He turns us both onto our sides so he can see my face, but continues to touch me. “I would love it if you’d tell me about the gorgeous ink on your back.”
I smile softly and turn my gaze to his own tattoos on his arm. I begin tracing the lines with my fingertips and softly tell him the story.
“My dad was crazy about my mom.” My finger traces a skull as I swallow over the lump forming in my throat. “They loved me very much, but they loved each other fiercely. Watching them together was like watching a fairy tale. I know that sounds trite, but there’s no other way to explain them.” I smile up at Ty. “When I was young, my dad planted lines and lines of rose of Sharon bushes along the property. He planted them himself,” I stress. “He didn’t have a gardener do it for him.”
My finger follows the circle of a yin-and-yang symbol as I remember the look on my mother’s face when the flowers would bloom in late summer.
“The flowers are colorful and delicate, just like her, he used to say. So when they died, it made sense to get the flowers for both of them.”
“Thank you,” he whispers. My eyes meet his. “For telling me about them. It makes the tattoo even more beautiful.”
“I miss them,” I whisper.
“I know. I’m sorry, baby.” He pulls me back into his arms and holds on tight. “Now, about Jack.”
I tense and try to pull away, but Ty keeps me in his grasp. “There’s really nothing more to talk about.”
“Yes, there is. I want you to file for an order of protection with the court.”
I stare up at him in surprise and then shake my head. “I can’t prove anything. All he does is threaten.”
“That’s what an order of protection is for. It’s to protect you from abuse, and that includes harassment and intimidation.”
“Ty,” I sigh loudly. “I appreciate that you want to protect me, but honestly . . .”
“I don’t know your whole history yet, Lo, but I can feel that he’s put his hands on you before.” I bite my lip, unable to answer him. “I want a legal document in place stating that he can’t come near you.”
“I don’t think it’ll make any difference. But if it’ll make you feel better, okay.”
He kisses my forehead and relaxes under me. “Thank you. Let’s sleep, baby.”
Baby.
“Hey, beautiful,” Ty whispers as he kisses my forehead. I pry my eyes open to find him smiling down at me.
“Hey, yourself,” I murmur. “Time is it?”
“It’s early. I have to go home and get ready for work, but I didn’t want to leave without saying good-bye.”
I push up to my knees and wrap my arms around his neck, bury my nose against his warm cheek, and squeeze him. “Thank you for last night. I had a great time.”
“I’m glad.” He pulls back and kisses my forehead and then my lips. “If I don’t leave now, I won’t leave at all.”
“Okay, stay.” I smile.
“You’re too tempting.” He chuckles. “But I only have to work half the day today. You’ll hear from me later.”
“Looking forward to it,” I murmur.
He settles me back onto the bed and waves as he leaves the room. “Go back to bed, and don’t forget to eat today.”
“Yes, sir!” I call after him.
I hear him laugh as he descends the stairs.
CHAPTER
Seven
When my doorbell rings at noon, I’ve finished writing two chapters, caught up on my e-mail, and signed five hundred books for my publisher.
Apparently, a good night’s sleep helps productivity.
When I open the door, a huge bouquet of red roses with pink Stargazer lilies greets me, along with Mr. Feldman from the flower shop.
“I have a delivery for you, Lauren.” He grins and passes the large vase with the heavy blooms over to me. “Have a nice day.” He tips his hat and skips down to his van as I take the fragrant bouquet to the kitchen and pull the card from its plastic holder buried in the blooms.
Last night was amazing. The gala was fun too. Meet me at Frontier Park, north side of the bridge, at 5:00.—Ty
What does that man have up his sleeve? Aside from that sexy-as-hell tattoo?
With a quick check of the clock, I realize I have plenty of time to take a quick shower and drive to the courthouse to file the order of protection against Jack before walking over to the park. It’s not far from my house.
The process at the courthouse is quick and smooth, and Susan, the court clerk, doesn’t even bat an eye when she hands me the appropriate paperwork to fill out and submit to the judge. Relieved that it’s over, and a bit nervous about what Jack’s reaction is going to be, I return to the house, park, and set off on foot for my date with Ty.