Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“I don’t mind.” Eric leaned over and patted my leg. “And late summer is a terrible time to buy real estate. Take your time. And if you need a trip to clear your head, the kids and I could watch the dogs.”
“Thanks.” Clear my head. I hadn’t considered a getaway until he said it, but now I wanted even a short trip in the worst way. And I wanted to ask Eric to come with me. I could find another dog sitter, but there weren’t many people whose company I enjoyed more. But a trip together would be a step too far in this friendship and would likely set the gossip mill churning. “Funny how right now, somewhere cooler sounds wonderful, but another few months, and I’ll be wishing for some place warmer.”
Eric nodded thoughtfully. “Guess the lesson is to stay in the moment, be happy with what we’ve got.”
“Yep.” I flipped over my left forearm to reveal my carpe diem tattoo. “Live for today.”
“I like the lettering on that one. You certainly have quite the collection of ink.” His cheeks darkened like he’d noticed more than the average tattoo enthusiast, which I liked. I wanted him to notice me. And like when he ate, the way he could pick out small details and nuances made me feel truly seen. “Love the shading on that koi fish one of yours.”
“I like getting new tats in cities I visit, but it’s also another form of stress relief. I should get in the chair soon, clear the clutter from my brain like you suggested. Where did you go for yours?” I asked the question lightly, but next to me, Eric stiffened.
“Place in Portland. Not that I don’t trust anyone local, but I didn’t want gossip or to discuss it with someone I know socially or professionally.”
“I can see that.” I went with a more soothing tone, but he stayed tense. “Some things are private. Personal.”
“It’s silly, actually.” Potatoes abandoned, Eric leaned forward, hands on knees. “The whole first year after he passed, I thought about getting a memorial tattoo for Montgomery, but he was never a fan of ink. Not exactly the tribute he would choose.”
“Tattoos are also about the person wearing them,” I said gently. “Or even the experience of getting it.”
“Yeah. It took me a while to get there in my thinking. I still feel silly having done it largely for myself.” Eric rolled back up to sitting, a feline stretch. “But after Montgomery died, I kept dreaming about being in a big maze. So that’s what I got. A maze. A labyrinth. Not to find him again, but a path forward to finding myself.”
He lifted the edge of his shirt, revealing the tattoo I’d only glimpsed in our prior encounter.
“That’s far from silly.” I traced the edge of the labyrinth with my index finger. “It’s profound. And gorgeous.”
“Thanks.” He abruptly dropped his T-shirt and stood. “Another beer?”
“Nah.” I stood as well, glancing at the house behind us. The kitchen was the only light on. “House seems quiet.”
I wasn’t sure if the tattoo talk had ruined the chance for sex or not, so I didn’t walk to the door. Instead, I bent to pet the dogs, trying for casually hopeful vibes.
“Yeah, Diesel’s working a night shift. Maren went to sleep hours ago. John is camping again because it’s one of the last weekends before football camp starts. Wren’s light flipped off a little before you came in.” He gestured at the kitchen door. “If you’re still interested in showering here…”
“Oh, I’m interested.” I couldn’t follow him fast enough, but I tried to be mindful of the sleeping household as we crept toward the guestroom where I’d spent the first few nights after the fire.
To my surprise, the bed was made with entirely different linens and a blue comforter. The boxes of winter clothes were gone, and one of Eric’s uniform shirts hung on a hanger on the bathroom door.
“Have you been sleeping in here?” I didn’t want to make too big a deal out of this, but it kind of was a big deal, another step forward out of that maze he’d been in. “You finally made the move?”
Blushing, he mumbled something I couldn’t quite make out.
“What?” I prompted, giving him a teasing poke to the arm. “Fess up.”
“Bed smelled like you. The room no longer looks like a memory either. It was time.” His eyes asked me not to keep teasing, so I simply nodded.
“I’m glad.” I headed toward the attached bathroom. “Gives us more plausible deniability for being in here.”
“I’m not sure any of our kids would buy water conservation or any other tall tale. But we can be fast. And quiet.” He locked the bathroom door behind us and flipped on the fan.
“I like a man who plans ahead.” I pulled him in for a kiss. “And not too fast. I’ve waited all damn week for this.”