When the guys make it over to us, I move down so they can all have space. Atlas brought a blanket for Cora, and God, I want that. I want someone who is willing to sit in the cold at our kid’s soccer games, and bring me blankets, and smile at me like I hung the moon. I shouldn’t be jealous of my friend, but I can’t help it. For as grouchy as he comes off, Atlas only has eyes for her.
Paying attention to Noah’s game, I ignore the looks I feel Kash giving me. He’s sitting further down the bench, so I don’t have toworry about it. Mara nudges me and gives me a ‘what the hell’ look. I’m usually quiet, but not this quiet.
“I keep telling Mara we should get some new ink. Do you guys have any openings?” I toss out before I can think about it.
Kash’s gaze zeroes in on my face. “You have a tattoo?”
“Tattoos. Plural.”
“There’s no way. Where?” He looks me over, and I almost laugh because I keep them hidden. Unlike Mara, I like to keep mine a secret.
I have a few tattoos, and they aren’t anything overly fancy. Mara and I actually have a matching one. When we turned eighteen, we got our first tattoo together. One of the few hobbies we share is stargazing, and of course with our birthdays being at the end of May, we’re Geminis. It’s probably pretty common, but it’s okay. We’re always carrying a piece of each other with us, no matter what. I got mine on my left shoulder; Mara got hers on the right. Of course, now she jokes that hers is on the right because she’s always right.
I’m about to answer him when Dad clears his throat, giving us a look. Right, I probably shouldn’t be encouraging him anyways. I can still feel his gaze on me, so I try my best to ignore it. Atlas and Cora are chatting, and Mara is watching the game intently. Resting my head on her shoulder, she offers me a small smile. Everyone thinks Mara is gruff and standoffish—which, don’t get me wrong, she can be—but she’s also my other half and has a softer side she doesn’t show most people. I can’t imagine my life without her.
I stay like that for the rest of the game, then once the final whistle blows, I stand and stretch. Between those bleachers and the game, I’m going to have to book an appointment with a chiropractor soon. Turning to grab my bag, I stand and find Kash waiting next to me, a serious expression on his face.
Mara and Rhett are talking to Mom and Dad, while Cora, Atlas and Seth have made their way across the field. By the looks of it, they’re having a heated conversation with someone.
Deciding to be nice, I offer him a friendly smile. “Hi,Kash.”
“Where?”
“Where what?”
“Where are your tattoos? Your skin looks so pure, and trust me, I’ve spent time looking at it and thinking about it.”
Staring at him for a moment, I try to keep up with him but find it difficult. “Are you okay? Like, mentally?”
“That’s debatable.” He smiles. “But don’t change the topic, Mila. Tell me where you’re hiding the tattoos, or I’ll be forced to go on my own scavenger hunt. I’m hoping for prizes along the way.”
“I don’t know if you’re actually serious or not.”
“I don’t joke about prizes.” He moves closer, and every part of me is screaming to step back, but I don’t. The wind whirls around us, causing me to shiver. His hair blows loose in his bun, and I suddenly wonder how long it is. The thought comes out of nowhere and I scold myself. I should not be wondering about him like that. I also shouldn’t be curious about what cologne he wears because it makes me want to get a closer experience.
Taking a step back, I avoid his eyes. “It’s not a big deal, Kash. They’re just tattoos.”
His warm hand grabs my chin, tilting my head back to look into his eyes. “It matters because someone else touched your body, and I need to know where and who it was.”
Is he serious right now? “I don’t owe you any explanations, Kash. We aren’t an item. I’ve made that clear to you.” Stepping back, I pull out of his grasp.
“So, who wants to get pizza?” Cora asks the group. I spin around, surprised to see them back already. Atlas is still glaring across the field, but for once, Seth looks amused.
“I’m buying,” he offers.
There’s murmuring around the group, and I avoid Kash’s stare, walking back toward my parents like the coward I am. If I have to spend more time with him, there’s a high likelihood I’ll eventually cave and I can’t risk that. Glancing quickly at Kash, I see his quietform watching me still. Sure, if I gave into him, it would be fun at first, but then he’d inevitably get tired of me.
I’m more of a ‘stay in and watch junk TV’ kind of girl. Mara likes to go out, but I’m not a big partier. I get excited about new cookbooks and baking supplies. Maybe I should try to push Mara and Kash together instead, but I immediately dismiss the idea. The thought of Mara and Kash together sends a pang of sadness through me. I have no right to feel that way, but I do.
Offering him a tight smile, I head back to my car. I know his gaze is on me; I can feel it. I have to get used to him being around. Judging by the looks Cora and Atlas are giving each other, I don’t think he’s going anywhere, which means Kash isn’t either.
“You stupid fixture! Why are you like this?” I growl, glaring at the leaking faucet in my bathroom. I never got around to calling for a plumber to come look at my bathroom faucet and now it just continues to leak, but it’s getting worse. I don’t have time for this.
Pushing my hair from my face, I take in my appearance. Tonight is a surprise party for Atlas’ birthday that Cora put together a couple of weeks ago. I’m starting to think they’re going to be good for each other. I’m happy my friend has him; plus, Noah seems to like him, so that’s a bonus.
Grabbing my keys, I head over toExiled Ink. I wasn’t sure what to get him, so I opted for an online gift card. That way, he can get whatever he wants, and I’m not showing up empty-handed.
We all get into place and shout “Surprise” when he comes in and theparty kicks off. We’ve been so busy at the shop lately with Halloween, but I promised Cora I would make this chocolate cake for him. She doesn’t ask for much and given what I’ve learned about Atlas and the other guys, I’m guessing they could use all the kind gestures they can get.
