Enzo (Jinx Tattoos Book 1) (11 page)

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.”

“Wise choice.” Grinning, she grabbed his hand, and quickly pulled him through the crowd toward the site where the hot chocolate stand was always set up. More than a simple cup of cocoa in a Styrofoam cup, this place had a build your own station. It offered numerous flavors, types of chocolate, marshmallows, and the pièce de résistance, whip cream.

“Oh, this is much more than a cup of hot cocoa,” Keir said.

She laughed at the awe in his voice. “Now you begin to understand, my young padawan,” she joked.

As they waited in line, she dreamt up her concoction. Ten minutes later, her peppermint monstrosity was piled high with whipped cream, pumped full of flavor, and finished with shaved bits of peppermint candies.

Keir’s colossal caramel creation was drizzled with caramel and tiny pieces of Heath bar. “Okay, new Cincinnati tradition.”

She laughed. “We haven’t even had strudel yet.”

“If it’s half as good as this, I’ll be running two extra miles tomorrow,” he said.

They paused in front of the ice skating rink and watched.

“Do you skate?” he asked.

“Not well. I’m about as graceful as a bull in a china shop.”

He snickered. “I used to in a pond by my house when it got cold enough.”

“Don’t try to get me out there, because it’s not going to happen.”

“Noted. Does not ice skate.”

“Oh, no… Does not skate period. It’s a horrible sight to witness and my arse always pays for it.”

He laughed. “Well, I could promise to rub it better.”

“I bet you could,” she muttered.

“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” he said.

“Are you ever going to stop?”

“Of course, once you agree to a date.”

“You’re sure of yourself,” she countered.

“A bit. But more than that, I’m sure about us. We’d be good together. I think you keen that.”

She took a sip of her drink to avoid answering. They drifted into quiet as they observed the skaters on the ice.

“How do you like our fair city so far?” she asked.

“It’s very different, but not bad. People are friendly, and the ladies love the accent.”

She laughed. “Americans in general appear to be fascinated by us from across the pond.”

“To our benefit I think,” he said.

“I won’t disagree with you there. Of course my accent isn’t what it used to be.”

“It’s gotten thicker since you started hanging with me.”

“I can hear the pride in your voice right now,” she said.

“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.