Page 79 of Tears of Ink

“I’m not a horse running from a race.”

He chuckles and plants his lips against my neck, and an irrepressible shiver of desire tingles through my limbs. “And what a fine filly you are.”

“That’s so cheesy.”

“I know, I practise very hard to perfect the right level of cheese.”

Who is this guy? Where is the man with the suits and the worries of the world settled on his broad shoulders? I could stay tangled in this moment forever—I could almost forget I had a no second chance rule in place. I could forget any rule I’d ever made. He’s still in his suit trousers, his shirt undone after I unbuttoned each one with deliberate care. I want to dive under his clothes and discover who he really is, but he won’t let me. Every time my hand strays too far or I take the initiative, he gently stops me and turns it back around to me.

His hands have been over my clothes, hot under my clothes and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“So, the ball?” I prompt again.

“Yes, totally boring, well normally it is. This year I’m thinking it could be fun.”

“An evening with your grandmother judging me and my tattoos does not sound like fun.”

Elijah sits up a little higher, leaning on one elbow. “What’s she said?”

I smile but it’s bitter. “Only that Saskia will help me to find a dress that will cover them up.”

A tut takes the place of what I could imagine are expletive thoughts. “She’s a witch.”

“I know. And she won’t let you bring a date of your choice?”

He chuckles. “I wouldn’t have anyone to bring.” Ouch, his words cut like a knife.

“Shame for you.”

“There is this woman I’d like to take on a date; maybe just something casual, dinner, a drink perhaps, but she’s got these crazy rules and I don’t know if I can abide by them.”

I flush a vibrant pink and try not to grin. “Sounds difficult.”

“Oh, she is. So difficult, you wouldn’t believe. I might ask if she’s free this weekend.”

“Good idea.”

“Even though I might want her to break her rules?”

“Maybe.” I have to look away and face the wall, I’m smiling so much. Could I break my rules for him?

I don’t know.

Then I remember what I had planned for the weekend and the smile drops. “I was going to go to see Al this weekend.”

His face falls a little, but he nods understandingly.

“It’s only Sunday, though. I’m still free Friday and Saturday.”

“Hold on a minute.” He grabs my hands and rolls me until I’m pinned under his amazing body. His body is hard above me and my rules begin to melt around the edges. “Who said I was asking you on a date?” His teeth pull on my earlobe and I shriek a giggle.

“Don’t! I’m ticklish there.”

His eyes light with fire. “Now that you really shouldn’t have told me.”

I squeal as he attacks me again, laughing so hard I think I may burst.

Finally, I’ve managed to convince him to see the glasswork. He’s nodding silently as he looks at our blooms of blue flowers.