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A few more minutes of pleasantries and we finally shook hands and said goodbye. After they left, I stood in the space for what felt like a long time, taking it all in. I had my own tattoo studio. I could do almost anything I wanted with the space. I was going to be a shop owner—scratch that, I was a shop owner. The thought of it made my heart pound. As I looked around, I remembered Kieran’s suggestions. I wondered if he’d even still be around when I held my grand opening. The deep way I wanted him scared me a little.

I made my way to Emmages a little while later, unable to stop smiling. Emma knew something was up the minute I stepped into the studio.

“Hey, Sunshine,” she said from behind the counter, where she was looking at our appointment book. “What’s got you so cheerful today?”

I leaned against the counter and dropped my voice to a murmur, even though there was nobody else in the shop yet. “I did it, Em. I rented that storefront. I’m going to open my own studio.”

“Ooh, that’s amazing,” she said, letting out a squeal of delight. “I’m so excited for you.”

“Thanks. I signed the lease today. It needs some fixing up to be ready, obviously, but… I did it.”

Emma reached over and squeezed my bicep. “I’m proud of you.”

I cleared my throat a little and nodded. “I’m going to go get set up for the day.” I gestured toward my station.

“Of course. And congratulations.”

“Thanks, Em. I really appreciate it.” And I did. I was grateful for the opportunity she’d given me when I came back to Pine Bluff—a safe, clean shop to work in while I figured myself out. I had a lot to do now to make it happen, including postponing already-set appointments to give myself time to get the shop ready, figuring out how to do the work I wanted done, and more. But despite all that, I spent the day with my head in the clouds, knowing Kieran wanted me the way I wanted him, too.

Chapter Twenty-One

Kieran

Once Ellis left, I collapsed onto the couch, mind racing. I liked him, but I’d never expected him to confess the same, especially not in the insistent way he’d said he wanted to keep exploring what was happening between us.

Eventually, I got up and checked my phone, noticing a missed call from Max and a few texts from Micah. I decided I’d ignore the voice mail, but that I could at least see what Micah had to say.

Micah: Just checking in on you. You’ve been pretty quiet since our last call.

It was true. The last time we’d spoken, Micah had interrupted a kiss from Ellis, and I hadn’t had much to say on the call—I’d been far too distracted, my thoughts revolving around that kiss for hours. I tapped out a reply.

Kieran: I’m good. Just trying to stay busy. You know how it is.

Micah responded quickly, which surprised me. I’d assumed he’d be at work.

Micah: I don’t know. It’s always busy around here.

I wasn’t sure what to say. I couldn’t imagine going back, at least, not right now. I was enjoying the slow, quiet life I’d started to build in Pine Bluff.

Kieran: Fair. Pine Bluff is a small town. Even smaller than Port Grandlin. There isn’t much going on here most days.

Micah: How do you keep sane? Aren’t you bored?

I thought about that for a moment. The truth was, I wasn’t bored. I hadn’t been bored since my first week here, when Lena and Ellis had told me I had to stop redesigning their house without permission. I’d quickly adjusted, finding things to keep myself busy, and I was really enjoying the new pace of life.

Kieran: You’d be surprised. It’s better than it sounds, honestly.

Micah: Well, we miss you around here. You’d better come back soon. Max hired someone to temporarily take your place and he’s awful. He does whatever Andy Donahue wants him to do.

I thought I’d feel a pull when Micah started talking about work, an ache to return to Port Grandlin and finish what I’d started. We had three more properties to work on after the library, and I’d expected to miss it.

Instead, I found I actually didn’t care much at all about what was happening with Andy Donahue and the new designer—whoever that was. I was curious about who they’d hired, but more in passing than in actual desire to know. And I didn’t miss Andy Donahue one bit.

Kieran: I’ll be back eventually. Don’t worry. I miss you all too.

I wasn’t sure what had possessed me to say it, but it sounded like the reassuring thing to say, even if it didn’t feel a hundred percent true. I definitely missed my friend group, but I wasn’t entirely sure I’d ever be back, at least not for more than a quick visit.

Micah: Good. Hey, I have to run. Looks like I’m needed on set. But I’ll talk to you later, okay?