Inking Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 4)

“Yes. I sort of like it that the day job portion of my life is structured. Calm. There are systems in place for everything, and I always know what’s going on.”

“You’re going to have to get used to a few surprises with me around,” he said softly, nuzzling my ear.

“I’ll like that,” I said, my hand gently circling his wide chest. My eyes couldn’t stay open anymore.

Leaning in for a soft kiss, he murmured, “Sleep well, baby.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

* Grant *

I will never have my lady be ashamed of me, or want to hide me. But I knew that she still didn’t know me very well, and hadn’t seen all sides of my personality.

I knew how much time and effort women spend looking gorgeous. So Friday afternoon I took off early for perhaps the first time ever, to go get a proper barber shave and a haircut. Although, I drew the line at getting a manicure. My nails were already short and smooth so they don't snag on the latex gloves I wore most days.

Leah was genuinely nervous about going to her company party. It was written on her face as clear as if it had been in ink. And I could see that she didn’t want to upset or offend me in any way.

I completely understood. She had only seen me in the role of a burly tattoo artist, and hopefully cuddly boyfriend. She didn’t know that I had an immaculate jet black suit, and could walk the walk of the businessman.

Although I did take a solid five minutes considering whether or not I should crash her party, the pros outweighed the cons. Sure, she might be surprised and rattled for a moment. But as soon as I showed her how smooth that I could be, and how I could make the corporate mingling easier for her, I knew that she’d be relieved.

It was clear that my sweet girl was often nervous and shy. I was happy to devote some time to helping her when she needed it, and adapting when she wasn’t ready yet. All I wanted in this world now was for Leah to be happy, and to start putting the steps in place for us to be together forever.

I rushed home to have a quick snack. Then I researched her company before I got dressed. I memorized the names and faces of the top people in charge and flipped through their corporate environment online.

Most companies made a big deal about being inclusive, so that should include one of their accountants having a partner who was an artist and small business owner. Nobody needed to know more than that.

I almost called Leah to tell her that I was going to show up, but the more I thought it through, the more I thought it might make her more nervous. It was likely best to let her get there and do her own thing for a bit before I appeared.

I wanted to be the man she needed in every situation. It was also thrilling to realize that this would be the first time we were out in public as a couple. Grinning to myself, I realized that I was a great big lovestruck dork, disguised as a tough guy. That actually made me laugh out loud.

CHAPTER EIGHT

* Leah *

I hoped that I didn’t offend Grant. I’m so lucky to have found him, and I think we really click, but his expression was heart-wrenching when I didn’t ask him to be my date. I thought maybe calling him on the way to the party would be a nice gesture. But he didn’t answer.

Just as I was calling a cab, I got a text.

Hey, baby – I hope that your party goes well tonight. Is it still okay if I pick you up and take you for a drink after? If so, what’s the address?

I was relieved that he wasn’t upset, and sent him the address of the event.

That would be great – I’ll probably leave early, around 9:30, but I’ll text you ahead of time.

I was tempted to add a smiley face, but I didn’t know how he would react to the cutesy stuff. There was still so much I didn’t know about him. But I truly wanted to. I wanted to know about his favorite cereal, and where he bought those tight black t-shirts that stretched like a second skin across his muscles.

I wanted to know if he was honestly as infatuated with me as he seemed to be, and why. It was difficult to wrap my head around. I was just a normal girl, but he was behaving like I was some sort of queen.

Giving my head a shake, I got into the cab. Soon I was walking into the event, looking around the room and already counting the minutes until I could leave.

It was just too nerve-wracking for me at these functions, and I instantly wished that Grant really were here to help me relax. On one hand, I didn’t want him to see me being a nervous freak, trying to hold myself together to make conversation with the higher-ups. But I didn’t want him to be in a place that might be uncomfortable for him.

I honestly had no idea whether or not my coworkers would say anything about his appearance. There were a few clients that were built like linebackers, similar in size to Grant. But they were multi-millionaires who controlled tech companies. I was just too nervous to walk in with someone who might make people stare.

Most of my coworkers were all married with families and I really didn’t have much to discuss with them. I couldn’t relate to their three kids, and their complicated home renovations.

I went to the ladies’ room to check my hair, and heard two women gossiping in the corner about some huge gorgeous guy who had been hanging out at the bar.