“Can I go watch TV?” Rylee signed with sluggish movements that let me know the TV would likely be watching her before long.
“Yes, go put your book bag on the table, then wash your hands and see what Joy left you for a snack.”
While I dumped my purse and the few shopping bags I brought in on the table, Rylee did what I asked then darted my way holding up a Ziplock bag that held small, round orange circles that had my stomach grumbling. Rylee and I both loved Joy’s homemade cheese straws. Well, technically, cheese circles since she made them round instead of oblong.
“Don’t eat the whole bag,”I signed.
She gripped the bag in a way that allowed her to respond.“These are mine. She put my name on it. The rest are on the counter.”
“Fine, but you have to promise to eat all of your dinner.”
“I will,” she signed and took off running, heading upstairs. I moved to the kitchen, washed my hands, then snagged a handful for myself, popping the first one into my mouth before trying to locate Ryland.
I started upstairs and didn’t find him, then headed to the basement. I grinned at the sight of him sitting on the sofa, head back, arms folded over his chest, out cold. I kicked off my sandals and made my way to Ryland, climbing onto his lap. My goal was not to wake him, but the minute he felt my weight, his arms unfolded and closed around me. A lazy smile eased onto his handsome face at the same time his eyes peeled open.
“How long you been here?” he asked, looking exhausted.
I had two cheese circles left, so I ate one then held the other up for him. When his lips parted, accepting the offering, I placed it into his mouth and created enough space to move my hands.
“Just got here. How long you been asleep?”
He swallowed before answering. “Not long.”
“You’re tired.”I searched his face.
“I’m fine. Where’s Rylee?”
“Watching TV or maybe sleep. Those tests are kicking her ass.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, they’re taking her down.” He moved his hands up my back and brushed his fingers over the exposed skin. Today was warm for spring, so I was in a burgundy, floor length sundress that dipped to the small of my back. “How was your day?”
“Good.”My eyes not so discreetly shifted to my hand. When he looked down, I made a fist to hide the tattoo.
“Why you looking all shady? What’s up?”
“I did something today.”He watched my hands as I signed but was frowning so damn hard he hadn’t paid attention to them or my wrist.
“What?”
I lifted my hand and he lowered his eyes again, but this time grabbed my wrist just below the design. I said a silent prayer because it was still a little sore. He examined my finger, smiling big as hell after he realized what it was.
“You got inked?”
I nodded, then turned my wrist, offering a better view of the tattoo that had Parks with his number inked beneath on the inside of my wrist.
“You got my number.”
“Yes.”
“You know that’s permanent, right?”
“We’re permanent.”
He smirked, gripped the back of my neck, and kissed me roughly. “Very fucking permanent.”
“Good because this hurts like hell. I don’t think I could survive getting it covered.”
“You’re not getting a damn thing covered and I got a few more places I want my name on you.”
