Setting down my chopsticks, I make sure I have Paige’s attention when I reply. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I was out of line. Then again, as I told you that night with Jeffrey Asshat Morgan, no one deserves to be disrespected, and after what you told me about your dinner last night, I was worried that he wouldn’t take no for an answer.” I pause, trying to figure out how to word the next thing I want to say. In the end, I decide the truth is the easiest. “And we may not be in a relationship, but I care about you, Paige.”
That shuts her up.
After that, the conversation shifts to more neutral topics. It surprises me how much we have in common. For someone who claims to have lived a sheltered life, Paige’s intelligence and natural curiosity have created a woman with varied interests and opinions. I don’t remember the last time I had this kind of a connection with a woman. Normally, the priority is getting naked as fast as possible. But with Paige, I want to know more about her. I want to know everything.
When we leave the restaurant, we set off along the cobblestone streets of Gastown. The old steam powered clock blows, and we both pause to listen to it.
“What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but think you never will?”
Fall in love.
My gut response to Paige’s question is one I keep to myself. It’s a secret I don’t plan on ever sharing. The truth is, I know love and a family is not for me. Even if there wasn’t the whole fear of losing someone I care about again, there’s also the fact that, with Ryder being my identical twin, the chance of me having cancer in the future is higher than normal. And there is absolutely no way I could subject the person I love to the grief that comes from losing their partner.
“Get a pet.”
Paige cocks her head at me quizzically. “That’s a very generic response. I must admit, I am surprised; I expected you to name an extreme sport or some sort of dangerous activity. May I enquire why you feel you will never have a pet?”
I shrug. The reason is similar to the one behind my secret response. “Losing people you’re close to is really hard. I imagine losing a pet would be hard, too. Not the same, but still. Why set myself up for that grief?”
Paige tucks her hand into the crook of my elbow. “That seems a very pessimistic outlook, yet I can understand your reasoning. However, I must point out that death is a fact of life. Coming to terms with mortality is important if you want to achieve true peace in life.”
“What’s your impossible thing you’ve always wanted?” I ask, hoping to change the subject. Paige is dangerously intuitive.
She seems to think about it for a while, so I’m expecting her response to be something deep and esoteric.
“Get a tattoo.”
I come to a stop and face her. “Really? That’s your big thing?”
“Yes. I have always wanted a particular quote as a tattoo, but I doubt I will ever be in a position to actually have it completed by a trustworthy artist.”
My mind starts working instantly. “Do you trust me?”
“You keep asking me that, have I not proven by now that I do?” Well, fuck, that feels good to hear.
“Then give me two minutes.”
Her brow crinkles slightly, but she nods. I pull out my phone and send off a quick message to Rocco, the tattooist I have always used. He’s a great guy, and if there’s anyone I would pick to put their hands and their ink on Paige, it’s him. Thankfully, he’s more than happy to do me a favour and says we should come right over. His shop is a couple of blocks over, so when I pocket my phone, I give Paige a huge grin.
“Are you ready?”
“For what?” she asks cautiously, but I see excitement dancing in her eyes.
“For your impossible thing. My guy Rocco will do your tattoo right now.”
For a moment Paige just stands there, her mouth gaping open and closed like a fish. I start to worry that I made a mistake, and she’s going to refuse. Then slowly, she smiles, and it’s the biggest, brightest smile I’ve ever seen.
“Let’s go.”
I give her my answering grin and we head off down the street to Rocco’s shop. He’s technically closed, but he unlocks the door and ushers us right in. Introductions are made, and we all head down a short hall lined with incredible artwork, to Rocco’s room.
“Okay, pretty lady, what am I putting on you? Wyatt says this is your first time.”
Paige nods eagerly. “Yes, this will be my first, and most likely, only tattoo. I know exactly what I want. Do you have some font styles I could look at?”
Rocco hands her a small album and her hair cascades around her face as she pores over it. He looks at me, eyebrows raised, and an unspoken message passes between us. Yeah, she’s hot. Yeah, she’s with me, so back off.
Pretty soon they’ve decided on a font, and I’m burning with curiosity to hear what she wants done. But then she lifts her shirt and turns to the side and I’m struck dumb by the smooth expanse of skin she’s revealing. My mouth legit starts to salivate at the idea of running my hands and my mouth over her body.
