It looks good, though I can’t say I appreciate the subject matter. “Still in love?”
His eyes go wide. His smile goes wider. “It’s so fucking cool.” He stays hazy as he follows me to the counter.
Leighton taps her nails—hot pink today—against the black counter. She winks at me. I know that look. It’s can I check him out, please, for old time’s sake?
Not that it’s really old time. She stayed through September, as promised. Then she struck out on her own. For two months now, she’s been busy. She’s been working nonstop. She’s been fucking amazing.
But it’s been torture, not seeing her every day.
We spend most nights together, at my place or hers. I still cook her dinner as often as I can. And drop packed lunches in her fridge.
But I only see her at the Inked Hearts counter once a week.
She spends her Fridays working here.
Which means I spend my Fridays distracted by whatever tight outfit she’s wearing.
Thinking about fucking her senseless.
And holding her all night.
And never letting go.
Her tits nearly spill out of her top as she leans over the counter. “That looks amazing.”
My client’s laugh is so high-pitched it’s nearly a giggle.
I’ve seen this a million times—a guy simultaneously flattered and intimidated by her.
It used to make my fingers curl into fists.
But now that she’s mine, that I know she’s doing it for a reaction…
It’s thrilling.
It’s a game we play.
Foreplay by flirting with other people.
“You must love Star Wars.” She bats her eyelashes. Presses her lips into a soft smile. “They’re amazing movies, aren’t they?”
“Uh-huh.” He nods as he pulls out his credit card and hands it to her.
She brushes her fingers against his palm as she takes it. “Who’s your favorite character?”
“Uh…” He turns to show off the tattoo of Luke Skywalker on his right arm. “How about you?”
“Hard to say.” She runs his credit card. Watches the machine spit out a receipt, hands it over. “Can I confess something to you?”
He leans in. Nods with enthusiasm.
She stages whispers. “My heart is devoted to Austin Powers.”
“No way,” he whispers. “Really?”
We share a look. It’s our secret. The whole world is our secret.