That makes me chuckle too. This girl. She just gets me. “Who knows, eh? Maybe I’ll even name it after you.”
Don’t ask me where I got the balls to flirt with that one-liner. It’s the godawful truth, though. If I could ever build something so grand as another wonder, I’d name it after her.
Mabel winks, flirting back. “Very much appreciated.”
She reaches for another white chocolate and hands me one. I take it and our fingers brush. I think my heart skipped a beat. “How is your cheek feeling?”
Mabel touches the tender spot and sighs. “It’s fine. Nothing some good concealer and colour correcting can’t fix.”
The ice is practically melted in the cup. I gesture with my hand for her to give it. She does and I set it down on the far side of the bench where we won’t accidentally knock it over.
When I turn my attention back to her, she’s staring at my tattoos.
“Can I?” Mabel asks, biting her bottom lip.
I nod and she slides down the bench until our thighs are nearly touching.
My heart is now in overdrive, dancing with pure happiness.
“Wow.” Her fingers feather over my right arm, tracing the sword. Most of my tattoos represent symbols from my favourite novels. “It’s so intricate and beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I shiver at her gentle touch.
Grabbing my left wrist, she extends my arm and gazes at the scenic landscape of a fictional world. She marvels over the detailing.
The low light above our heads casts an angelic glow over Mabel’s face as she concentrates on my art. Her brows knit and her lips pucker in an endearing manner.
When a curtain of her dark hair falls forward as she leans in to get a better look, I’m helpless to tuck it behind her ear.
A shot of electricity crackles between us and Mabel gasps, lifting her head.
My own inhale is sharp.
We’re mere centimeters away from each other, breathing the same air.
It’s exhilarating.
“You’re so…beautiful,” I murmur, my tone timid. “I wanted to tell you when I first saw you.” With my free hand, I gently cup her face and skim the pad of my thumb over her cheek. “Took my breath away, Bel.”
Mabel’s eyes soften, her lips parting. “Lee…”
She’s still holding my wrist in her hand. There’s no doubt she can feel how fast my pulse beats.
For her.
Always.
Then something causes her expression to scrunch and she says accusingly, “What did you just call me?”
Oh, fuck.
Mabel
I’m not crazy.
I swear I heard it.
Bel.
