Enzo (Jinx Tattoos 1)

“More proof I’m good for you, Aibhlinn Leahy.”

She turned her head, and her breath hitched. Had he always been standing so close? His breath was cloudy and white, and a mixture of sweet and mint. The smell of cologne teased her nostrils; it was something dark and woodsy. Leaning in, she inhaled deeply. His eyes dilated, and she could see the intent to move closer. Shit. “You smell good. What is that?”

“Wonderwood,” he answered.

She stepped back. “I think it is strudel time.” She spun on her heel, trusting he was following her as she made a beeline for the closest garbage can. Dumping her cup, she turned to see Keir behind her studying her with his dark brown eyes.

“I’m getting to you, aren’t I?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Mmm-hmm, are we playing that game, then? All right. I’ll play along,” he drawled.

She cleared her throat. “Fresh strudel?”

He nodded. He let her drop the subject, but the knowing smirk said he wouldn’t forget the almost kiss. They wove their way through the crowd and joined the lengthy line. Tension built between them, stretching tauter by the second. He stood close enough for her to share his warmth and his scent was becoming intoxicating.

Her face felt hot. She tugged at her scarf to allow the cool air to quench the fire. He was cracking the wall she’d built up and creeping his way inside. Is that really so bad? Enzo was working on getting himself healthy. Shouldn’t she do the same? There was nothing wrong with casual dating. Dating with this man could never be casual, though ... The attraction between them was too strong. Her mother loved Keir, and seeing her with the son of one of her childhood friends would tickle Colleen Leahy pink. Maybe this is the reason it never worked with Enzo. She tried to weigh the pros and cons, but life was too unpredictable to fit inside a box. Sophia adored him. Her bestie had formed an instant crush when they all got together to bowl. The two had connected and become fast friends, and Sophia was rooting for him.

Their turn came in line, and she eyed the golden brown pastries packed full of delicious fruit. “Can I get a slice of the apple strudel, please?” she asked. Her mouth watered as the vendor handed over a thick slice. The glaze on the apples, visible through the slits of the crisscross design the baked good had been formed into, was picture perfect. She took her prize and stepped to the side while Keir ordered. She smirked when he chose raspberry. That was her second favorite.

“I hope this lives up to the hype,” he said.

“It will, trust me,” she replied, taking a bite. The crisp exterior and gooey center exploded in the flavor of cinnamon and sweetness. She hummed. Is it possible for this to get better every year? She closed her eyes, chewing slowly. She was a sucker for baked goods, and her hips and arse showed it. Opening her eyes, she covered her mouth to speak. “What do you think?”

“I’ll admit it’s pretty good,” he said.

She snorted. “Pretty good? It’s amazing.”

He laughed. “Okay, okay, it’s amazing.”

She nodded her head. “Much better, Keir.”

“You have something just there,” he said, brushing the side of his lip.

She did the same. “Did I get it?”

“No,” he murmured, leaning forward to wipe the corner of her mouth. His thumb brushed her bottom lip.

She gasped and he pressed their lips together. Her lips tingled.

“Hey, Aibhlinn, fancy seeing you here.”

The familiar voice made her heart sink. She glanced around Keir to see blazing blue eyes. “Enzo,” she whispered.

Keir turned around and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Good to see you again. It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has.” Enzo stared at the arm looped around her waist. “I see a lot’s changed.”

“I’m working on it,” Keir said.

“Hmmm,” Enzo replied. His eyes were on fire, and his scowl was black.

She mentally cringed. He’s pissed.

“Hey, Aibhlinn,” Silas said, drawing her attention to him and his brother.

“Hey, guys. Keir, these are Enzo’s brothers, Silas and Rhys. Guys, this is my friend Keir. He works with my mother at the gallery.”