I was laughing hysterically now. I couldn’t help it. He went from being so serious to playful in an instant.
“Yeah, well, as long as that innuendo gets me a repeat performance you can Sin away.”
He groaned at that one and I laughed triumphantly. I rolled him over onto his back and straddled him, feeling things warming up again between us.
He stroked my hips with his thumbs and looked up at me, his lids heavy and his breathing sped up. “Was your first time really ok, chère?”
I nodded. “You have to ask?”
“I want you to tell me. Did you like it?”
I ran my hands over his perfect abs and pecs, lightly scratching him with my nails. He had just the barest covering of fine hair on him and it was soft as feathers.
“It felt really good. I was surprised, actually. So many women I know have said it was terrible their first time. I feel a little guilty that mine was so very good.”
I moved my hips a little, dragging my core over his waiting erection. He squeezed my hips and his eyelids got even heavier.
“I’m glad it was good, but I’m just not sure if, oh God that’s good, if I got it right. I might have to, hmmmmmm, oh shit, try again. Are you ready for me again, chère?”
I nodded and licked my lips.
Round two was even more amazing since my nerves were gone. There could not be anything better in the human existence than the feel of his body on mine, our most private parts coming together in complete harmony. His eyes held mine and in them were all the love, hope and promise he’d shared with his words before. Now he was showing me with his touch, his kiss, and his penetration. It was just the two of us and I took it all in, knowing that it wouldn’t always be this blissful but I’d have these feelings, these memories to get me through.
Our first night in my apartment was full of promises and love and when I fell asleep nestled against him my heart was full to capacity. The next morning when I awoke and the first thing I saw was his sleepy profile I couldn’t help but giggle. I didn’t want to wake him, but I was so happy.
He opened one eye and smirked at me. “Why are you laughing?”
I kissed his shoulder as I sat up, ready to face the day, feeling stronger and happier than ever. “Just giggling to myself, thinking that I have Devon Boudreaux lying fabulously naked in my bed under sheets with puffy clouds and rainbows on them.”
He looked around him and rubbed his hand over his face. “I’m surprised at you, Jaylene. I thought you’d have sheets with skulls on them.”
I laughed. “I do, but these were a gift from Mackenzie and they’re really soft, so I use them a lot.”
He ran his hands over them, sliding the sheet down to where the bottom of his v-shaped muscles were just showing. He saw where my eyes were headed and a sly smile broke over his lips. “If you look hard enough, you might find a pot of gold under these rainbows.”
I burst out laughing with him and said, “You know, you’re probably right about not being able to out-corn or out-innuendo you. I’m feeling pretty amateurish.”
I stood up and walked over to grab a pair of yoga pants and sports bra. He watched me intently as I went about my morning routine. I wrapped my hair back in a ponytail and moved to my yoga mat in front of the window. I did a few stretches, my back felt much better than the previous morning, but it was still a little stiff. I quickly realized that other parts of me were deliciously sore as well. I bent over to a downward facing dog pose and then arched up into cobra. I caught his eye and he was smiling.
“I didn’t think your body could be any more beautiful, but the way you move...Damn. The only thing that would be more erotic would be if you were naked.”
I shook my head and finished running through the basic poses. “Sorry, baby. Not ready to be that exposed in front of you yet. Needed to do that, can’t let my back get tight before going to work.”
He was tugging at his soul patch. I was wishing I had fewer clothes on. It was 9:00 and I had to be downstairs in an hour.
“I have an hour to get showered, dressed, and fed. Any idea how to fit in any extra-curricular activities?”
It turned out Devon had some great ideas which involved removing my yoga clothes from me, carrying me into the shower where he proceeded to wash every inch of me, including my hair, which felt fabulous. He paid particular attention to my sensitive spots and I assured him he was being very thorough. Condom number three was used in the bathroom up against the counter. For being a small apartment, there were sure a lot of creative spaces for us to explore.
By this time I was feeling very satisfied and was having a really hard time keeping my hands off of Devon. I loved that my apartment was small. and that when we moved around there were always reasons to touch. He seemed very comfortable here and that made my heart sing. I wanted the chance to get used to this. We wrapped up our hour by feeding each other fruit and granola for breakfast. About that time there was a knock on the door.
“Hello sleeping beauty, are you ready for wo- rk it girl!” Mackenzie opened the door as I was straddling Devon’s lap feeding him a grape.
Star was right behind her, rubbing his hair to full spike mode. He laughed. “I wondered what time you were coming over. What the hell did you do? Come at midnight?”
Devon and I laughed and he hugged me close, kissing my neck. “As a matter of fact I arrived at 12:02. I was fashionably late.”
He kissed me one more time before scooting me off his lap. “Had to make sure my girl got up in time for work.”
Mackenzie had her eyebrows raised at the possessive nature of Devon’s comment and was in full protective mode. “Then I’m also sure you made sure she got enough rest, right?”
We both giggled guiltily and he turned to her and said, sheepishly, “Just how many hours of sleep counts as enough rest, boss?”
She smirked. “Yeah, this is hopeless. All right. Devon did you need coffee? I know Jaylene doesn’t have any but I made some.”
