Page 16 of Taste of Surrender

“I’m a man now, right?” He rolled his eyes at his brother.

I chuckled. “Yeah, you are.”

The artist returned with the sketches of the crescent moons, and Jasper and I exchanged a glance before nodding our approval. As he settled into the chair, I gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“You got this,” I whispered.

“You sure about a crescent moon, Jasper?” Jesse asked. “Once it’s on, it’s on.”

Jasper looked at me as he responded, “I’m sure. Let’s do it.”

The buzzing of the tattoo gun started as the artist got to work on the moon on his wrist. I watched his face closely, ready to offer distraction or comfort if needed. But to my surprise, he didn’t flinch as each press of the needle marked his skin.

“You good?” I asked.

Jasper nodded. “Yep. Just feels like I’m being scratched.”

“Yeah.” I grinned. “Maybe your next one will be bigger.”

“I’m not sure I’ll get another one.”

I snorted a laugh. “Sure you will. You’ll get the bug.”

Once the artist finished up, Jasper admired the new ink on the inside of his right wrist, a grin spreading across his face.“Thanks, man,” he said, turning to me. “And thanks for helping me stay calm.”

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “No problem. Anytime.”

With Jasper’s tattoo done, it was my turn next. I settled into the chair, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. But as the tattoo gun started up, and I felt the familiar sting of the needle against the inside of my left wrist, I knew that every time I looked at the moon, I’d think of the guy I shared stolen kisses with.

Later that night,after we pigged out on Chinese takeout, we sang “Happy Birthday” to the birthday boy, then ate cake. Even though I spent most of my time at their house, it was the first time I stayed for Jasper’s birthday celebration. No one questioned why, since I was always welcome there and felt like part of the family.

“Oh, honey,” Mrs. B said to Jasper. “Are you going to show us your new tattoo?”

Jesse snorted a laugh and Jasper’s eyes met mine. I smiled at him and gave him a slight nod.

“Sure.” He moved the sleeve of his long T-shirt up his arm, exposing the tattoo that was covered with plastic wrap around his wrist. He lifted it to reveal the crescent moon.

“Malachi got the same one,” Jesse continued mockingly.

“I’d offered because Jasper was a little nervous,” I clarified.

“Aw, that was sweet of you.” Mrs. B beamed.

“Why a crescent moon?” Mr. B asked.

Jasper’s eyes widened, and I knew he didn’t know what to say, so I answered with a shrug of my shoulder as though it wasno big deal. “It was just something small. Figured it was best to get something that didn’t take a long time to do.”

“I didn’t know he was such a baby,” Jesse teased.

“Shut up!” Jasper glared at his brother.

“It can always be added to or covered up,” I went on.

“Maybe you should have just given your brother the money instead of making him mark his body,” Mrs. B said to Jesse.

“Meh. He’ll live.” Jesse stuck the last bite of his cake into his mouth.

After the cake, we gathered in the living room to watch an action movie Jasper had picked. He and I sat next to each other on one couch, Jesse lounged on the floor, not watching the movie as his focus stayed on his phone, and their parents were on the other sofa next to us.