Brothers Ink Tattoo (Complete Box Set #1-4)

by Nicole James

  This is my family home. I live here with my brothers.

  “You’re building something?”

  He followed her gaze. My older brother, Jameson, is building a new house for him and his wife, Ava. She’s pregnant with their first child. Come on. I’ll introduce you to her. She’s a sweetheart.

  He took her hand and led her up the stairs onto the back porch and inside. The door led into a big country kitchen. Max tugged her along through to another big room with a dining table on one side and a living room on the other. There was a huge stone fireplace anchoring the wall in the living room.

  Max moved to the staircase in the middle and hollered something up that she couldn’t hear. She assumed he was calling for his sister-in-law. He waited a moment, listening, before moving to the window, pulling the lace curtain aside and peering out. He turned back to her. Her car is gone. I guess she’s out somewhere.

  Malee nodded.

  He led her back into the kitchen and opened the fridge, studying the contents. Then he looked at her with a grin. Are you up for a picnic?

  She shrugged and smiled back. “Sure.”

  ***

  Twenty minutes later, they were back on the bike with saddlebags stuffed full of supplies. Maxwell rode down a dirt back road that led deep into the family property and up to a bluff. Finally, they parked and dismounted. Malee took in the spectacular view as Max grabbed the blanket he’d stuffed in his saddlebag along with a bag of picnic items.

  They were high up, overlooking his family’s property with the town in the distance and the whole valley spread out before her. It was breathtaking.

  Max shook the blanket out on the ground under a nearby tree, and they both sat. He dug in the paper grocery bag and pulled out cheese and crackers, apples and grapes, and lastly, a bottle of wine and two plastic cups.

  Malee grabbed up an apple and munched on it while he used a corkscrew on the bottle, poured some wine in a cup, and passed it to her. She grinned. “I’m not twenty-one.”

  He chuckled and signed back, Close enough. Your birthday is next week.

  Her mouth dropped open. “You remembered.”

  Of course I did. I already know what I’m getting you.

  “You don’t have to get me anything.”

  He clicked his plastic cup to hers, ignoring her protest, and they both drank. He lay back on his elbow, his booted feet crossed at the ankles, and took in the view.

  Malee sat next to him with her feet tucked under her. She sipped her drink and admired the view as well. The wind blew over her, catching her hair and whipping it back.

  He patted the spot next him, so she set her cup aside and lay down beside him. They both stared up at the blue sky.

  She sighed. “It’s beautiful here.”

  It is, isn’t it? Max replied.

  “Do you come here often?”

  Not often. Sometimes. When I need to think. He turned his head to smile over at her. It’s a good place to reflect and contemplate life.

  She nodded. “I would imagine so.”

  Or when I have a problem or something is bothering me, I come up here. It’s quiet, peaceful. It helps me remember what’s important.

  She nodded.

  He gestured to the view. How can you look out at that view and not feel it?

  “When did you first come up here?”

  My brothers and I used to come up here as kids just to goof off. But when I was fifteen, I started sneaking up here alone.

  “Why?”

  It was just after my parents were killed in a car accident. I used to come up here to work through my grief and to feel closer to them, some days to try to figure out my life, and I’m not gonna lie, some days just to curse God for taking them.

  “I’m so sorry.”

  He turned his head to look at her. He didn’t tell her any of the usual things people might say to brush aside an expression of sympathy they weren’t comfortable with like, ‘I’m okay now’ or ‘it was a long time ago.’ Instead, he just signed, Thank you.

  “When was the last time you came up here?”

  The day after you came to the gym.

  That took her by surprise. “Why?”

  He looked right into her eyes, and Malee felt like he looked right into her soul. To thank God for putting you in my path. Because you changed everything.

  “I did?”

  He nodded, turned back to the view, and changed the subject.

  They talked for hours, telling each other all their hopes and dreams. They talked about everything; no topic was off limits. They were both completely open with each other.

  Malee told Max about her frustrations working at the restaurant. She told him about how much she loved and wanted to please her father, but he was over-protective and that made her feel stifled. She tried to express to Max how isolating being deaf could be, and how sometimes she felt cut out of conversations.

  She liked that Max just paid attention to what she was conveying to him, and that he didn’t interrupt her by suggesting solutions or trying to solve her problems. He just gave her his undivided attention and let her vent. For the first time, with anyone other than her sister, she felt free to express her feelings; that she could tell Max anything, and it was a wonderful experience.

  Max told Malee all about the tattoo shop. He told her what it was like to give someone a tattoo, especially when that tattoo held real meaning for the client. He told her how it felt to give that person a way to express their love, their accomplishments, and sometimes even their grief. He told her about loving the creative outlet it gave him. He also told her about wanting more, wanting to make a real difference in people’s lives in a meaningful way other than through his art.

  He told her about how helping the kids at the gym was really becoming important to him, and all about the boy he’d met, how Ben had touched his heart.

  He asked what she thought about that, and if he’d handled the situation right. She loved that it mattered to him what she thought. How long had it been since anyone wanted her approval or opinion?

  They even talked about the future, and how many kids they each wanted. Surprisingly, they both wanted a houseful.

