Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

Chapter Five

Iris

I slide my hands into my front pockets.

Of course Walker is a tattoo artist.

Of course, he's the one Sandy recommended.

Of course, she neglected to mention that last night.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. How does this go?

He's staring at me with those dark eyes. Expecting… something. I don't know.

The girl at the counter is staring too. But that's probably because we have the same haircut. This long bangs on one side, short on the other side pixie slash bob is trendy. After everything, I needed to see a different person in the mirror.

I know, I know. A dramatic haircut to signify a life change is a bit obvious, but it works.

I don't see Iris the fuck up in the tattoo parlor's mirrors.

I see Iris the PhD candidate who has her shit together.

Who's reminding herself she's not destined to past fuck ups.

Apparently, Walker is the William I've been emailing about said tattoo reminder.

Maybe tattoo artists have pen names. Maybe that's a normal thing.

A guy about Walker's height, with wavy dark hair and blue eyes, steps forward. "I'm Dean." He offers his hand. "You looking for someone?"

I shake. "Yeah. I have an eleven o'clock. With William."

He chuckles. "That's Williams." He nods to Walker. "Guy's got his names mixed up. Walker Williams. Should go the other way, huh

?"

I try to laugh, but I can't quite manage it. This is weird. Twelve hours ago, he was naked in my bed. I was climbing on top of him.

And now I'm here.

And we're both dressed.

And his friends slash coworkers are watching.

"I, uh…" I move forward. I'm an adult. I can handle this like an adult. Really. I can. "I'm sorry I'm late. I, uh—"

"Needed your sleep?" Walker smiles.

I laugh. "That's a good way of putting it." There's something about his smile. It disarms me. Puts me at ease. That describes him perfectly. He's easy to talk to. He's just… easy.

Not slutty. Not un-slutty (last night is certainly a check in the manwhore column), but not necessarily slutty.

More… carefree.

Or is that how he wants to look?

He seemed pretty upset last night when he came over to me.