Page 82 of Inked Heart
“Maybe.”
“Well, it’s accurate.”I glance around the shop again.
Laine is finishing a tattoo in the booth near the back.Alistair is sketching a design for a client.Skye and Alistair are still arguing about pizza toppings like it’s a life-or-death situation.And for some reason the whole scene makes my chest feel warm.
“I like it here,” I say quietly.
Damien follows my gaze around the shop.“Good.”
“No,” I say.“I really mean it.”
“I know.”
“I feel ...safe.”
He looks back at me.“That’s important.”
“It’s more than important.It’s everything.”
We stand there quietly for a moment.Then the bell above the door jingles as a couple walks in for a consultation.Damien moves automatically toward the desk.
“Be right back,” he says.
“Take your time.”
I watch him greet the new clients calmly, explaining paperwork and answering questions.Helping them feel comfortable in a place that might seem intimidating to someone new.
Damien isn’t just good at noticing people.He’s good at caring about them.Quietly, consistently, and without expecting anything in return.Which makes the fact that he waited for me even more incredible.
“You’re doing it again,” Skye says suddenly.
I jump slightly.“What?”
“Staring at Damien.”
“Stop sneaking up on me.Besides, I’m allowed to stare now.”
“I was already standing here.”She says with a grin.
“That’s worse.”
She grins even wider.“So?”
“So what?”
“Are you happy?”
The question catches me off guard, but the answer comes easily.“Yes.”
“Like ...really happy?”
“Yes.I’m stupidly happy.”
“Good.”She nods approvingly.“Because he’s been walking around like he won the damn lottery.”
I laugh softly.“That’s adorable.”
“Disgustingly adorable.”
