by Jude Ouvrard
“Are you going to kiss me, Miles?” she whispered in a sensual Marilyn Monroe way.
Valerie! “You’re going to have to stop asking me to kiss you like that. There’s no way I can say no to you.” Tattoo girl! “Even if I tried,” I said before my lips crashed onto hers.
This. Her lips. Her sweet, delicious lips were the reason I would never get enough of her.
Lifting her, her arms enveloped my shoulders without breaking our kiss. I didn’t want to stop, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t be the first one to pull away.
“Cowboy, promise me you won’t leave me again.” Her heavy breaths matched mine.
“I’m never going to leave you again, tattoo girl.” I pressed her back against the door and pushed my hips up toward hers. “Since I first saw you in Boston, I always knew I had to find you again.”
Her nails scraped at the roots of my hair. “You found me.”
Returning to her mouth to get a taste of her delicious lips, I kissed her without deepening the kiss. Things had to slow down or we’d both be naked within minutes, and I still didn’t think I deserved her. I left a trail of kisses from her lips to her naked shoulder. The convenience of having a top with the neckline falling down the shoulder. So damn sexy!
“Cowboy, you’re going to have to stop kissing and start undressing me or I’m going to combust.”
I groaned. “Can you please not say things like that to me, or I’m going to turn into a thirteen-year-old teenager.”
She laughed and pulled my t-shirt over my head. “What the hell, Miles?” Val asked while her hands caressed the bruise on the side of my ribcage.
“Ignore it. It doesn’t hurt.”
“Who did this?” she asked, but I could already see it in her eyes—the memory of visiting her parents.
“I’m not sure who, it was between John and your brother.” I covered her hand and kissed her again. The sadness on her face had to go, the lust had to return. This was our moment, our reunion, I didn’t want my bruise to stop us.
While I helped her out of her loose top, she got rid of my belt and pants. I kicked them off my feet and pushed her back against the door, showing her how much I loved and had missed her.
“Cowboy,” Val murmured, her lips tickling the skin of my shoulder.
“I know.”
We could both feel the tension growing between us. On my side, I wanted this night to be special. I owed it to her after what I had done to her. I had been a jackass, but for the right reasons.
“Now, Val, as much as I would take you here, or anywhere, you deserve more than a cold door.”
My girl jumped back in my arms, not letting me go too far. We made it to the couch, but that was a lot better than a door. Our bodies connected first, then our legs entwined. My lone desire was to make her feel special and loved. So, I showed her the best I could as I made love to her deep into the wee hours of the night. The small, sexy moans escaping her mouth would forever be recorded in my mind.
Valerie owned me. I’d fallen deeper in love with her than ever before. Nothing in my life had ever felt so special. This time around, my game plan was set in marble: Never let her go.
Before her shift at the club, I followed Val down to the shop so she could show me what her station looked like. Given the excitement in her eyes, I couldn’t refuse her. Besides, after the conversation we’d had last night, something fun to lighten the mood would be good today.
I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm before meeting Kyle. The man had every reason to want to kick my ass, and I understood why. If the situation were reversed, I wouldn’t miss the chance to kick his.
“Hey, girl, what’s up?” Kyle asked as we entered but kept his focus on his drawing table.
“I brought a visitor.” Her lip locked between her teeth.
Kyle looked up. “Millard.” The tone of his voice left no question that he was pissed.
“Look, man. I’m sorry you had to deal with the aftereffects of my actions. All I can offer is my thanks for taking care of her and my promise that it won’t be an issue again.” By the time I’d said those needed words, he stood two inches from my face.
“She’s family. Don’t ever put her through this again or I’ll tattoo a dick on your cheek.”
Val burst out laughing but I knew better, he wasn’t joking.
“Levi was also happy you’d returned home, so that adds to the reason why I’m not kicking your ass just now, man.”
“We’re good, then?”
“As long as you’re good to our girl. Okay,” he said shaking my hand, “ow, when are you going to let Val mark you?”
