Page 88 of Stay With Me

“You got it.” I pull back and yank it over my head. I left my jacket in my truck, but I don’t mind the cold because as soon as her eyes land on my chest, fire burns in her eyes.

“Is that—” She squints, leaning in closer. “A sunflower tattoo?”

She brushes a finger underneath Billy’s inked name and confusion covers her face.

“I don’t remember seeing that before.”

“The birth and death dates written underneath his name had the wrong years, but I didn’t realize it until after it healed. So instead of trying to get it fixed and risk it turnin’ out worse, I decided to just cover it up with something better.”

“With asunflower…” Her baffled expression is adorable. She really has no idea how long I’ve liked her. “When did you get it?”

I brush a finger down her cheek. “About two years ago, after you told me that Sunny was your favorite nickname from me.”

She swallows hard as she continues examining the design. Abouquet of sunflowers lies below Billy’s name like a decorative signature.

“I liked what you said about sunflowers and how they were a sign of positivity, happiness, and hope. Figured I could use some of that in my life.” I shrug.

She finally meets my eyes. “You never told me.”

“I didn’t tell anyone.”

“Not even Landen?”

“Nope.”

“I can’t wrap my head around this, Tripp. Why would you get my favorite flower tattooed on your skin? And twoyearsago? I still thought you could hardly stand being around me or only put up with me because I was Noah’s best friend.”

“That was me tryin’ to keep my distance because you were on and off with Travis, and I knew Landen liked you, so you were off-limits. I thought if I stayed guarded and put you in the friend zone, you’d stop flirtin’ with me, and I’d stop liking you.” I smirk, plucking her bottom lip between my thumb and finger. “My feelings never faded, though.”

Something passes in her eyes, almost like a flinch, but she quickly recovers, so I don’t question it.

“Even after you thought we’d never have a chance, you still did it?” she asks.

I hold her face in my hands and smile down at her. “Yeah, Sunny. No matter what did or didn’t happen between us, I liked the thought of having you close to me.”

“Tripp Hollis.” The corners of her eyes well with tears, and I quickly brush my thumb across her cheeks before they can fall. “That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. And now I kinda hate you for it because how am I ever gonna compete with that?”

With a grin, I dip down and capture her pouty lips. “You could get a tattoo of my handprint on your ass cheek.”

“I won’t be able to show anyone if it’s there.”

I cock a brow. “Exactly.”

“Please tell me you aren’t takin’ me to some archery place. Because I really think axe-throwing was my limit on arm strength.”

I glance over at her in the passenger seat and chuckle. “No, don’t worry. That’s more of a fifth date kinda thing.”

“Oh good, remind me to be sick that day.”

Leaning over, I squeeze her thigh. “You’re such a brat.”

“I thought you liked that specific trait of mine,” she muses with a cheeky grin.

I cup her chin while keeping one eye on the road. “Only if I’m allowed to give out punishments for saidtrait.”

“Hmm…well, how else would I get your handprint on my ass for that tattoo?”

My eyes darken at the thought of someone else seeing her there. “Yeah, I change my mind. No one sees your bare ass except me.”