I stall, and it causes him to turn his body to me. That shallow feeling in my stomach returns, but it feels more faded than recent weeks. “I really don’t want anything to change between my dad and me.”
Connor reaches up to tuck a few strands of my hair behind my ear before running his fingers along my arm. “Then it won’t. It’s up to you.”
“It’s just with the truth there and having told him how I feel, I’m not sure we can bury this all. Am I overthinking this?” I try to string my thoughts together.
“Hadley, you can bury something, but it will always be there in the spot that you left it. Instead, we do things to prove that we’ve moved forward, and then what you buried suddenly feels less heavy and behind a hidden wall. You’re staying married to me, that shows we’ve moved forward, hasn’t it?”
My lips press together because I admire his thoughts. I would never in my wildest dreams have anticipated him having this train of thought, but he’s a lot more than a hockey dude and the former villain of my life.
I step to him and rest my hand on his shoulder while his arm snakes around my middle. “I’m kind of lucky to have you, but I think you realize that.”
Connor tips his nose up in a cool kind of nod of recognition.
“The past few days and the ability to clear my head a bit has me realizing that I do want to move forward. Spencer is my dad in all ways,” I declare with ease.
Connor’s face softens. “That’s wonderful to hear.”
“I just need to find the key to help us confirm that.”
Connor brings his arm around my shoulders, and we continue to walk. “You’ll think of something.”
It’s a few blocks farther when we are confronted with a tattoo parlor, one that I’ve read about with rave reviews. I pull on Connor’s arm, indicating for him to stop.
“I want a tattoo.”
His eyes nearly bug out. “As in… now… or…”
I chuckle and lick my lips. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while. Remember? Vegas? I was going to get one there but got really sidetracked.”
Connor indicates for me to stop. “Watch it, Wifey, you gained a husband, which I consider the best sidetrack shenanigans there are.”
A bright smile spreads on my mouth. “Couldn’t agree more.” I interlink our arms and guide us straight to the door. “But I still want my tattoo, and this place is supposed to be phenomenal. Just a small one, a special one.”
It makes sense for me. This isn’t a spontaneous thought, but the meaning has changed.
I get yanked back when I realize that Connor isn’t following me. Glancing to my side, I see that he appears nervous or agitated, with his feet rooted down. “Are you okay?”
“Why don’t I just wait out here?” he offers.
“If they can see me now without an appointment, then it might be a good hour.”
“I’ll go grab a drink or pick out some souvenirs, I don’t know. Anything other than looking at needles.”
My face blazes with realization. “How did I not know that you’re afraid of needles?”
He shrugs. “No big deal. I mean, you should do this. It’s in an appropriate spot? I won’t need to punch the artist after because he’s seen your pussy or something, right?”
I giggle and point the side of my wrist. “Won’t even see me half-naked,” I promise.
Connor leans in and kisses my cheek. “I’ll be waiting for you then.”
I grab the back of his neck and yank him forward so I can crash my lips onto his in a bruising kiss. He deserves more than a delicate kiss goodbye. I slip my tongue in and swirl while I press my body against his, holding us tight. “Go pick out something for tonight when I can’t touch the bandage of my tattoo but can lie in bed at your mercy,” I purr.
That puts him in a good mood.
* * *
Sittingin the hammock next to our hotel room, Connor stares down, hypnotized by the clear bandage as we sit side by side with our feet on the ground and the sunset fast approaching.
