchpads in his hand.

“Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!” She wasn’t lying. Maybe seeing it would convince her to be brave, but she didn’t want to commit just yet. Her sister had told her it hurt like hell to get the tattoo, but every time she thought she couldn’t take the pain, Ryker moved on to another spot. And afterwards, she was fine.

Stopping in front of her, he looked…uncertain.

Nervous.

Almost a little pale.

“Ryker, come on. It’s just a butterfly. You said so yourself. I’m sure I’m going to love it.”

“I actually drew four of them and they’re all on their own page, so…take your time and don’t be afraid to tell me if they’re not what you’re looking for.”

He was so serious. Was he like this with all his clients?

“Babe, you’re freaking me out.” Holding out her hand, she asked, “Can I look?”

“Um…why don’t you just sit there and…uh…I’ll flip the pages, okay?”

Seemed weird, but maybe this was legit how he did things.

She took another sip of her soda before putting the bottle down. “Okay! Lay them on me!”

The first butterfly was purple and so delicate and beautiful.

“That is gorgeous, Ryker,” she whispered in awe. “And I love the color.”

“The purple butterfly represents things that cannot be described in words. They are mysterious, magical, and beautiful,” he explained to her. Then he flipped the page.

“Ooh…red…that one looks very cool.”

And then he explained, “The red butterfly is connected to lust and desire. It represents the need for romance and passion in your life.” Grinning at her, he added, “Plus, red looks incredibly hot on you.”

“I’m not gonna lie; I’m loving this and you’re making the decision really hard.” Then she winked. “That’s what she said, right?”

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