by S. M. Shade
I take a step toward him and my foot slides on the strawberry, making me lose my balance. I grab him, but it’s too late. All it does is make sure he’s going down with me. There must be a button on the suit somewhere because as soon as we hit the ground, a loud roar sounds.
I can’t.
This isn’t what he had planned. I’m even more sure of that statement when I hear Jani’s voice call out. “What the hell was that?”
Oh no. I forgot to lock the front door.
Before either of us can call out, she sticks her head through Denton’s open bedroom door. Her eyes bulge, and she shakes her head. “Nope, huh-uh. Didn’t see a thing. I’ll just be in the living room.”
Denton flips up the mask and smirks at me. “This isn’t how I saw this going.”
Hushed voices then laughter tells us Noble is also out there. Damn it.
“I’ll go get rid of them,” he says, hurrying out the door.
Once he’s gone, I grab a tee shirt from his closet, pull it over my head and go out to see what’s going on.
Noble grins at my bare legs, but the tee is long enough to cover my panties. “What’s the matter? On your cretaceous period?”
Jani chuckles, then tries for a contrite look. “I’m sorry we interrupted…whatever that was, but we had a little emergency. The water pipe in our kitchen burst and the whole place is flooded. The water is shut off. We won’t be able to get a hold of the office until tomorrow, so we were hoping to crash here.”
“Sure, just take my room,” I offer.
“And ignore any and all sounds from mine,” Denton adds.
We turn to go back to his room, and Noble asks, “Dude, is that the Jurassic Park theme music?”
Denton slaps the side of his costume, making it roar again, and flips the mask back over his head. Reaching out, he takes my hand with the tiny t-rex one. “Come on, babe.” The indignant swish of the tail as he leads me back to the bedroom has me giggling again. I can’t ever remember having so much fun with another person.
Best birthday ever.
Noble and Jani’s apartment has some serious flood damage, and rather than have to move temporarily to an empty apartment and continue paying rent, they’re going to stay with us until theirs is habitable again.
Denton wastes no time claiming Kenny’s old room with the attached bath and since I end up sleeping in Denton’s room more often than not, they’ve been crashing in my bed instead of on the air mattress they brought. We have a house full again, but I’m surprised to find I enjoy it.
It’s never boring, and I love having Jani there to hang out with instead of just the guys. It’s been a long time since I had a close girl friend like her. I know she’s glad too, since her other friends, Cass and Veronica, are always busy with kids.
The sound of the shower running wakes me, and I sit up with a grin. Today is the first day I’ve had off for weeks, and I’m spending it with Denton. He pointed out that we’ve never been on an actual date, and the Back to School festival at the city park will be our first.
Noble and Jani are going as well, and we’ll probably see a lot of friends there since it’s a big deal in this little town. Every year at the end of summer, they hold a festival and try to include a little something for everyone.
I’m looking forward to spending the whole day with Denton because I know he will have less time once he goes back to school in a couple of days. Lying there in bed, a wave of sadness tries to pull me down at the realization I should’ve been returning to classes also, but I don’t let it get to me. I didn’t particularly enjoy school, and my main goal was to get where I am now. Maybe not in this living situation, and I definitely envisioned having a vehicle, but I own my tattoo shop. Thanks to Denton’s efforts, business has been improving by the day, enough that I’m considering taking on another artist to help us keep up with the demand. My plan may not have played out the way I expected, but I’m achieving my goals anyway. Screw school.
By the time Denton emerges from the bathroom in a cloud of spicy scented steam, I’m packing a backpack to take with us. My gaze travels from his bare chest that boasts a light sprinkle of hair down to the happy trail that disappears under his shorts. To hell with the date or festival or whatever. I just want to drag him into bed and spend the day there.
“You really have to stop objectifying me. It’s just wrong.” His teasing smile makes me roll my eyes.
“Your eyes are on my ass right now,” I point out, stuffing a towel in the backpack. “Give me your board shorts and I’ll throw them in the bag in case you want to swim.”
He tosses me the shorts and a spare t-shirt, then pulls a shirt over his head. When I turn around, his lips land on mine without warning. Warm and soft, they instantly steal all thoughts from my head. He slips his tongue in my mouth, and I take full advantage, my hand slipping into his hair. I love the way he kisses me, with slow measured strokes of his tongue, like he’s trying to make it last forever.
When we part, I wrap my arms around him and he does the same, enclosing me in a warm hug. A month ago, we barely knew each other. How did he become such a vital part of my life so quickly? It’s a little terrifying.
“Are you ready?” he murmurs, stepping back.
No, a part of me is definitely not ready to feel like this for him. The corner of his lip twitches up as his gaze stays on mine. Oh yeah, he means am I ready to go. I swear that kiss scrambled my brain.
“Yeah, ready when you are.”
The heat wave has finally broken and left us with a nice, sunny day. Violent Circle is emptier than I’ve ever seen it. “Wow, I guess everyone is at the park,” I muse.
“Looks like it.”
He was right. The parking lot of the city park is stuffed full and they’ve had to allow parking in one of the fields. The sounds of laughter and splashing from the pool collide with the sounds of bluegrass music coming from the stage. There’s a wide variety of genres included in the lineup, everything from rap to country, indie rock to pop. This should be interesting.
