Page 4 of Embraced in Ink

Marcus’s three sisters waved, said happy birthday, and then headed off to their boyfriends, leaving Bristol alone in the corner with Marcus.

“Hey there,” he said and opened his arms for her. She went into his embrace easily, sighing. The champagne had gone straight to her head, and she had never had more than half a glass before. She knew she was likely to babble if she weren’t careful.

“Hey,” she said, sighing the word.

Marcus chuckled, his deep rumble against her ear soothing. He smelled like that new cologne she had bought him for his birthday the week before, and she smiled.

“You smell nice.”

He laughed again, and she leaned into the rumble. “Considering you picked it out, I hope I smell nice.”

She looked up at him then and just smiled while studying his face. He had such a strong jaw, and eyes that seemed to always know exactly what she was thinking. They were a dark brown and piercing. His skin was a smooth brown that shone under the lights. He had shaved his head recently, but she knew he regretted it. He had spent forever growing it out, but for his birthday the month before, he’d decided to shave it to see what it looked like. He wasn’t happy, but she didn’t mind. She liked the way he looked no matter what.

After all, he was her best friend. She always felt that way.

“Hey, come out with me,” he said, pulling away so he could tug on her arm.

She followed easily, needing a break from all the people. She had loved her birthday bash, and the going-away party it had also turned into. She’d talked with every single person there, even the ones that she didn’t know but who had wanted to come anyway. Her parents had gone all out for her, and she would be forever grateful, but she needed a minute to breathe. Marcus always understood what she was feeling, and she loved him for it.

“So, are you ready?” Marcus asked as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. They were standing in the gazebo in the back yard, one that her mom had decorated with sparkly lights but hadn’t turned on because she didn’t want people everywhere all over the property. Bristol didn’t blame her.

“I think so? I’m all packed, and my passport’s ready to go, and I’m checked into my flight. It’s going to be a really long one.”

Marcus nodded, studying her face. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“I know.” That sick feeling filled her again, and she swallowed hard. “I wish you could come.”

“A cellist doesn’t need a librarian. Especially one who’s still in school to get their degree.”

“I don’t know, I’m going to some of the most famous libraries in the world. I’m sure you’d want to visit those.”

Marcus laughed. “Yeah, I’ll definitely want to go to those, and maybe I’ll come out to visit for that. But it’s okay, Bristol. We’re allowed to have separate lives.”

She scowled, not liking the thought of that. “I don’t want that. I want things to be the same.”

“No, you don’t. Like I don’t.”

“So, youwantme to go away?” she snapped, getting a little angry. The champagne was wreaking havoc on her emotions.

“That is not what I meant. And you know it. All I want is to make sure you live life to the fullest. And you’re going to be amazing. Youareamazing. I cannot wait to see how high you soar. And I’m going to be here when you need a place to land. I promise.”

She looked down at long fingers that made it so she was biologically perfect for playing the cello. She had a few calluses, but her hands were her life. “I don’t want to change too much. And I also don’t want to lose you.”

“You’re not going to lose me. They have this thing called a phone. And the internet. It’s pretty cool.”

She laughed. “But what if you find a new best friend and you stick with them forever? And then you tell them all your secrets.”

“You don’t know all my secrets,” Marcus said, and she scowled.

“I know most of them. Just like you know most of mine.”

“I think I know all of them, Bristol Montgomery.”

“You’re a jerk, but I love you.”

“And I love you. And that is why you’re allowed to go and fly. I’ll be here when you get back.”

Tears stung her eyes, and she hated this. She didn’t want to leave him. “Let’s make a deal. A bet.” The idea came to her so quickly, she knew it was likely all the champagne, but she didn’t care.