Free Hope Over Fear (Over #1) by J. A. Derouen

overly sensitive about the events of the past year.
    “I’m taking you tattoo shopping, but no peeking until I’m done. Maybe I’ll help you find the perfect ink.”
    I look away to honor his no peeking rule, and I feel the pen start brushing against my skin. Although he’s only lightly touching my wrist with the pen, I must admit that it feels subtly sexy. I will myself to change my train of thought, but to no avail. Don’t even go there. You know he and Celia are an item. You’re just setting yourself up for a fall. Remember, friends, that’s what this is.
    “So what is Celia’s main role at the clinic?” That’s right, I need to keep things in perspective.
    “Celia is a therapist; she has her own private practice in Providence. She holds individual sessions and group sessions at the clinic for those clients who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise. She really goes the extra mile. She gets through to patients who would be lost in the system without her.”
    It’s apparent that Adam cares deeply for Celia, and I hate to admit it, but it’s endearing. I hope one day I’ll meet someone who says sweet things about me behind my back.
    “Well, maybe I should let her take a look into my fucked up head. Maybe she could untangle the web of wacko that I’ve got going on up there!” I hate to disappoint Marlo, but I’m pretty sure she’s an enigma that can’t be solved or fixed.
    “No, Marlo, I don’t think Celia would be the therapist for you. Celia’s patients are less ‘I’m looking for the meaning of life,’ and more ‘I see dead people,’ if you know what I mean. She takes care of the chronically mentally ill—the people who most of society has thrown away. I don’t know how she does it, but she has endless compassion and patience,” Adam explains.
    “That’s a tough population to work with, I would imagine. It must take a special person to be able to make a difference,” I say, honestly. I already knew I liked Celia when I met her, but now I respect her immensely.
    “Celia is very special. Her clients are lucky to have her. I truly believe that she feels just as lucky to have them. That’s just the way she is.”
    “Adam Hunt, your pizza’s ready,” the cashier calls out over the intercom.
    “Ah, perfect timing. I’ve just completed my masterpiece. Okay, tell me what you think,” Adam says with a satisfied grin.
    I look down at my inner wrist and can’t believe the detail in his drawing after such a short amount of time. The ‘tattoo’ is large, about the size of a credit card, but still manages to appear dainty. Adam has drawn a dandelion with several of the seeds blowing away from the flower.
    “Adam, it’s beautiful. I think it takes more than just an expert doodler to draw something this intricate with just a pen in five minutes. I think you’re being modest …”
    “I think you flatter me. So do we have a winner?”
    “I love it, but I’d like to shop a little more, if you don’t mind.”
    “Smart girl; you should never pick the first thing you see.”
    As Adam smirks at me, I start wondering. “So, why a dandelion?”
    “I’m thinking you deserve a wish.”
    I may be totally off base, but I think Adam may need a reminder about Celia, too. The back and forth between us feels dangerously close to verbal foreplay. I’ve done a bang up job of avoiding the male species entirely for the past year, so maybe I’m being overly sensitive. But I was oblivious to Mason’s flirting for months, so it would have to be fairly blatant if I’m aware of it. Maybe Adam flirts with everyone, and it’s just his nature. Maybe Celia and Adam aren’t exclusive. If that’s the case, he’s crazy if he thinks I would jump into that triangle. I make a concerted effort to table these thoughts until I have more information. No need to work myself up before a problem even exists.
    “Adam Hunt, your pizza is ready,” repeats the cashier in a slightly impatient tone.
    “Hey, I have