“He’s not exactly what I was expecting. He’s covered in tattoos and has the edgy look, but there’s something different about him. He seems softer than I anticipated. Almost like the image of the typical tattoo artist isn’t really what he is all about. He’s really good at what he does and takes pride in it. But I get the feeling that there is more to him than just what he puts out there.”
Neely and Coley exchanged knowing looks.
“What? What was that look?”
“Nothing,” Neely answered.
“It just appears that Mr. Tattoo has piqued your interest,” Coley added.
Rebecca rolled her eyes and huffed. “Please. We are as platonic as you can get. The thought is comical.”
The girls exchanged another look, but Rebecca chose to ignore them.
The heat grew in intensity—if that was even possible. The chimes seemed to get louder, and the chanting of the monks began to feel like fingernails down a chalkboard. She loved her little hippie friend, Coley, but sweat was pooling in every crevice of her body—this wasn’t fun.
“I’ve got to get out of here. Can we go get a glass of wine like normal friends?”
Neely stood and nodded. “I agree.”
Coley dramatically threw her arms in the air. “Fine, but don’t blame me if you still have toxins eating your insides.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Rebecca replied, as the three girls exited the box of Hades.
Rebecca was regretting what she had chosen to wear for today’s tattoo session. She’d wanted to be comfortable, because this was going to be a long one, but she now found herself desperately wanting to change out of her yoga pants and do something more elaborate with her hair than a simple ponytail before Sawyer walked into the lobby. Being in this environment—his environment—made her feel like a Plain Jane. She should have made more effort.
As Sawyer entered the lobby, with his tall frame, broad shoulders and a lean muscular build, Rebecca realized he was the perfect size. He was a handsome man; eccentric, mysterious… Wait, what? Rebecca tried to shake the new thoughts rushing into her brain. Damn Neely and Coley for planting a seed to suggest that she may indeed be finding interest in Sawyer. He wasn’t really Rebecca’s type. She usually preferred normal, clean-cut, GQ-like guys; businessmen who wore suits to work. Sawyer was not anything she would even consider. Yes, this was all because of her girlfriends and their ability to get in her head, nothing more.
“You ready for today?” Without waiting for an answer, Sawyer’s gaze shifted from Rebecca to the employee behind the counter. “This is going to be a long session. You can lock up and call it a day. I won’t be needing you anymore.”
Rebecca felt prickles rise up on the back of her neck. She was more nervous now to continue on with the tattoo than on the first day. She remembered the pain, and wasn’t exactly excited to feel it again.
“You look ready to go.” Sawyer’s gaze slid to her athletic attire. “It seems you are more prepared today.” She still hadn’t been dressed the part when she’d arrived at the second session two weeks ago, which had earned her a little lecture. So she’d made sure to do as she was instructed for this one.
Rebecca nodded her head. “Trying to be more comfortable. Not exactly the most flattering look.”
“I like it.” His admiring gaze lingered on her legs.
“Thank you.”
He smiled and waited expectantly. It only took Rebecca an instant to realize he was waiting for her to stand up and lead the way.
She started to rise when his hand reached out for her. He pulled her up so she was standing right in front of him. Her heart picked up speed. The delicious fragrance of his male scent enveloped her and Rebecca drank it in, drowning in unfamiliar sensations. What the hell was going on with her? Was this just nerves? She needed to get herself together.
She took a big step away from him and forced a bright smile. She headed toward the back room, her heart racing, her brain pure mush.
“I’m ready,” she said. “A little nervous, but ready.”
“Are you all healed up?” he asked, following her into the back room.
“I am, it wasn’t too bad. A little bit of scabbing, but not as much as the first session.”
“Yeah, but once we do the color, it will scab up pretty good. It’s important to keep the tattoo moist and not let it dry out.”
She reached the back room and just stood there. “Should I take my shirt off and sit like last time?” She shifted from one foot to the other, anxious to not have to look at him anymore. He seemed different today. More familiar, in a way. He was wearing a simple black shirt, jeans and sneakers. His dark hair curled upwards at the ends and wrapped around his face. His casual appearance had such a draw. She suddenly wanted to examine and study all of his tattoos and see what they were. At a glance, all she saw was a swirl of color and design.