Forrest

MEGAN

I feel like a dumb.

WHAT WAS I thinking? Perhaps, I wasn’t thinking at all. I knew him of being distant, cynical, and cautious, and I was thankful he even joined me for breakfast. The way he looked at me, he probably had a lot of questions he wanted to pop, but he chose to keep them all to himself.

Forrest didn’t only intrigue me, but his stares, his charisma, his aura told me something that I could trust him, that we somehow understood each other, and that he could keep me safe, but safe from what? From whom? When I should be worried about myself, the way how I acted lately—these whole fiascoes I’d created in the first place.

I looked down at the left side of my abdomen again as Milo rubbed the topical anesthesia. I can do it. There was no turning back, I would get this tattoo no matter what.

I lied down and bit my lip, preparing myself for the pain. I hated needle, but this was one way of facing one of my own fears.

“Relax. This won’t hurt much,” Milo said.

“You’re a terrible liar,” I replied nervously.

He chuckled. “This won’t take long. And I know you’d love it.”

“Just do it.” Then the soft buzzed followed. I jerked at the first hit of the needle into my skin. For a fraction of moments, I felt I just freed from my cage—I felt wild. It still hurt though, but it wasn’t closer to the pain I inflicted. I closed my eyes as they stung with unshed tears.

“He’s a good guy, you know.”

My eyes flew open to his words. “Who are you talking about?”

“Forrest. He may not talk too much, but trust me, he has a huge heart.”

“How do you know him?”

“His Uncle Alan took me in, taught me how to tattoo when he found out I know how to draw.”

“I see.”

“Forrest is a man of a few words. The type of person who acts than talk. He’s a little rough around the edges, but the best guy I’ve ever known.”

“I started to get that. It was my first time to share a meal with him though. We met a few times on weekends with our friends, but we never talked. You should have seen his reaction at the diner.”

He laughed. “Oh, I can imagine, Megan.”

“Sometimes he scared me, intimidated me, and intrigued me at the same time. For a long time, I wanted to know him better. I just don’t have a gut. I feel like something is holding us back.”

“He doesn’t share too much. Just don’t push him. Let him open up when he feels like to open-up, but believe me, I trust him with all my life.”

I wished I could trust him too, but I doubted if he would trust me in return.

“Milo?” I froze at Forrest’s deep voice behind the door followed by a soft knock.

“I have a customer.”

“Is Megan with you?” I bit my lip harder as he mentioned my name. It was like warm honey pouring down my skin, running down my abdomen, sipping through my thighs—not now. I shook away those naughty thoughts.

“You’re disturbing us, man. We’re busy.” I could feel the amusement in Milo’s voice.

“Just fucking answer me.” His angry voice wracked me. “Is she in there?”

“Oh, shit! He’s pissed. That’s his different variations of fuck off.” Milo laughed softly. “Come in, man, but you might not gonna like what you—”

The door swung open and hit the wall, making me startled. I couldn’t find a word to say. It just, my heart was in galloped. My skin tingled everywhere. I liked and hated this feeling at the same time. His presence made the room smaller for the three of us.

half-naked, but with Forrest around, my insecurities got over me, and all I

“Relax. Believe when I say he’s the ambassador of goodwill.”

stare Forrest was throwing to me. So I answered nonchalantly, “Maybe the anesthesia is wearing

and I’ll be done before you even realized.”

have to open my eyes to see who was in there. I could even smell

you left,” he

“I thought you too.” I swallowed hard.

Why do you wanna get a

eye, and I found him staring at me, and I couldn’t just look away. It felt like he was pulling me into his world the longer I stare at him. Instead of getting scared, it was weird that I liked it and wanted more. “I like the design you got on your

instead of answering and

I should go over my fear.

now?”

Milo is the best.”

did most of his tattoos, especially

his throat or more likely groaned,

“I’m good

broad chest, throwing Milo a chilly stare. I wondered what was on his mind right now. I wished I was like my mom who could read people’s behavior and emotions. I wanted to break through his outer layer

you be at work?”

His question had my gut twisted.

“Why?” Milo

privacy, Milo.”

Milo

He misread me and thought I wanted

Forrest groaned when Milo laughed.

rolled my eyes. My smile was self-deprecating. “Why? Doesn’t everyone look at me like a

snapped at me with a glare. “For god’s sake, woman. What’s gotten into

“Don’t pretend you don’t know me, Forrest. You probably thought—”

he bellowed.

to concentrate. Her tat has tiny details, and

up and storm out of the room, leaving only

that was

muttered bitterly. “We won’t talk to me again. Ever.”

on yourself. He’ll get over it and apologize. Just have a little faith for him.”

it done?”

a clean bandage. You just have to keep it clean and dry. I will give you an antibacterial cream. And don’t

“Thanks.”

“Can I ask you

Don’t bother.” I stood up

“Nope. It’s about the date on your tat.”

be

Megan.” He extended his hand for a handshake.

I shook it and smiled.

me the way outside the shop toward where I parked my car. “You have my number. If you feel to

disappointment swept over me. I checked my

had turned to a complete black and white.

***

doorbell. That couldn’t be Camila, Bianca or Blaine. When I checked the clock, it was past eight at night and they were all busy with their family. Well, normal people could still be awake at this time, but not me. I’d nowhere to go, no one to talk to, so I decided to sleep all day since I already sent my resumes to all the companies who posted

I dragged my sleepy ass toward the door when the doorbell rang again. “Jeez! Just a minute!”

the moment I saw who had the gut to be on my doorstep.

“You’re not lost, are you?” I grabbed the two boxes of pizza before he could offer. I opened the top box and

I was still alone. When I turned around Forrest was

that needs an invitation before you can enter my

no idea what are you talking about.” Of course, you don’t, you gorgy! He sauntered

that meets your taste? I am sure your apartment doesn’t look like this. Have a seat. Let me get us something to drink.” I strode toward the kitchen and grabbed two soda from the fridge and two bottled