Page 3 of Velvet Varnish
With a detail brush, I start painting on flames. “I promise next time I won’t bring a fantasy. I’ll find the grittiest thriller.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I’ll find something good for you. I know you don’t love fantasy…” My words trail off when he takes the hand I’m not painting and brushes a piece of hair out of my eyes.
“You don’t like thrillers, and that’s fine. I like reading the fantasy books you bring me.”
“Really?” Why did he stop touching my hair?
He smirks. “In fact, next month I want your favourite vampire book.”
A flush spreads across my cheeks, and I lower my head to finish the flames remembering the last vampire book I read. No way am I letting him read that. I do not want an awkward month talking about vampire sex and blood play. No, thank you. I clear my throat. “Sure.”
I jump when the door opens and Jess—the girl opening today—bustles through, her bag slamming into chairs as she rushes to the staff room yelling a hello.
“Is it time to open already?” I tap my phone, surprised to see it’s nearly ten A.M. Time means nothing to me when I’m talking to Dom. After I add the finishing touches to his nails, I rub moisturiser on his hands, my last opportunity to touch him for another month. “All done.” I reluctantly release his hands.
“Thanks. They look great.”
I roll my eyes. “You didn’t even look at them.”
“I know they’ll be great because you painted them.” He hands me the book he brought. “There’s a cliffhanger, so text me if you want the second one.”
“If it’s a big cliffhanger, I’ll storm the bar for it.”
He laughs softly and takes the books I hold out for him. “I’ll leave it in the back for you. Thanks, Isla.” He waves at me and leaves the shop with a small smile directed at Jess—I’m definitely not jealous.
Sighing, I watch him walk away, eyes locked on how his jeans cup his ass. Thankfully, his hoodie isn’t covering it. During winter he wears a coat which does and it’s a travesty. There’s still a few weeks until then for me to savour.
“Asked him out yet?” Jess says with a smirk, the coins she adds to the till clinking.
“You know I didn’t.” I begin to clean my station, wiping everything down.
“You should.”
“It’ll ruin everything.”
“He brings you books, Isla. You have to take the chance. What if it works out?”
I gaze out the window, but he’s disappeared. “What if it doesn’t? What if I lose him instead?”
2
ISLA
The door opensand I inhale the scent of fries, burgers, and beer. My stomach rumbles. It’s been a few days since I’ve seen Dom, but I’m meeting Chloe at his bar and hoping to see him. Chloe owns the hairdressing place beside me and recently got engaged to Dom’s best friend Lachlan.
I find her sitting in a booth near the back, close to the bar where Dom usually is. I grin when she waves at me and points at the fries she’s already ordered. Glancing at the bar, I ignore my sinking heart when I can’t see Dom and weave through the crowd to reach Chloe.
“I’ve got cocktails coming,” she says as I sit across from her.
“You’re the best.” I snag some fries and hide my groan when the salt hits my tongue. “Dom not here?” I ask, avoiding her gaze, instead focusing on the food and not so secretly peering at the bar and staff room.
“I haven’t seen him, but guess what I found out,” Chloe asks, her eyes full of mischief as she leans over the table.
“What?” I shove more food in my mouth to cover my disappointment. I saw him last week to do his nails, but it’s been too long. I need to see his face.
“Someone told me Dom has a book in the back for you.”