  They laughed over that one.

  Were you born deaf? Max finally broached the topic.

  She shook her head. “When I was five years old, I got sick. My parents didn’t have much money and waited to take me to the doctor.” She shrugged. “They think it may have been an infection that went untreated too long.”

  He studied her face. Maybe your father feels guilty about that. Maybe that’s why he’s so protective of you now.

  She nodded. “Maybe you’re right. I hadn’t thought of that.”

  Malee sat up and reached for some grapes. Max tilted his head back, his mouth open. She chuckled, popped a grape into his mouth, and couldn’t resist bending her head down to kiss him.

  When she pulled back, he signed, I like your aunt.

  “I’m glad. I think she likes you, too.”

  If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have let you come with me today.

  Malee looked out over the view. “It’s nice to be away, to not have to worry about getting caught.”

  He grinned up at her and teased her. I think you like the sneaking around. You find it exciting.

  She laughed and admitted it with a nod. “I suppose I do. And you? Do you find it exciting?”

  He chuckled and pulled her down on top of him. I find everything about you exciting.

  She laughed down into his face.

  He rolled until she was under him. They stared at each other, the laughter dying off as desire took hold. He dipped his head and kissed her. She slipped her hands up to cup his face, pulling him back for kiss after kiss until kisses weren’t enough. His hand moved between them, his fingers going for the buttons down her shirt, popping them free one after another, until he reached the bottom, pulling her shirt wide. His mouth moved down her throat to follow the slope of her breast while his warm palm slid ove
r her ribs.

  Her small hands smoothed over his broad shoulders, the fabric beneath her fingers warmed by the sun beating down. She closed her eyes and drowned in the sensation of his beard brushing over her skin. They shot back wide-open when his fingers were at the fastening of her jeans. Should she stop him? Did she want to?

  He popped the button open and drew the zipper down. A moment later his warm palm was gliding inside, smoothing over her belly as his fingers slid into her panties. Those long fingers caressed gently in slow circles before dipping to find her wet.

  She’d never been touched there before, and she gasped in a breath.

  That brought Max’s head up, his eyes connecting with hers, the heat in his dark brown eyes plain in their molten depths. He was breathing heavier now, his body tense, poised over her. But there was a question in his expression. He wouldn’t go further without her permission.

  As badly as she wanted to, and oh how she wanted to, she just couldn’t let herself give that permission. She wanted him, needed him, like she’d never experienced before, but she had to be sure she was it for him, not just for now, but for always.

  “Max,” she breathed his name.

  He dipped his head to kiss her lips, just a soft touch. Then he was pulling his hand free and lifting off her a bit to pull the edges of her shirt together.

  “I’m sorry,” she said.

  It’s okay, Malee. You’re not ready. I can wait. Someday you’ll know.

  “What will I know?” She frowned up at him.

  How much I care for you, and that I’d never hurt you.

  She searched his eyes and had to ask the question. “Do you love me, Max?”

  He grinned down at her. Yes, Malee. I love you.

  Her mouth parted as he stood and pulled her to her feet.

  I’m not just saying that to get sex, either. I want you to understand that.

  I think I love you, too, Max. This time she signed it rather than spoke it, perhaps because she was afraid to say the words out loud. Her signs were rushed, jerky.

  His eyes studied her hands a long time, as if he wanted to make sure he understood them right, then they lifted to her face, and he slowly signed. Just think?

  She shook her head. No. I know I love you.

  Say it. Please.

  “I love you, Max.”

  A bright grin split across his face.

  “You look happy.”

  I am happy. He glanced around, then back at her. I think we need to commemorate this moment.

  She looked at him quizzically as he walked over to the trunk of the tree, then pulled a folding knife from his pocket and opened the blade. He stuck the point in the bark and made a big heart shape, going over it again and again. Then he carved in the center Malee + Max.

  It took him awhile. When he was finished, he put the knife away and stepped back to admire it. Do you like it?

  “I love it. No one’s ever carved my name in a tree before.”

  I hope not. He grinned.

  She stared at the heart a long time, touched by its meaning and that he’d done that for her. Then she threw herself in his arms. He caught her to him as they both tumbled to the ground, laughing and kissing.

  Finally, when they both caught their breaths, he signed to her, This is our spot now.

  She looked up at the tree. Our spot. She liked that. She liked that a lot.

  ***

  Max pulled the motorcycle in the space in front of Brothers Ink. The sun had set, and the temperature was dropping as they’d made their way back into town. Max had promised Aunt Tan he’d have Malee back before dark, and he wanted to keep that promise. The last streaks of purple and blue painted the western sky as he glanced down Main. He took Malee’s hand, and they jogged across the street, darting inside the glass door that led up to Aunt Tan’s apartment.

  Their feet pounded up the steps. Just before she was about to slide her key in the lock, he grabbed her hand, stopping her. She looked up with wide questioning eyes before he grinned, took her head in his hands, and kissed her one last time without any prying eyes on them. It would have to last them until the next time she could manage to slip away.

  When finally he released her and they went inside, Aunt Tan was sitting on the couch, watching the news. She looked up when they entered, smiling and laughing.