He smiled and thanked her. “I’m ok. I’m kind of on a natural high right now.” He turned to me and wrapped his arms around me, hugging me close. I so didn’t want to leave this wonderful cocoon. “This is going to be fun. Star, what do you think? A day of watching them work without having to do anything?”
Mackenzie’s arms crossed over her chest. “Did you really think you were going to be sitting on your fine asses today? I’ve got a whole list of chores I need help with.”
The guys looked at each other and acted shocked.
“You mean no drinking beer and making lewd comments all day,” Star asked.
She rolled her eyes. “You can make all the lewd comments you want, but no beer. Can’t risk a run in with the health department.”
Devon threw his arm around Star’s neck in a headlock. “We’re just messing with you. Star would be happy to do any chores you need him to do.”
She looked pointedly at him and he nodded.
“I would do anything for you, Mackenzie. You just say the words.”
I loved the way he got all puppy-dog cute with her.
Her stern looks gave way to a smoldering gaze. “Good, because I have an idea.”
We went downstairs and got ready to open up. Troy had left me a few notes and my station was in great condition. I appreciated him coming and knew I owed him.
My first appointment, Karen, was an old customer from back home who flew out just to see me and get tattooed. She had money to spare and I’d done a lot of work on her so we knew each other pretty well. I felt honored that she would make this much of a sacrifice to see me, although she explained she should be thanking me because she’d always wanted to come visit New Orleans. She had wanted a phoenix tattoo over a shoulder, bicep and down her back for a few years now so that’s what we were working on today. I’d at least get the outline done and then she’d come back in a couple of months to get the color done. It was going to be a marathon session. I figured her piece would take at least five to six hours.
; My second client, Jonathan, was coming in tonight, driving down from Texas. I’d tattooed him shortly after opening my shop and he wanted more done. He was in the military so his only opportunity to get work done was at the beginning of a three-week leave.
My drawings were already done and agreed upon. After unpacking my machine and making sure everything was in working order I took a moment to look around the shop. I snickered as I watched Mackenzie put our two boys to work.
"I’ve wanted to hang these prints for a long time, but we needed someone tall to do it.”
She’d had the rest of her poppets framed and wanted to hang them in the waiting area. I noticed the new drawing was taking a place of honor.
“I take it you like the drawing?” She turned to me and gave me a huge hug.
“I love it,” she whispered.
I gave her a squeeze and we watched the boys using a level to make sure the pictures were done right. Devon looked awfully cute with a hammer in his hand.
“So what do you have on the books today?”
She looked down at her appointment book. “Hmmm, just three piercing appointments and Sabrina is coming in for me to strip her hair so we can dye it blue next.”
I laughed. Those two were always having fun with color.
“I was planning to mostly work the counter today and handle any walk-ins we have.” Her eyes drifted to Star who was leaning over the counter, his jeans riding low. I saw her suck in a breath and smile.
“See something you like?” I was teasing her, but when she turned to me, her eyes were bright and a little teary.
“I really do,” she murmured. “I really like him, Jay.”
I knew this was hard for her and I hoped she didn’t run away from him.
“I know and I’m glad. He’s a really good guy.”
She nodded and bit nervously on one of her nails. “I just hope I don’t chase this one away.”
I held my hand up to her cheek. “Just go with your heart, dollface. That’s the only way to be with him. He’s very honest and will know if you aren’t. You’ll be great!”
She nodded and kissed my cheek. “What about you and your tall drink of water?”
I sighed. “It was perfect, Kenz. He says this is it for him.”
She must have sensed how surprised I was by that. “Well, let him prove it to you, baby girl. I think he’s a smart man.”
I squeezed her hand and she sighed. “How the hell are we supposed to work with them distracting us all day?”
I sighed dramatically. “It will be difficult. But we must persevere.”
Karen arrived and we hugged. She was a high school administrator and this was her Spring Break coming up so she’d have time to heal. I always told her if she’d been my administrator I might have liked school better.
“Nah, you would have thought I was a bitch like the rest of the kids.”
We laughed about that. If they only knew that their uptight principal had some very large and very beautiful tattoos.
“You look absolutely stunning, Jaylene. I see the move has been good for you.”
Her eyes travelled between Devon and I and her eyebrow raised.
I rolled my eyes. “Karen Browning, this is my boyfriend, Devon Boudreaux.”
She nodded and extended her hand. He shook it and gave her a low-wattage smile, but it still affected her, I could tell.
“Very pleased to meet you Mrs. Browning.”
That freakin’ Cajun charm of his was unbelievable.
She raised an eyebrow. “You too, Mr. Boudreaux. I take it you’re from these parts?”
He nodded. “From Houma, ma’am.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, not ma’am, please. I’m on vacation!”
He laughed and that really affected her.
I’d told him she was a high school principal and it was interesting to watch him around another woman. Even though Karen was in her late 40’s, she was very attractive and in great shape. I was wondering how he was going to handle her being mostly topless for the next few hours.
“And this is his friend, Star...”