“Whenever she’s ready.”
Her smile got so wide and happy I knew I’d be getting ink sooner rather than later. So long as it wasn’t a dick.
VAL
After spending an hour at the graveyard for the second time in a month, I couldn’t help thinking how sad it was to see my beautiful man feel so solitary. The last time we’d visited, Miles had spent fifteen minutes with his loved ones while I gave him room to mourn by staying at the car. His trembling shoulders had told me he was crying as he stood before the headstones and talked out loud, which broke my heart.
Today was no different. I waited for Miles to return to me so I could comfort and tell him how much I loved him.
This last month together had been pleasurable, for the most part. Anytime I recalled memories of it, I couldn’t control my smile. It was one of those happy face types of smile, one where all teeth are showing. Every night we cuddled together—or had the best sex of my life—at either my place or his. We also met for lunch when we could. My life had never been more normal, and I loved it.
Knowing we’d save money and that my apartment was big enough for the two of us, we’d decided to move in together. Tonight would be our first official night as a couple living under the same roof. Miles had brought his furniture, although he didn’t have much. We sold whatever was a double.
Sharing my life with him brought so much goodness, I lived in a haze of joy. What was hurting me now was the sight of him crying. Leaving him alone as he wished, and asked for, was the hardest thing for me.
Cracking my knuckles, I took a small walk to distract me from the hated waiting. It made me anxious because I didn’t know how Miles would be when he returned. Would he feel sad, depressed, or relieved? Last time we’d come, he hadn’t spoken much for the first hour, and after that, he seemed too tired to talk about it so we’d gone to his place and watched a movie until we crashed. My major wish in this whole situation was for him to open up with me, let me in. I could help him more if he’d let me. I ended up sitting under an apple tree where I could see him.
One thing was certain where Miles was concerned; I wanted to spend my life with him. My entire life. While comparing Miles to John wasn’t right, there was no denying John had never made me feel as happy or loved as Miles does. Our life was meant to be spent together. That’s what I desired.
“Hey, beautiful tattoo girl,” he said sitting by my side. “I’m sorry it took so long.”
“Not a problem.” I turned my head to give him a kiss. “How are you feeling now?”
“Better than last time.”
Relief washed over me. “Good, cowboy. I was worried about you. You looked so sad over there, and I hate not being able to comfort you.”
He gave me a small smile. “I’m sorry. I truly am. I was telling them how thankful for you I am.” The emotions on his face changed from joyful to heartbreaking. “I miss them terribly, and I hate that I’ll never get to see them again. My sister would have loved you, and I’m sure Mom would’ve cooked my favorite apple pie for you and treated you like her own. I get all these mixed emotions when I come here. It’s nothing like I’ve ever felt before.”
“I’m here for you, Miles. I always will be.” I hoped he understood the promise behind my words.
“Always, huh?”
I flushed, and my heart started pounding in my chest. “Yes, always
. I hope you know that.”
We kissed, and then made our way out of the graveyard to head for the shop. I refused to let go of his hand, so we walked like our sides were glued together. I couldn’t stop smiling, and neither did Miles, but I could still see a small part of him lost in his thoughts.
Miles had volunteered to be my first official client. Levi agreed to supervise my every action. I’d already added some ink to Kyle’s ankle and Levi’s back to practice, and it had gone well. All week long, I’d worked on the design of this angel. It had to be feminine to represent Miles’ grandmother, Dorothy. It was a design he’d been thinking about for a while to honor her. She had saved him, taken care of him when his father wouldn’t, and shown him what love was. I couldn’t wait to meet her.
“Are you nervous?” he asked, tugging my hand closer to kiss it.
“I’m not the one who’s about to get permanently inked by an apprentice. You should be nervous. So, the question is, are you?” I laughed so loud Kyle and his client stared back at me as if I’d lost my mind.
Miles chuckled. “I’m not. I have total faith in you. If Levi didn’t think you were ready, he wouldn’t let you do it.”
