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His shoulders hike up when I call, “Look at that fine man!Poetry in motion and all mine. Yum yum!”

He graces me with a glare over his shoulder as his steps speed up.

“You look good running, too!”

When he disappears around a building, I sigh, my joy quickly deflating. Part of me didn't want him to leave, so this wouldn’t happen. Now I’m alone with my thoughts again.

Maybe he was right about waiting. I don’t want him feeling used.

It pisses me off that he might have been more accurate with my mood than I was. The burning arousal still lurking around makes it worse.

I take a look at my phone to see what I missed earlier and turn the ringer back on.

Asher: Night after tomorrow. Six. The diner.

I grin, my frustration falling away to be replaced with hope.

Cold or not, my brother is still a believer in me. It makes things look a little brighter.

I give him a thumbs-up and a raccoon emoji.

Chapter Six

Adelaide

First thing in the morning at the shop, we get a couple who want matching tattoos. Damon takes the husband, and I tattoo the tiny koi on the wife’s wrist. When they hold hands, the two fish look like they’re circling each other.

We’ve just finished up and sent them on their way when Poe comes in looking pissed.

“Oh no, you don’t,” I snap my gloves off with a frown.

Poe glances up, confused. When he sees my glare, his eyes narrow on me. He crosses his arms and plants his feet.

“You walk out and come back in happy to see me, junkyard dog.” I shake my finger at him sternly.

“I have to go to LA.”

I blink at him, my heart dropping at the news paired with his disgruntled expression.

My first instinct is to grab onto him and not let go. I want him with me, not running off to another state.

That’s a bit crazy for a one-day-old relationship. I need to keep that under wraps until it’s too late for him to run.

“To live?” I press with a raised eyebrow of mockery.

“No,” he frowns at me. “For work.”

“Then stop being pissed. I’ll be right here when you get back.” I brush it off and start cleaning. Trying to distract myself from the sudden what-if thoughts.

He’ll be in another state. He takes pictures of super-hot models or scenery. He’s told Damon that. I’m dying to know which it will be this time, and not bold enough to ask. Nobody likes a whiny girlfriend.

I notice Damon’s glare and give him a defensive shrug.

I’m trying to hide the fact that I don’t want him to go. Putting on a brave face won’t hurt him.

Poe stomps toward me with a glower, and Damon decides he needs to get himself a snack. He practically sprints to the back office, but I notice he leaves the door cracked so he can listen.

Poe doesn’t spin my chair to force me to face him. He leans over me like a waiting thunderstorm.