Page 39 of Lost & Found

We’d had enough weird conversations. I didn’t need to bring flowers into the mix. But it was always the dark cocoa and Chantilly cream combination that made her irresistible. I wanted to fucking nibble on her.

My gaze once more shifted to her face. It was locked in concentration as she inked me. My chest tightened. Things had gotten considerably more complicated since that night in my room. I blamed the list. And speaking of the damned thing.

“So last we spoke, you had nine slots filled. You promised to complete the remaining ones on your own. For accountability purposes where do we stand?”

“I only have a few spots left,” she said, looking confident.

A half-smile played over her lips. She paused to gently wipe the excess ink from my arm. Her expression changed, getting more serious as she looked down. It softened once more, and I bit back the smart-ass remark I was going to say. And I was glad I did.

“I was hoping you could help me with some. I’m fresh out of ideas.”

“Well, seeing as I don’t know which ones you recently added, maybe we should review them.”

“It’s in my bag.” She notched her head and pulled the gun back, allowing me to reach inside. “And can I say I hope the message of the card isn’t an omen? I’m not sure dumpster fire adventures are my thing.”

“It was all I had. You do know you can re-type it,” I teased.

She shrugged. “Nah, just promise me you won’t let it become one and we’ll be good.”

“I hereby promise no dumpster fires. Okay, so let’s see, the new ones are.” I cleared my throat, pausing as I skimmed through them. My eyes froze on numbers five, seven, and twelve. I groaned loudly, startling her.

“Don’t do that. You scared me,” she admonished, hitting my thigh. “What?”

“Nothing. I’m trying to take it all in. Participate in game night? You are aware of how intense those can be, right?”

“I thought it could be a good way to loosen up for you know…number three.”

I shook my head. “If you say so.”

Damn. Hopefully Marcel could talk her out of that one. It was foolish to fuck a stranger. Switching my focus to the other two, I flashed her my most winning smile.

“Now I’m touched deeply by your choice of number seven. Learn to dance.”

“What can I say? You inspired me. Of course, it won’t be anything magical, more like awkward as hell. But if I’m going to make an ass out of myself, at least you love me.” Her face turned crimson, and she stammered as I grinned. “I mean, we’re brother and sister, after all.”

“Except we’re not.”

“You do realize I have a weapon in my hand, right? And with free rein I’m tempted to tattoo that dick on you. And before you try to offer to model for me, don’t. It’ll only piss me off more,” she rushed on as I opened my mouth. “I’ll make it a micro-peen and put a tiny ‘free use’ sign hanging off the non-existent tip.”

I burst out laughing. “I’m teasing you. I know our boundaries. I just meant when we do that whole pretend thing, we will have to shift our thinking a bit.” I turned serious. “I’m proud of number six. I was going to suggest it, but didn’t want to push my luck.”

“Seriously? You always push your luck with me.”

“When it comes to your artwork, I know the depths of it and what it means. I would never tease you about that, ever. But I’ll be honest, I can’t wait to see the piece you enter into the exhibit.”

Her face relaxed, and she nodded. “Hopefully Marcel will be proud of it. I know the girls aren’t allowed to help, but some of them are inspired by them in one way or another.”

“Let me guess, Kinsley’s is game night?”

“Yes.” She flushed, her tongue made a quick appearance, catching my eye. I would have to ensure that I was there that night. No way did I want to miss out on seeing her in that element.

“And Victoria’s?”

“Well, number two honestly has her name written all over it. You know she is almost done with her manuscript. She actually wrote a spicy, second-chance romance with a fantasy twist. Or maybe it’s a fairy-tale retelling. I’ll have to get clarification on that and get back to you.”

“You could always re-enact a scene from it.”

“I’d have to read it first. I’m not sure she’s ready for that.” She frowned, going all serious on me. With her new bangs framing her face, she looked like she was pouting.