Ivory closes the distance between us slamming her mouth onto mine. Her lips bruise with the force of which she kisses me. Her kiss is desperate and wild. A door slamming breaks the moment and Ivory rests her forehead against mine.
“I know what tattoo I want.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. I’ve known for a long time too, Preston. Well, first, it took a minute to admit it to myself.”
I recall overhearing her in San Ignacio telling the girls she thought she was in love with me. She hinted at it in Corozal too but she still needs to give me the words. I know she loves me. It’s in every touch, smile, look, and interaction we have. I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear the words until she says them.
“I love you. If I am being honest with myself, I fell in love with you in that house on Long Caye too. I was stubborn. And scared. Definitely scared. I couldn’t have survived the last three months without you. I’m glad I didn’t have to figure out how. I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you. You love me for me. Youtreat me like I’ve always dreamed to be treated. Your unwavering support and encouragement. All of it. God, Preston, I’m so in love with you, it hurts.”
“It’s not supposed to hurt, Hollywood.”
“It’s the thought of living without you that hurts.”
“Distance and life without me are two different things. We might be physically apart but I’m not leaving you.” Kissing her again, I pour every bit of purpose and meaning into her. “Ever.”
“Ready for me to get started?” A silent groan works through me at tattoo guy’s interruption. He could not have chosen a worse moment to come back. I wish we were alone right now.
Giving Ivory a heated look, I whisper, “Tonight.”
Chills break out across her arms at my words, the tiny hairs standing at attention.
“I’m going to get the same tattoo.”
“Easy enough.”
Tattoo guy loads up the tattoo gun with ink and begins tracing the stenciled numbers. Ivory settles beside me and holds my hand. My tattoo is finished quickly and then Ivory lays on the table to get hers. She decides to get the coordinates tattooed along her ribcage at her bra line. It took all my willpower not to lose my shit when Ivory lifted her tank top for tattoo guy to get started.
“You couldn’t have chosen somewhere a little less intimate?” Tattoo guy is getting an eyeful of underboob. My underboob.
“You said close to your heart right?” The humor in Ivory’s eyes tells me she is enjoying my caveman reaction and intended to toy with me. “If I got it anywhere else, it wouldn’t be as meaningful. I could have put it where you got yours.” She raises her eyebrow until it registers that tattoo guy would have gotten a handful of her whole boob if she got the tattoo above her heart. I clench my jaw as he finishes but don’t say anything else.
“Done.” He holds a mirror out to Ivory so she can see the finished product. It’s dainty enough that it suits her.
After some autographs and promises to recommend the shop once we are home, we leave the tattoo shop with our brand new matching tattoos and Ivory’s “I love you” playing on repeat in my head.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Ivory
June 9
Pulling up my shirt, I catch the fresh ink in the mirror still in shock I got a tattoo. Almost as shocking as confessing my love for Preston in a tattoo shop in front of a fan but I wouldn’t change it. The tattoo was the last straw. I couldn’t deny my feelings any longer. He had to know that his love was reciprocated. To anyone else it would have been an odd confession but it was perfect for us. Something that I have realized is beautiful all on its own.
We don’t have to be perfect for society’s standards.Idon’t have to be. It’s good enough to be perfect forhim. For us to be perfect for each other. It's not settling. It’s not a sacrifice. It’s acknowledgement of the one who feels your soul. The one who was made for you.
Did I believe in soulmates before I met Preston Fields? I’m not sure I did. But what I can say is that Preston is my match. My equal. My biggest support. My greatest adventure. And I wouldn’t trade how I met him or how our love happened for anything.
Preston cages me into the bathroom counter in front of me.I lean into him automatically and he rests his chin on my head as he stares at me in the reflection of the mirror. “What are you looking at?”
“You.” A rosy blush rises on my cheeks at Preston’s words. “I’ll never get tired of looking at you.”
“I can’t believe we leave tomorrow.” We haven’t vocalized that our time together is officially coming to an end. My emotions are all over the place.
“Tomorrow is not today. Get lost with me just a while longer, Hollywood.”
“Okay.” Tipping my head up, my lips meet Preston’s in a quick kiss.
