Julia smirked as she looked at me and winked before leaving to tattoo Vicki.
“Are you going to show me?” I leaned forward to catch a glimpse of what the image was. I was curious, it had put that amazing look on her face and the emotions were just pure joy radiating from her. But Clare held her phone to her chest and shook her head, the grin on her face was infectious.
“You'll have to see when it's done.”
I loved this side of Clare, she was so happy and playful. Carefree. The last time I saw her, she was crying and broken. Because of me. I never wanted to see her like that again. I vowed then, that I would only make her smile from now on.
“So how have you been?” I asked her, then realized we had already done that. I was not good with small talk, obviously. I moved around on the stool to keep myself busy, so I didn’t just reach out and touch her.
“Good. Better… you?”
I nodded before spinning back to her. I couldn't keep my eyes off her, even if I tried.
“Yeah, good. Better now you’re here.”
The color on her cheeks pinkened and she brushed her fingers over her cheek before pushing some dark strands of loose hair behind her ear. Her gaze shied away and I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable.
“Bagheera misses you.” I added. I missed her but I couldn’t just say it. I knew this was going to be small steps. I had to earn her trust back.
“I miss him, too.” I could feel that strongly… it was as if I could feel her emotions when we were this close. It had happened a few times before, but I never knew that shifters could feel others emotions like this. Until her.
I looked into her sapphire blue eyes, I could get lost in there. She sucked in a shallow breath as she peered into my eyes. My hand moved out and rested my palm up beside her. Giving her the option. I wanted to comfort her, but I needed her to let me know it was okay.
She moved her fingertips over my palm. And placed her hand so tenderly over mine. I gently wrapped my fingers around her hand, my thumb rubbing the soft skin on the back of her hand.
We sat like that for a while. Not saying anything. Her heart was thumping loudly in time with my own. It was as if we were speaking to each other, without words. My heart was telling her how sorry I was… her heart responding, letting me know it was okay. She wasn’t upset with me in this moment.
The moment was gone when we heard Vicki yell out.
“Oh, fuck. That hurts.”
Clare’s eyes widened and a huge grin spread across her face. She let go of my hand, putting it across her mouth as she stifled giggles. We both turned to see where Vicki was screeching like a cat.
I laughed loudly. She turned to me and shook her head. She pulled her hand away from her mouth and laughed loudly this time. She was happy. My panther purred loudly, wanting her to know he was happy to see her and be with her. She stopped laughing and watched me again. Leaning forward she reached out and placed her hand on my chest and her lip pulled up in the corner.
My chest swelled at Clare’s expression. I placed my hand over hers and leaned into her touch. I didn’t want this to end, I wanted to keep her with me. I needed to find a way.
“Can I take you somewhere? Tomorrow?”
She bit her lower lip, my insides twisted waiting to see if she would say yes. Her eyes darted to the side before looking back at me and nodding. My body relaxed and I let out a deep breath.
I knew exactly where I would take her.
Chapter29
Clare
Icouldn’t believe Frankie was here. And Vicki knew. She totally led me here today after I had said I wish I could see him the other night at the bar. I might have had a few drinks… and told her I missed him.
But how did she know he worked here?
I was excited that he had found a job that made him smile in a way I never saw before. He told me all about the equipment and what he had been doing. He showed me his sketchbook. I didn't realize how talented he really was.
I asked if he had any new tattoos, and he laughed shaking his head. I didn't know what was funny until he realized I wasn't laughing.
“Oh, sorry I thought maybe you knew about shifters and tattoos?”
I shook my head. I might have some of my memories about shifters, but I didn't know that one. Jett and Mekhi had tattoos; I remember that. But I didn't know what was funny about shifters and tattoos.
