Inking Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 4)

CHAPTER ONE

* Grant *

Working at a tattoo shop for many years, then opening my own with a business partner, it became a club. A team. A brotherhood, with plenty of sisters as well. We become a family, all up in each other’s business all the time.

So as I was sketching a design for a client, and our counter girl Penny said that it was Janice on the phone for me, I simply had to shoot a look and a shake of my head for her to inform the caller that I was busy.

The women I dated knew that I rarely checked my own phone, and the only way to get hold of me was to call the shop. I practically lived here. Since there was a new girl every few months, the rest of the gang assumed I was some kind of womanizing player.

But I wasn’t. And I’m not sure why I kept it from them. I rarely went on more than one date with a girl, and it certainly wasn’t about sowing my wild oats or any of that crap. If I didn’t feel a real connection, there was no point in stringing her along. I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time. And I could never be dishonest with a woman. I always said goodbye after we didn’t connect, and didn’t imply I would call again.

I wasn’t looking for a fling or a short relationship. I didn’t see the point. I’d rather spend my days alone, enjoying the company of my friends, then waste anyone’s time pretending that she was the one.

“Hey, Grant,” Penny called over to me. I looked up from my sketches, as she tilted her head toward the young lady with long dark hair browsing the flash art in the waiting area. “She has some questions.”

People often came into the shop to look around, think about the art they might like, and kill some time. Some people asked questions for years before actually getting any ink done. We were used to it, and all took turns being patient with the newbies.

Walking out to the lobby, I realized that I towered over the girl, so I kept my distance. She was staring at the section of photos full of vibrant floral artwork I’d done last summer. She reached out toward one photo, her fingers dancing along the edge, nearly touching it as if she were trying to memorize it.

“Hey there,” I said, realizing too late that my deep voice boomed in the quiet room. “Can I help you?”

She jumped, then turned and looked up at me, instantly taking a step back. But I couldn’t stop myself from taking a step forward.

I nearly fell to my knees as her eyes met mine. They were the color of a lake before a storm. Her delicate skin had the slightest kiss of sunshine across her nose and cheeks, complete with a few tiny freckles. And I couldn’t think of a single thing beyond kissing those rosy lips.

Usually, I glanced at women and divided them into two categories. Ninety-nine percent were just nice, normal people. One percent were sexy ladies that I’d keep an eye on while they were near me.

This girl was in a completely different realm. I couldn’t even ogle her properly, that just wouldn’t be right. She was above that. Her gentle, womanly curves were sensually enticing, but her girlish face was so sweetly adorable.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” I said softly, trying to lower my volume. “Is there something you’re looking for?”

She nodded, but then sort of shook her head. “I guess so. My friend is talking me into getting a tattoo to mark the new year, and sort of, as a symbol of new energy.” Her sweet voice was gentle and clear.

But I frowned. “I don’t like the way you said your friend is trying to talk you into it. Do you really want to get a tattoo?”

Her sleeves were pulled down past her hands, as she gripped the fabric, clenching it nervously. “I don’t know. I like the thought of it, but it’s scary.” Then she looked up at me, quickly adding, “But they’re really beautiful. I like the artwork.”

I chuckled. “Sweetie, you can’t offend me. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But you can’t get something permanent if you don’t really want it. That would be a bad way to start off the new year.”

She nodded. I realized that I couldn’t let her leave. I had to keep her talking so that I could try to figure her out.

“What if we just imagined for a moment that you were positive you wanted one, just for fun?” I said as gently as I could. “What sort of artwork do you think you might like, and where would you place it?”

Her stormy blue-gray eyes flashed up to mine with a brilliant smile. “I really like these flowers. The realism mixed with the streaks of cloudy watercolor is amazing.”

My wide chest puffed up a bit more. “Thanks. Those are mine.”

“Really?”

I grinned. “You thought those were done by a woman, didn’t you?” She looked away quickly. “It’s okay,” I laughed. “I know I look like a big scary biker dude who wouldn’t fuss around with pretty flowers. Don’t worry, I also draw the hell out of skulls and daggers.”

She looked up at me and laughed out loud. Something about that sweet noise, her exquisite eyes, and her shy smile completely did me in. I was smitten.