Page 26 of Sin Bins and Second Chances
“It’s just some wild flowers.” She slips into her boots and opens the door. “Let’s go.”
“Okay.” It seems there’s more to it than that, but now doesn’t seem like the time she wants to get into it.
Often, when people get their first tattoo, it’s something special and memorable. I can’t help but wonder if it was something in honor of her father or family. It made the most sense. I only got a peek at it, but I wondered how large the piece was. Then I started wondering if she had other tattoos and where they might be if she did.
Chapter Fourteen
DAISY
He’s trying to kill me.
I’ve never been so anxious and disoriented. That, or this man surely has a death wish. After keeping me at a distance and not making a move earlier, his subtle touches are driving me crazy. The soft touches and teasing have me feeling like I’m going to scream.
It’s messing with my head and I want to yell and scream at him. I’ve never wanted to miss our Sunday family dinners, but I’m tempted to leave early. I am close to dragging him out of this house and demanding him to stop entirely or make a real move.
I’m quieter than normal, not that I’m super chatty, but I engage in all the chats that happen on family day. This is when everyone catches up with one another. I can’t concentrate on anything being said around me. They could talk to me directly right now, but I might as well be wearing headphones.
His hand keeps squeezing my thigh under the table and I can’t react. This man knows just where to place his hands. All. Evening.
It’s been a brush on my neck here. A brush on my hip there. Gentle caresses and movements that send goosebumps across my skin and make me imagine what all those skilled hands are possible of. I want more—no—need it.
I was supposed to push him away and it only makes me want to pull him closer.
“Daisy!”
“Hmm?” My eyes refocus around the table where all eyes are on me. Damn it! “Sorry, I was thinking about a new recipe idea.” The lie easily slips from my lips.
“I can’t wait to see what you come up with next,” my grandpa believes me.
The silent chuckling from my grandma andaunt has my eyes widening in their direction. Theyknowsomething is up. I don’t know how, but the look on their faces as their eyes flicker between me and Ethan tell me all I need to know.
“So, what’s going on here?” Andrew gestures between me and Ethan.
“Nothing.”
“We’re together,” says Ethan at the same time.
“Since when?” My cousin questions.
“We’re just hanging out. As friends.” I correct.
I feel Ethan’s hand squeeze my legs under the table, harder.
“We’re taking things slow.” He chuckles next to me.
“We’ve sure missed having you around,” my grandfather says.
I swallow and move Ethan’s hand from my leg. “And on that note, what’s the game tonight?” I’m determined to get away from this table and Ethan. Game night typically happens in the living room and I can claim a seat away from him.
“How about the new card one?” My aunt suggests.
“Dad threw the cards across the room last time,” Uncle Beau shakes his head witha laugh.
I really don’t want to sit at this table and play cards. The game they’re talking about will at least require the use of both hands. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ethan finds a way.
No sooner than the thought had entered my mind did I feel his hand move across the back of my chair, his fingers grazing my back. It’s slow and deliberate. I’m burning up and need to step away.
“Yeah, I’ll grab it.” I jump up from my seat and head down the hall to the game closet.
