“Grades in?” he asks.
I nod.
“What’d you get?”
“An A.”
“You’re on your way.” He motions to the plate of pancakes. “Blow it out.”
“Do you really make a wish for this?”
“Yeah.”
“Says who?”
“Me.”
“Fair enough.”
God, the pride in his eyes. It does something to me.
It makes the world into a beautiful place.
I let my eyelids flutter together, I lean in, and I make a wish.
I want to have him forever.
I blow the candle out.
“I know you’re gonna leave soon.” He hands me my fork. “And, fuck, I’m gonna miss you. It’s gonna suck not seeing you all day. But I’m happy for you.”
“Not that soon.”
“Where’d you find time to do all those designs?”
“I wasn’t exactly sleeping.”
“And now?”
I shake my head. “I can’t. Not yet.” I cut off a slice of pancake and bring it to my lips. Mmm. Sweet, fluffy, fruity perfection. “Inked Hearts is the only place that’s ever felt like home.”
He nods I get that.
But his eyes scream you need to move on.
Chapter 30
Leighton
Dean launches into a slow clap.
His eyes find mine as I step inside. He raises a brow. How was it?
I nod to Ryan. What do you think?
He shrugs who knows. His attention turns to Walker—who’s standing at the counter next to him. They share one of those best friend looks.
Walker fights a chuckle, but he doesn’t make it.