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“It is but take a closer look. What’s the key for?”
She inspects the paper closer, memorizing the intricate vine design. Her eyes go wide when recognition hits. She turns toward me and presses the paper just below my heart, under the padlock. “This is the key to your lock,” she whispers.
“It is. And I want you to have it.” I grip her chin, forcing her eyes to meet mine. “I never imagined I would meet a woman who would make me feel alive again. I love you. And I want you to have the key to my heart.”
Moisture pools in the corners of her eyes. “Ledger. I don’t know what to say. I love you. So much. You challenged me to step outside my bubble and experience life in a whole new way. I could have never done that without you.” She lifts the blanket and moves to straddle my lap. Her warm hands cup my cheeks and she presses her lips to mine. It’s a kiss full of love and unspoken promises.
Breaking the kiss, my gaze meets hers. “So, what do you say, want to get a tattoo?”
“Yes. Yes. A million times, yes.” She kisses me again. When she pulls away, she peers down at the paper. “Where should I get it?”
“Wherever you want. Just knowing you have it is all I need.”
Her nose scrunches. Several seconds pass before her eyes meet mine. “I know where I want it.”
“Where?”
“It’s a secret.”
I bark out a laugh. “Touché”
“So, when can we go?”
“I’ll call my guy and set up an appointment.” I run my hands up her sides, her smooth skin under my fingers.
“But first we should celebrate,” she says, a devilish glint in her eyes.
“My kind of celebrating or yours?”
“We’ll go with yours.” She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me. I hold her to me and roll us over.
* * *
After I called my tattoo artist, he pulled some strings for me and got Olivia in the next day. We walk hand in hand into the shop. I’ve never been one for public displays of affection, but in this case, I want everyone to know she’s mine.
Excitedly, she tugs me up to the counter.
The purple-haired receptionist, Cora, glances up. “Hey Ledger. Ryke mentioned you have an appointment today.” She digs around for some paperwork. She’s been here for as long as I’ve come here.
“Not for me, but for my girlfriend,” I peer down at her, unable to fight my smile, “Olivia.”
“Fantastic. I’ll just need you to sign these.” She pushes a form toward us.
Ryke enters the reception area from a hallway next to the desk. “Ledger. Good to see you, man.” His hand extends toward me.
I clasp his hand in mine and give it a shake. “Same to you. This is my girlfriend, Olivia.”
“Hi, nice to meet you.” She holds out her hand.
Ryke leans in toward me and whispers, “You’re one lucky son of a bitch.”
Olivia links her arms with mine. “I’m actually the lucky one.” She winks at Ryke.
He releases a low whistle. “Don’t let this one go.” He props an elbow on the counter. “So, I understand you already know what you want.” Ryke’s gaze dances between mine and Olivia’s.
“Yes.” Olivia excitedly pulls out the sketch from her pocket and hands it over to Ryke.
He peels the side of the paper open. Tilting his head, he studies the drawing. “This looks familiar.” His gaze shoots to mine. “If I remember correctly, I drew this one for you. What, ten years ago?”
