Page 71 of The Texas Ranger: Saddled Up
Her mouth curved into a frown. “Phoebe. She said I’ve never done anything impulsive ever.”
He hid his smile. “Why does that bother you? You’re a smart, intelligent, successful woman. You don’t have to worry about what anyone says.”
She shrugged and the spaghetti strap of her tank top slipped down her shoulder. “Not everyone has the luxury to throw caution to the wind. I had responsibilities.”
“We all need to let loose sometimes.”
“Right. That’s what I’m doing.”
“Do you trust me?” he asked.
She swiveled on her heels and pushed onto her tiptoes to kiss him lightly on the lips. “I do. Do you trust me?”
“Completely.”
“So, what do you say, cowboy? Do you have any ideas?” She walked her fingers down the front of his T-shirt.
“Let’s do it. If you get the sun, I’ll get the moon. It seems…fitting.”
Her grin turned into a full smile. “I like that idea.”
The gangly bearded tattoo artist who was covered from head-to-toe in ink asked, “Made a decision, have you?”
They shared what they wanted, and he doodled away to bring their thoughts to fruition.
The designs he created were simple, yet significant. The sun for Aasia represented brightness and warmth. The moon represented Bear’s mysterious side and how many nights he laid under it expecting the enemy approaching.
Aasia was buzzing with excitement as Sarge prepared his tools on the table.
“First time?” he asked Aasia.
She nodded as he led her to the bright sterile room. “I’ll go first. If you’re okay with that?” she asked Bear.
“It only seems right.” This way Bear knew she wouldn’t back out. The waiting could make any newbie to tattoos freak out.
Fifteen minutes later, she was stretched out on the black cushioned chair, staring up at Bear with a cocktail of worry and excitement. The hum of the tattoo machine in the next room filled the silence, soothing in a way.
Aasia watched while Sarge finished up applying the stencil on her inner wrist, making sure she was fine with the location. The first prick of the needle made her wince, but she quickly relaxed. Bear took her hand, running his thumb over her free palm, his attention going from her face to the progress of the small, simple tattoo.
“You won’t back out, will you?” she said quietly.
“You know me better than that.” Interesting since he thought she might once she sat down in the chair.
“Since we’re getting tattoos, don’t you think it’s time you told me more about who you really are?”
Lord help him, the way she peered up at him, looking so brave and beautiful socked him right in the feels. Before heallowed himself to think too much, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I ain’t scared of much. Not pain. Blood. War. Hell, I’ve had my nose broken, a few ribs, and kept on going.” He held her gaze as he tapped the bridge of nose where there was a small bruise. “But getting my heart broken, that’s a different story. Never thought I was at risk until a beautiful scientist came waltzing into my life and peeled away all those walls of steel I’ve built.”
He swore he saw some wetness in her eyes, but she blinked and it was gone. “Thank you, Ben.” The way she said his name, like warm honey. In that moment he wanted to protect her, he wanted to stop the tattoo artist from inflicting the sting of the needle on her silken skin. But then Sarge announced that he’d finished.
“I love it,” she said proudly.
Then it was his turn. Bear took his place in the chair, stretched his legs and crossed his ankles. He’d been under the needle a few times.
“How do you feel? Are you okay?” she asked Bear when Sarge started.
Chuckling, Bear found her concern flattering. “This isn’t my first rodeo, darlin’. I’ve been under the “gun” more times than I can count, but I find your concern cute. I’ve never been better.”
Soon the moon was inked on his wrist, right under his full sleeve of an intricate wolf, cross, and the words “Fire on Fire”.
