Page 82 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

He grins. “Look all you like.”

Skylar has a lean but strong build. His skin is pale, and there’s a dusting of dark hair on his chest and down his abdomen. The intricate tattoo design starts at his chest, over his heart, and then snakes up the side of his neck. It’s a colorful mix of vines and branches that gracefully intertwine, blossoming with buds and several vibrant flowers.

“A tattoo artist friend did the design and inked it herself. It was one way I took back control of my body after everything that happened with Damien. I wanted a visual reminder that I’m strong, that he didn’t destroy me.” Skylar rakes a hand through his hair, darting his eyes away. “It also covers some of my scars from the attack, so she went with something life-affirming and empowering. Something that ‘shows my tenacity and ability to keep growing and blossoming, no matter what’ is what she said.” He lets out an awkward laugh. “She saw something in me when I wasn’t quite there yet, but I liked how pretty it is, and the meaning behind it made me feel strong.”

I need to find out who she is and invite her for a free long weekend at the B&B. Her and all the other wonderful people who helped Skylar when he needed it most and I wasn’t part of his life yet. They have my eternal gratitude.

I fight back tears. “It’s beautiful. May I touch it?”

His eyes finally return to mine, and he gives a tight nod.

Oh so gently, I extend my hand to lightly trace my fingers against his skin, following the path of the pattern.

Skylar shivers under my touch and closes his eyes.

“Is this okay?” I whisper.

His voice comes out gruff but clear. “Yeah.”

I take my time, exploring every detail, feeling the knotty texture of scarred skin underneath my fingertips in places the ink covers. From what I can detect, Skylar maybe downplayed how serious his injuries were when he told me about them.

A weight settles in my stomach. I can barely breathe and my fingers tremble. Thank the Goddess, Skylar lived through the attack. If he hadn’t, I never would have gotten to know this man who means everything to me now.

Before I know it, I’ve stepped in much closer to him.

If ever a moment called for some kissing, this is it.

Or, at least, I’m pretty sure now’s a perfect moment. But I’m no expert outside the realm of fiction.

My heart races, but I don’t hold back.

“I really want to kiss you right now. Would you… like that?” I finally manage to ask, my palms turning sweaty.

Skylar opens his eyes and looks up into mine, a faint smile playing over his lips.

“Yeah, I think I would.”

I’m nervous as all get out. I’ve never done this before and I don’t entirely know what I’m doing, but I lean down and carefully press my lips to his.

The sensation is electrifying. So much so, I worry all my copious amounts of body hair might be standing on end.

I finally understand what all those stories I’ve read were trying to convey. Somehow, though, the real thing is so much better than I ever could have imagined. Especially when Skylar wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me closer.

I’m riding on an internal high from connecting with Skylar—my perfect penguin of a life partner—like this. His lips are soft and smaller than mine, but they make me tingly all over. Just touching mine to his turns me lightheaded with pleasure.

It soon becomes apparent to me that Skylar’s far more skilled than I am when it comes to this activity, and I’m happy for him to take the lead. He instantly ups the ante when he nibbles and teasingly flicks the tip of his tongue against my lips before seeking entrance.

I open to him willingly, and he sucks on my tongue in a way that has me seeing stars and going weak in the knees.

I always thought that was just an expression, but no, it’s a totally real and legitimate phenomenon. Especially when Skylar is kissing me like this is an Olympic sport and he’s going for gold.

His mouth is downright magical, and I lose all track of time.

When we finally come up for air, I don’t even know how long we’ve been at it.

“That was the most divine thing I’ve ever experienced,” I say, unable to contain the dreamy note in my voice.

Skylar smiles softly. “Yeah, it was real nice. Kissing you feels good. Right, somehow.”