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“Nope,” I answer matter-of-factly, returning my attention to the road. “I intend to take every advantage I can get with you.”
“Bastard.” Her tone is humorous as she swats my arm with the back of her hand.
“Oh, stop your belly aching. We’re here now anyway.” I put the truck into park, laughing as Lizzy’s wide eyes take in our surroundings.
“Why are we at a tattoo parlor?”
“Because we’re getting a tattoo.” I get out of the truck before she has a chance to protest, figuring it’ll be the quickest and easiest way to get her out as well.
My ploy works and she follows suit, stepping out of the passenger side. “Wait. Excuse me? What—”
She slams the passenger door and rushes over to me. “What do you mean we?” She gestures between us in an animated manner, her hand landing on her hip.
My lips twitch as I bite back my smile. She’s so damn adorable. “It means you and me. We,” I answer, mimicking her gesture.
She shakes her head as her mouth hangs open, wrapping her arms around herself.
It’s natural for her to feel a little scared and apprehensive. All I want is for her to experience life the way she wants to. To actually live it.
“Very funny. I’m not getting a freaking tattoo. Are you nuts?”
The panic in her voice causes worry to twist in my gut. “Why not? I recall you telling me you’ve wanted one for a long time.”
“Yes. Do you also recall I had valid reasons for not getting one?”
“I recall excuses,” I challenge, crossing my arms. “I thought you might want to let go of all that and start the new year off with a new you.”
“Call them whatever you want, but I’m not getting a tattoo today.” She turns on her heel, making her way back over to the passenger side door.
I didn’t expect this to be easy. She’s become accustomed to the rules and boundaries she’s placed on herself. If I don’t approach this the right way, she’s sure to hold on tight.
“Okay, how about this: I really want to get a tattoo and would like for you to be with me while I get it.”
She pulls on the locked door handle and sighs in defeat.
I walk up behind her, trying again to persuade her. “Will you please come inside with me to get a tattoo? If you change your mind and decide to get one while we’re in there, it’ll be my treat. Your Christmas gift from me.”
I shorten the gap between us as she turns to face me, getting as close as possible without actually touching her. I’m partially hoping to distract her again, but mostly it’s because I can’t help myself.
“You planned this as a gift for me?” Her features soften as I nod. “That’s very sweet, albeit misguided. I’ll go in with you. Just know I’m not the kind of person you can bully or peer pressure into doing something,” she warns, poking me in the chest.
I chuckle, holding my hands up. “I don’t doubt that for a second,” I tell her, and her face twists as she tries to keep herself from smiling. “I promise, no pressure.”
She regards my extended pinky finger with furrowed brows and pursed lips. “All right,” she agrees, linking her pinky with mine.
I use our interlocked hands to pull her closer and electricity courses through me. The rise and fall of her chest as her breathing becomes heavier lets me know she’s feeling this too.
“You trust me?” I ask.
She nods, licking her lips before her teeth dig into them.
“Good. You should at least be getting an idea of how seriously I take my promises by now.” I reach up and pull her lip free, every inch of me craving her as my thumb brushes over it.
“All right.” She clears her throat and pushes me back, stepping around me. “Let’s go get you a tattoo.”
