Enzo (Jinx Tattoos 1)

“Hmmm.”

They continued to talk and he couldn’t help but feel like he was purging fully for the first time. As a child, he’d held so many of his memories in. Now, all he wanted to do was get them out. Don’t give up on me, Aibhlinn. I’m working on it.

Aibhlinn

She pulled the navy blue and black cheetah print scarf closer to her neck and scanned the area. She loved Fountain Square during the holidays. The landmark bronze and granite two-tier statue of a woman holding out her arms had been around since eighteen-seventy-one. Designed to rival the masterpieces of Europe, the woman on the top of the statue appeared proud and strong, with outstretched hands that made her think of freedom. Waterfalls ran down from her fingertips into the lower basin where four figures sat around in classic poses, holding water vases.

Originally a drinking fountain, the fresh water pumping through made the act of drinking from the streams still possible. She loved that her new city was steeped in history, much like her hometown had been in Ireland. During the winter months, the water was cut off, a trail of lights were then hung from her fingertips, and around the basin. Everywhere she looked, she saw signs of Christmas. Giant wreaths with bright red bows hung on buildings; lights turned the trees into something from the land of faeries.

Over fifty booths surrounded the ice skating rink in the center of the plaza, emitting delicious scents and offering up unique handmade gifts. Hot chocolate and strudel were a holiday tradition she planned on sharing with Keir. She scanned the area for the Irishman. Over the past few months, she’d kept in contact with Enzo but rarely saw him in person. It was harder to distance herself when they were one-on-one, so all visits had been group events. It was painful but necessary.

Sophia, Keir, and her work had been godsends. She’d hooked up with a local author to work on an independent graphic novel that left her more time to peruse her interests. The big leagues demanded much more. Their timetables were shorter. The fans were critical and at times, downright vicious. They’d been fans of their favorite heroes since childhood. It made pleasing them harder. More often than not, she ended up traveling multiple times before completion. She loved her job, but right now it was slow down or burn out.

“Hey, love. Sorry to keep you waiting. It was hell to find a parking space tonight.”

She turned toward Keir and smiled. “No worries. I was enjoying the view.”

“It’s quite a sight,” Keir agreed with a grin.

Her stomach flipped. She’d been spending a lot of time with Keir over the past few months. It was easy with him—he understood her humor, her language, and they had the love of art in common. He’d made it no secret he was interested in more. So far, she’d resisted, but Irish men were notorious for their charm, and Kier especially, had it in spades. She’d enjoyed it. But tonight felt different. Things were shifting between them, and they were on the cusp of what could be considered dating.

“How’s your new sculpture coming along?” she asked, hooking her arm into his as they slowly did a lap around the square.

“Good. Everything here is so new. I feel inspired, and part of the longing for home works toward creativity, too. I’ve got an Emerald Isle theme going.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” she said.

“How’s your new contract going?”

“It’s fun. I love doing indie comic books. They’re always so interesting, creative, and fresh. It’s not the storylines I’ve grown up with.”

“Have you ever thought of making your own?”

She smiled. “I have. Never had the right story, though.”

“You should start working on one. I’ve seen your work. You’re brilliant, Aibhlinn.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere with me,” she chided.

“Simply speaking the truth.”

“Uh huh,” she replied as they paused to examine handcrafted wooden toys.

“My nephew, Patrick, would love this,” Keir said, picking up a small wooden train car with brightly painted red wheels.

“You could put your own design on it. Give it a hometown touch and then send it,” she suggested.

“Oh, you’re brilliant, love.” Keir purchased the train car with a smile and a sparkle in his eyes. He loved his family with a fierceness she couldn’t help but find sexy. There were a lot of things to like about him, and that’s what scared her. If she let herself, she could fall for this man.

“Where to next? There are so many booths to choose from,” Keir said.

“Well, there are two we have to hit. The Strudel Ship and the hot chocolate booth. So which would you like first?”

“Lady’s choice,” he said.

She laughed. “Oh no, not this time. You’re the first timer. I defer to you, in this case, sir.”

“Well it’s nippy out, so I say hot chocolate.”