The Ink That Brands Us ✔️

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Thanksgiving break was here and the empty campus was evidence.

Walking towards my Tahoe, I was one of only a dozen people still here. Everyone else had left for the holiday weekend. Most likely visiting family.

    My flight would depart early the next morning and to my dismay, I would go alone. When I had finally worked up the courage to ask Jensen if he would like to come he looked a little freaked. It was understandable since he hadn't seen his own family for some time. I let him off the hook, and he seemed relieved.

    It was going to be a long four days without him.

    The wind seemed to cut through me and I tightened my jacket around me. Winter was my least favorite season. I wasn't built to withstand the cold and I was already counting down the days until warmer weather. I missed my summer dresses.

    Saw and June were waiting for me as I reached my Tahoe. They were huddled together and they both looked less than pleased with my lateness.

    "Thank Christ!" Saw swore. "I can't feel my friggin' toes."

    "Sorry, sorry," I said, popping the locks on my Tahoe. "The lecture ran over which is ridiculous because there were only a few students in attendance."

    "This place is a ghost town. I swear we're the last few people left." June chuckled, looking around.

    "Nah, I saw like two other people on my way across campus," I joked.

    "Poker night!" Saw shouted suddenly, startling both June and me. I wiped my head around to stare at her as she shoved her phone back into her pocket. "The guys are in! What do you say?"

    "Well you know I'll be there," I chuckled.

    We both looked to June.

    "Hell yes! I am off for the break and am free tonight! I'll be there!" She was bouncing excitedly on her toes.

    "Yay!" Saw and I shouted together.

    "Do I need to bring anything?" June asked, rubbing her hands together.

    "Your favorite booze and snacks," Saw answered walking over to her car and June headed towards hers. 

    "Got it! I'll see you guys later." June waved and climbed into her car.

    Work was busy and before I knew it we were closing up shop. Jensen lounged in the waiting area while I finished up last night's paperwork. I loved that he waited for me.

He was always patient about it. Never rushing me or looking restless. He watched me with a sexy smile on his face and when I looked up at him, he always winked at me.

    Saw was never as courteous.

    "Hurry the hell up!" She called as she breezed past my desk. "We won't wait all night for you!" She turned and winked at me as she walked out the door.

    "All done," I said, logging off the computer.

    Jensen was beside me, picking up my bags before I could even stand up.

    "Thanks," I said, reaching up to kiss him.

    I took the deposits to Mack in his office and said goodbye. When I returned to the waiting area, Jensen was standing by the door.

    My lip turned up at the sight of him. "In a hurry?"

    "A bit." A grin spread across his face. "I'm afraid we must cut poker night short."