  You two look happy. Did you have a good time, Malee?

  Malee turned and gazed into Max’s face, her smile bright as she replied, “I had a wonderful time.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  They began to meet at the gym every Wednesday night, and now they added Mondays. But the days in between, they had to settle for catching a glimpse of each other or stolen moments when they could find them. And they had their notes. Max had never been good at expressing his feelings, but somehow with Malee it was easy. He found even writing letters, something he’d not done much of in his life, didn’t seem hard. The words just flowed onto the paper.

  They’d found a new spot for their notes, too. Since she was staying most nights right across the street, he only had to go to the entryway to her aunt’s apartment and tuck them in the edge of the brass mailbox. Every morning before work, and every evening after they closed up the shop, he’d dash across the street to see if she’d left one for him in the same spot.

  This morning she’d left him one.

  My aunt and I will be going to the Fall Farmers Market around three o’clock. Maybe I’ll run into you?

  He smiled at her blatant hint. Damn right she would.

  Grand Junction was experiencing an unseasonably warm snap, and the sun was shining bright. The temperature was in the sixties.

  During the summer months there was a farmers market every Thursday afternoon, lasting into the evening. It was a Grand Junction favorite, attracting thousands of shoppers each week with a four-block street festival showcasing Colorado produce, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, and more. Grand Valley orchards and farmers brought in sweet cherries, apricots, raspberries, pears, plums, and peaches. There was a stage set up for local bands. There were homemade jams and fresh-baked bread and all kinds of treats to be nibbled on while browsing handmade soaps, beautiful arts, and crafts.

  Last year, due to popular demand, the town had added a couple of fall dates to the schedule. Sweet corn and plump pumpkins sold by the truckload, so they’d kept it going this year.

  Maxwell stood at the window, watching for her.

  When finally he saw her and her aunt strolling down the street, headed that way, he left the shop and followed. The streets were crowded, the gorgeous weather bringing out many shoppers. He made his way down the sidewalk, weaving in and out of the crowd. There were stands set up with vendors displaying all sorts of goods. Max kept his eyes on Malee, determined not to lose her in the crowd.

  He followed them at a distance, watching as her face lit up with excitement when she saw some arts and crafts booths. She loved the handmade silver jewelry; she also loved the hand-painted scarves for sale at another booth. The vendor was giving a demonstration, and Malee seemed fascinated. He loved to see her enthusiasm and delight.

  When the demonstration was over and they’d moved on, Max positioned himself down the row so as to make it appear they hadn’t planned this little outing. Although, one look at Aunt Tan’s face, and he knew the jig was up. She was totally on to them.

  Hello, Malee.

  “Hello, Max.”

  They were stopped in front of a vendor selling apple cider. He nodded to it. Can I get you ladies some?

  Aunt Tan smiled and answered for both of them. That would be lovely.

  He paid and led them over to a bench. They sat and watched people go by. Max put his cup between his knees so he had free use of his hands to sign. They have a lot of beautiful crafts here.

  Malee was excited to tell him about the vendor she’d just seen. “Yes, some beautiful things! I just saw a woman who does watercolor on silk. I was fascinated. It inspired me to maybe give it a try. It would be fun
to go to fairs and sell something.”

  Or perhaps even a shop, Max suggested.

  “Well, that would cost money.”

  Max nodded. It would be something to strive for. Maybe one day.

  “Maybe one day.”

  Max reached down on the bench between them and took Malee’s hand in his, where no one could see. She smiled up at him, and somehow it was enough just being close to her and being able to touch her, even if it was something as small as handholding. Somehow it got him through his day.

  Chapter Sixteen

  When Malee and Aunt Tan returned to her apartment, Aunt Tan patted the seat beside her on the sofa. Come sit.

  Malee sat, giving her Aunt a questioning look, wondering if she was going to say something about her not-so-secret meeting with Max. But that wasn’t at all what her aunt wanted to talk to her about.

  I saw how interested you were in the hand-painted silk.

  Malee nodded. “Yes. It was beautiful.”

  Her aunt pointed to her carved wooden chest. Bring me the item at the bottom. The one wrapped in rice paper.

  Malee moved to the chest, raised the lid, and dug through the items carefully. She brought the item back to the sofa. It was long and rolled up, but soft, like there was something fabric inside the wrappings.

  Aunt Tan carefully untied the silk ribbon and unwrapped the rice paper. When it was unrolled and the item lifted from the wrappings, it revealed a hand-painted silk parasol with a bamboo frame.

  Aunt Tan opened it and twirled it. It was stunning. She passed it to Malee. I painted this when I was a girl. It is a tradition that goes back generations.

  Malee’s mouth fell open.

  I could show you how to paint on silk if you’d like, dear.

  Malee closed the parasol and set it down carefully. “Oh, yes. Please.”

  Aunt Tan smiled broadly. Perhaps the elders still have a few skills worth passing down, huh?

  Malee nodded and smiled brightly, her eagerness apparent. “When can we start?”

  Aunt Tan threw her head back and laughed, clapping her hands together. We’ll start tomorrow with a trip to the fabric store. I’ll help you pick out just the right silks. They must be of good quality.