Page 75 of Time To Learn

“But come inside, let me get everything set up, and if you still feel the same way, we’ll cancel and I’ll take youhome.”

I take a few lungfuls of air, trying to settle the adrenaline in my body, and then nod again as I open the door and get out. I try to ignore the sounds of the city—even so early in the morning, it’s busy—and focus on Kristian as I wait for him to open the door to theshop.

He takes a step back and waves his hand for me to go first. The gentlemanly gesture makes me forget the nerves for a moment, and I smile up athim.

“Ladies first,” he murmurs as he winks atme.

I walk up the steps and breathe deeply as we go inside, taking comfort in Kristian’s presence, for once. I’m on his turf now, and maybe that’s why I’m simultaneously scared and excited. He’s the expert here—not me. And…it’s the first time we’ve been alone since that night at OranMor.

“Let me just turn on the lights,” he murmurs from behind me. I blink as the dimness fades, leaving the shop bathed in a warm glow. Slowly, I turn in a circle, in much the same way as I did the first time I was here, and quirk an eyebrow at Kristian, silently asking him to takeover.

He takes my cue and smiles.

“Why don’t you sit down?” he asks as he takes my hand. I jump as I feel the touch of his skin, but don’t pull away. The crooked smile he turns my way as he leads me to the far corner of the shop makes my legs wobble, but I try not to let on how much his touch affectsme.

I sit down on the same sofa as I did the last time I was here and watch him as he sets up his station in front of me. A part of me feels as if I should fill the silence with chatter, but it’s as if I’m struckmute.

“I’ve already got the design ready,” Kristian starts as he pulls his hair back in a small ponytail, “so I just need to make sure the size is right. Can you hold your arm out to me, your wristup?”

I sit up straighter in my seat and do as he asks. He takes some kind of strange paper and kneels in front of me. Seeing my daughter’s name in blue ink staring up at me, my belly starts to flip again.

“Here we go,” Kristian murmurs. Fascinated, I look as he puts the paper on my wrist and presses in. “I’ve made this stencil, so take a look and let me know what you think. You have to be absolutely sure it’s what youwant.”

I look down and smile. The touch of the cool paper soothes me, and I nod slowly before looking into Kristian’seyes.

“It’s perfect,” I whisper, suddenly feeling a little overwhelmed.

The intensity in his gaze takes me by surprise.

“Are you sure you want to go through withit?”

Feeling more confident, I smile athim.

“Definitely.”

The slow smile that forms on his lips fills me with happiness.

“Good. Then let’s get started.” He takes my hand and pulls me up on my feet, and I almost bump into his chest, surprised that he’s so much closer than before. I should be used to his size by now, but never have I felt as small in his presence as I do right now. It should frighten me, being this close to him, but fear is the last thing buzzing through my entire being at this very moment.

“Okay,” I squeak, staring hard into his T-shirt.

He squeezes my hand resting on his chest. I barely notice the deliberate, slow movement as he raises his other arm—it’s as if I can’t look away as his chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm against my hand. Then I feel his thumb pressing in on my chin, tilting up my head so I can’t avoid his probinggaze.

“There’s no turning back now,” he murmurs. The smile has vanished from his lips, and I hold my breath. “This is it, Laura. Once we get started, you can’t back down. Is that clear?”

“Why do I get the feeling we’re not talking about my tattoo anymore?” I whisper.

His eyebrows shoot up as he blinks at me, clearly taken aback by my words.

“I don’t know,” he grumbles. “What do you think we’re talking about?”

The urge to kick myself hard in my arse is strong, and I wet my lips as I try to bide fortime.

“I don’t know,” I answer, my voice feeble. “I don’t know what I’m saying, Kristian. I’m sorry.”

He pinches his lips together as he shakes hishead.

“I don’t think that’s entirely true, but this is neither the time nor the place to talk about it. Alex will be here any minute now, but…”