Levi and Miles had been catching up on their lost years of friendship. When Nix and I worked at the club, they hung out together doing man stuff, like working in Levi’s garage or doing some small renovations to his house. Miles was handy and loved everything about hard work, hammers, and noisy machines. Maybe, someday, we would get a house, too. I hoped so.
“If you trust Levi, then I guess we’re all good.”
I tried remembering every single piece of advice Kyle and Levi had given me. Today, I’d need the information because I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t do this tattoo justice.
“Hey, don’t be nervous.” Miles cupped my cheeks and held me in place. “You’ll be alright. It’s just me. You can take as much time as you want.” His thumbs brushed my lips with a delicate swipe which relaxed me. “We’ll have all weekend to chill together afterward. Just think about how good it will be.” He grinned, and it made me weak in the knee.
“Yes… okay. I agree. The weekend will be perfect. With you, everything is always perfect.”
“One more reason not to be nervous about the tattoo, tattoo girl.”
“I love you, cowboy.”
“And I, you.” He may not have spoken the exact words, but the tone of his voice made my heart flutter anyway.
The machine vibrated in my hands while Miles sat still under Levi’s watchful eyes. The outline was done and I’d started working on the black shading. Though I tried not to show it, my insides were shaking, and more than once I’d thought I was going to vomit. Music played in the background, some of my favorite songs from Chet Faker and Sam Hunt. Since meeting Miles, my eyes had been opened to a whole other style of music, country. Miles liked to sing to me late at night when we were both home. His guitar rested on bare knees since, most of the time, he wore nothing but boxer briefs during my private concerts. I loved it, and his voice always soothed me. During our last get together dinner with the gang, we’d been lucky enough to hear Nix and Miles sing together. My eyes got watery at the memory. They were both crazy-talented, and I hoped they’d accept Tyler’s offer to have a concert at the club. Miles even mentioned a fundraiser, showing how compassionate he was.
Sometimes I wondered if Miles could read my mind because he started singing Hunt’s song while I worked. I had to stop for a few seconds when shivers laced my whole body. The one thing I wanted in that moment was a kiss, but with everything placed and sterilized, I couldn’t give him one. Patience wasn’t my virtue, yet I decided to be good and wait.
An hour later, my hands were tired and Miles’ shoulder was swollen.
“How are you holding up, cowboy?”
“Well, if I’m being honest, I could think of a few other things I’d rather be doing with you right now, as this is getting painful. But I’m okay considering you’re piercing my skin thousands of times with tiny needles.”
I chuckled, and so did Levi as he warned me, “Don’t laugh and tattoo at the same time, though. You could ruin it. Keep your concentration.” Levi moved around to get a better view of the tattoo. “If I were you, I’d touch up the point of the wing here.”
I stopped a moment to look at the wing and, of course, Levi was right. “I’ll do that, thanks.” My focus back on the gun, Miles’ skin, and the ink, I took a deep breath and exhaled. You can do this, Val.
“You’re almost done, kiddo.” Levi gave my shoulder a careful tap, and Miles winked at me.
My face flushed as a multitude of emotions rushed through me. The tattoo wasn’t even done yet, but it looked incredible. Could I say that about something I’d done without sounding pretentious? I didn’t care; I had never been proud of me like this before.
In the next thirty minutes, the tattoo was finished. Before announcing it was done, I cleaned it up while a single tear slid down my cheek. Talk about emotional exhaustion. However, the tattoo met my every expectation. I had done it. Yes! Adrenaline pumped through my veins while I unplugged my machine. My hands started shaking and then so did my legs. For three hours, I had been able to control my nerves. Not anymore. “And the tattoo is complete, cowboy.”
He turned his arm, impatient to see it. It made me laugh because he was the one who’d made the decision to wait until the end to see the final result.
“Why are you crying?” Levi asked, taking me by surprise as more tears escaped my eyes.