“Stanley Stevenson. Very nice to meet you.” He sat back down next to Devon on the couch and tried to ignore Mackenzie and me.
“Stanley?” She mouthed to me, “How Cute!”
We looked at him and he shrugged, blushing. Mackenzie started fanning herself and he got a sly smile on his face. Devon smacked him in the back of the head and he tried to behave.
“It’s nice to meet you both.” Karen turned back to us and gave us a very principal-like look and we immediately were chastised.
Karen and I went over the drawing last minute and then she went in the dressing room and took off her top. She came out holding the drape to her and I proceeded to wash the area and apply the stencil. It took a few tries. We were going over the top of her shoulder and down the back. It made the placement a little tricky. Devon and Star watched it all with great interest. Mackenzie’s first client of the day came in and that kept her occupied for the next hour.
Karen lay down on her stomach on my table and I got to work. She was very easy to work on. With all she’d been through over the past few years she could handle the pain of a tattoo with ease.
Devon stood and walked around behind me so he could see me work better. Strangely, I didn’t feel distracted at all by him. It felt natural for him to be in my space.
“May I ask about the tattoo you’re getting?” He was very sweet to ask her. I wondered how he would handle the answer.
“Of course. It’s a phoenix, the symbol of rebirth. After surviving breast cancer I feel like I'm starting over.”
He was quiet for a minute. “It’s going to look fantastic. How long have you been cancer-free?”
“Thanks. It’s been five years now. I feel good, I feel lucky to be alive. They caught it early so it wasn’t so bad. I didn’t have to have radiation, just the double mastectomy and several rounds of chemo.” Karen had shared her story with me the first time we met. I admired her so very much.
“My aunt died of breast cancer, so I’m really glad to hear yours went ok.”
I sat back and looked up at him, quieting my machine for a moment. His sad smile was back, but he looked ok.
“Daryl’s first wife, Lila. She was just 30 when she got sick. I was little when it happened, but my mom talked about her a lot. I remember her funeral.” He cleared his throat and I smiled up at him in support. His half smile was back.
“That explains a little about Daryl.”
He nodded.
Karen looked curious.
“Daryl is Devon’s uncle. He’s also a great friend of mine. He was the man I told you about who helped Mackenzie and I get our building.”
“Ah, the biker dude. Got it.”
Devon laughed. “Hey, chère, I’m going to go out back and have a smoke. You need anything?”
I shook my head. “I’m great, thanks though.”
He kissed the top of my head and headed out the back door. My face must have shown how bad I had it because Karen was chuckling to herself.
“Ah to be young and in love. Shit, I’d have killed to be in love with that.” I snickered.
“He’s something, huh?” She rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, something. How did you two meet?”
I could feel myself blushing. “Daryl introduced us and we were kind of working together, he and his cousins and their friends, on a memorial tattoo for his sister. It just sort of happened.”
She was smiling at me and then closed her eyes to relax. I was working on her shoulder blade area, which can be quite tender. “Keep talking, Jay. Helps me forget about the rough spots.”
I laughed. “Ok. What else do you want to know?”
Her forehead creased as though she was thinking deeply. “How about what does he do for a living?”
I snorted. “Oh, you’ll really like the answer to that one.”
She opened an eye and frowned at me. “As long as you don’t
tell me he’s a starving artist.”
I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing.
“He is! I knew it. He’s got that brooding, intense thing going on.”
I shook my head. “Yes, he’s an artist, but he’s not starving. Not by a long shot.” I paused to clean up the area I’d been working on and inspect the line work I’d finished so far.
“Not starving? Do tell!”
I sighed. “He’s the guitarist for Maggie’s Bones, a Metal band.”
“I know exactly who Maggie’s Bones are, are you kidding me? That’s D? Holy shit, Jay, they are hot! I can’t believe your luck! Maybe I should move to New Orleans, too!”
We both laughed. Karen was very much in love with her husband so her teasing was just that.
“I can’t help but more deeply believe that everything happens for a reason. This past week has been good for me.”
She snickered. “I bet it has.”
“Oh, stop it Karen! It’s not what you think. It’s just that I wasn’t going to take the job. It seemed too overwhelming, out of my comfort zone, you know?”
She turned her head to the side so I could see her eyebrow raised. “Jay, your comfort zone is quite narrow. Besides moving to New Orleans, you don’t usually do anything other than work, work, work. I’m glad you did something out of the norm. I see it’s paid off.”
“I sure hope so. But then falling in love is waaaay outside my comfort zone so we’ll have to see how it goes.” I knew my face was red when she looked up at me.
“And it could be the kind of thing that changes your whole life, my dear. Trust me. Don’t turn the Fates away when they place something beautiful in front of you. Chances are it’s not likely to be repeated.”
I thought about what she said and all she’d been through. I tended to listen when my clients shared their life wisdom with me. I learned as much from them as they got healing from the process of getting a tattoo. As I watched Devon walk back in my shop I knew that I would absolutely embrace what Fate had brought to me.
Devon was carrying his guitar with him. He must have had it in his car. “Jaylene, will it bother you if I play?”
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