Page 18 of Time To Learn

5

Laura

Kristian keepsmy hand in his for a couple of seconds longer than polite, but when I flex my fingers, silently asking him to let me go, he releases it at once. Tension coils in my stomach at the way his bright, blue eyes trail over my face again. The stubble on his face makes him look older than he probably is, and I feel silly for being unable to tear my eyes away from hisbody.

It’s quite a sight.

Fidgeting with the clasp on my handbag, I try to suppress the urge to run a hand down my scar. I only do it when I’m nervous, and I’m definitely completely thrown at seeing him again.

Awkward silence settles between us, and I curse inwardly for being so inept at small talk. I paste a smile on my lips, hoping it comes off as genuine.

“Thank you again for buying Ailith thebook.”

He nods. “It’s my pleasure. I hope she remembered her promise tome.”

Confused, I blink.

He winks at me. “About buying you an ice cream.”

“Oh!” Chuckling, I nod. “Yes, she did. Thank you. You really made herday.”

“I’m glad to hearit.”

I step to his left as I take in the framed drawings displayed on the burgundy walls in the squareroom.

“So, Laura, what brings you here? A touch-up or newink?”

I shrug as I glance back athim.

“I don’t have any tattoos yet,” I admit.

“Aaah, so you’re an ink virgin,” he grins, and I blush.

“I suppose I am.” I take a deep breath as I turn a half circle. Tribal arts, mythological creatures, quotes—they all stare back at me, causing me to feel a little overwhelmed.

“Do you have a particular design in mind?” Kristian asks, taking the lead. He grabs a notebook—or is it a sketch pad?—from the counter and flips itopen.

I shake myhead.

“No, not really, but I have thought about getting Ailith’s name inked on my wrist.” I raise my left arm to him before letting it fall down to my side. “It’s not very original, Iknow.”

Kristian frowns atme.

“Every tattoo is original—at least the ones I create—and I understand the sentiment behind having a loved one’s name permanently on your skin. So don’t be embarrassed.”

Feeling more at ease in his company, I tilt my head athim.

“Thanks.” I take a deep breath. “Coming here today was more of a whim, actually. My friend, Trish, told me once about your shop as she’s had some work done here in thepast.”

He grins at me. “Always nice to be referred by a satisfied customer. Well, if you’d like to see some examples of lettering—fonts and such—I have a folder you can look through?”

“Great,” I smile, still a little unsure. “Is it like anything else inlife?”

He gives me a questioninglook.

“That I’ll know what I want when I see it?” I explain.

A warm look enters his eyes and my belly flips when he wets hislips.