Kyle appeared from the back of the shop. He took a look at Miles’ shoulder and shock bloomed on his face. “You’re so good. That looks far better than some artists who’ve been around for years.”
“I know. It’s crazy. She was born to be a tattoo artist.” Kyle’s arm wrapped around me. “How are you feeling? Tired?”
“Exhausted physically and emotionally. I put my all into this tattoo.”
Miles stood before the large mirror on the wall. My fingers were crossed, I wanted him to love it.
“It’s amazing, Val.” He rubbed his eyes, an attempt to hide his feelings, I presumed.
Kyle let go of me and I hurried to Miles’ side.
“I love it, tattoo girl. It’s perfect.”
After peeling off the rubber gloves, I wrapped my arms around my man. He said he loved the tattoo, but somehow I needed him to show me. A hug, a kiss, anything.
He lifted me into his strong arms, spun me around, and then kissed me as he settled me back to my feet. “It’s perfect. I’m so happy and proud of you. You did great, Val.” Miles squeezed me again, and I heard Kyle and Levi laughter’s in the back.
After cleaning and applying a bandage to his tattoo, we called it a day and headed upstairs. Miles offered to cook me dinner, and I accepted because I no longer had any energy. The TV on, I lay down on the couch to relax and try hard not to fall asleep. The smell inside the apartment was mouth-watering and my stomach growled every two minutes, but it wasn’t enough to keep me awake. I passed out while watching a rerun of Lip Sync Battle.
“Val, honey, do you want to eat dinner or do you want to go to bed?” Miles murmured in my ear with a gentle voice before kissing the lobe.
“I’m starving. Can we eat here, on the couch? I don’t want to get up.” It sounded lazy but I didn’t care. Today had been a long day. For days, I’d tried pretending it wasn’t stressing me out to tattoo Miles. Now, I felt relieved and free. All I needed was a good night’s sleep.
We ate dinner in quiet reflection. Miles’ cooking skills never ceased to amaze me. I’d gained four pounds since moving in together, which he liked to tease me about. Tonight, he treated me to chicken fried rice with tons of veggies. When we were done, Miles took our plates to the kitchen and then we cuddled on the couch. I couldn’t think of a better feeling than being pressed against his chest and the rhythm of his beating heart. He put the TV on mute and sang to me until I fell asleep.
Later, I felt him move beneath me, and t
hen his worried voice startled me awake.
“What? Is everything okay, Grandpa?”
I sat on the couch watching him pace from right to left. My vision still blurry, I had no clue what was happening, but could tell it wasn’t good.
“Where is she now? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
At the look of panic rising in his eyes, I hurried to his side, almost tripping on my way. My legs weren’t quite ready to get up so fast after sleeping for so long. “What’s wrong, cowboy?” I asked the question, but am pretty sure he never answered.
Instead, he held me close, his face hiding beneath my hair. I heard a heartbreaking sniffling sound and knew he was crying then.
“What happened, Miles? You have to tell me now or I’m going to think the worst.” Could it be a death? No, it couldn’t be. Miles was still having a hard time dealing with his sister’s passing. I didn’t have a praying habit, but in that moment, I prayed.
“I knew this would happen. I’m too far from them, and I wish I wasn’t. Grandma was admitted to the ER. My grandfather said she started acting strange and saying things that didn’t make sense.” He kissed my cheek. “I have to go, Val. They need me. I’m all they have.”
I dried his tears with feather light kisses. “Do you want me to go with you?” Please, let me go with you.
He sighed, having a hard time answering my question. “I can’t ask you to do that because I don’t know how long I’ll be away. I’m so sorry. I promised you I wouldn’t leave you again.”
I wouldn’t let him go alone, not in this state of mind. He needed me, needed my support. Nor could I imagine not being with him for more than a day. A hint of the morning after the disaster at my parent’s house came back to haunt me. Waking up without Miles, that feeling of loneliness, I didn’t want to live through any of it again. I had one place to be, which was right by my man’s side. Wherever he goes, I go.