Neither of us has eaten so we head over to the concession and picnic area where multiple food trucks have formed a semicircle. There are also a few teams and organizations grilling and selling food to raise money for their causes.
“It all smells so good. How am I supposed to decide?” I groan.
Denton grins down at me. “I’m going for barbecue ribs.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Good isn’t the word. We each end up with a massive plate of ribs, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. “Beer?” Denton suggests as we look for a spot to eat. There are quite a few tables set up, but they’re stuffed full of people.
“Nah, it’s too early for me.” I nod to a shady spot under a tree. “If you want to take our plates, I’ll grab our drinks.”
After grabbing him a beer and myself a lemonade, we settle under the tree to eat.
“Have you considered doing that?” he asks, motioning to a booth offering tattoos, both henna and traditional.
“Events? I’ve never really thought about it. I know there are a few conventions held close to here where I could. I’d need to look into the fees and stuff to see if it’s feasible.” There’s no point doing my work in a different location if it doesn’t increase my income.
We eat, then sit back and people watch for a few minutes. Trey walks up and grins down at me. “Is your friend Sasha here?”
“No, I’m not sure what she’s up to today.”
Nodding, he turns and looks around the crowd before regarding Denton. “There’s a climbing wall set up on the other side of the pool. You in?”
Denton gets to his feet and offers me his hand, pulling me up to stand beside him. “Sorry, we’re on a date. You’re on your own.”
“It’s okay if you want to go. I don’t mind.”
Trey’s grin is challenging. “Don’t worry about it, Becca. He’s just finding an excuse because he knows I’ll beat him to the top.”
Denton scoffs. “This
from a guy who can’t see his own dick.”
“It’s not my fault your mom’s head is always in the way.” Trey shrugs.
He seems at a loss without someone to hang out with, and I don’t mind loaning him Denton for a few minutes. “Go ahead.” I squeeze Denton’s hand. “I want to have a look at the tattoo booth anyway. I’ll meet you over there in a few minutes.”
Denton drops a kiss on the top of my head. “Fine, I’ll go embarrass him. He’s probably been over there already, practicing.”
“Nah, I was too busy—”
“Let me guess. Fucking my mother,” Denton interrupts.
“Nah, that line was too long.”
Even I have to laugh at that one, and Denton pinches my ass before heading to the climbing wall with Trey.
The tattoo booth isn’t nearly as busy as some of the others, although there’s a little line for the henna side. That’s one reason I’ve never considered doing events. I can’t imagine too many people will impulsively decide to get a tattoo here today. At least, not until the alcohol really starts flowing.
The guy does have a client though. A young woman grits her teeth while her friend holds her hand as a small butterfly is inked onto her ankle. A book of artwork is displayed on the table, and I flip to the first page. Blinking, I quickly have a look at the next image.
These are good.
Not just good, amazing. The guy may be young, probably around my age, but he’s clearly talented and experienced. Page after page shows an impressive array of skills, and he’s even done quite a few white ink pieces, which aren’t common.
Once he finishes with his client, and they scamper off in a fit of giggles and exclamations of how extra and random they are, he approaches me. His smile is flirty and cute as he asks, “See anything you like?”
“I’m not looking to get ink today. I was just curious. Your work is very impressive.”
He stares at my right arm, then the left. “Thank you. Who did yours?”
I turn my arms so he can see the rest. “A few different people. My friend Sasha, mostly.”
He hands me a business card. “Well, when you’re ready for your next one, give me a call.”
“Where is your shop?”
His smile is a bit sheepish. “I don’t have one at the moment. I’m new to town and just getting set up here. For now, I can come to you.”
“Are you certified?”
He flips to the back of his art book where he’s attached his license and certification. As I check it out, he gazes at me. Long enough to make me a little uncomfortable. “Dreams in Ink,” he blurts. “I knew you looked familiar. I was just on your website. You’re an artist at Dreams in Ink.”
“You caught me.”
He leans his chin on his fist, giving me a look that would’ve been far more appreciated before I met Denton. “Did you come to scope out the competition?”
“Not exactly.” This guy would be perfect for Dreams in Ink. As long as he quits hitting on me. “Are you looking for a place to work?”
His eyebrows leap up. “Are they looking for a new artist?”
“Possibly. Why don’t you stop in this week? Do you know where the shop is?”
His head bobs enthusiastically. “Of course. I’d love to come by. I’m Elijah.”
“Becca.”
Denton and Trey walk up behind me, grinning and sweaty. “I wiped the floor with him, babe. No contest.”
Trey grins at me. “Surely, you aren’t buying that.”
Holding up my hands, I shake my head. “I’m not taking sides.”
“Come on, Rebecky. Just because your boyfriend can’t take a little competition is no reason to wuss out.”
“Are you drunk?” Trey has a habit of giving people stupid nicknames when he’s drunk. He called Amber—one of the girls Kenny brought home—Amberger with cheese one night after some whiskey.
Trey’s smile is wide. “I’m not sober.”
Denton’s sweaty arms encircle my neck from behind and his chest presses to my back. “It’s hot. Want to go for a swim?” he asks.
“Sure.” I turn my attention back to Elijah. “Stop in anytime. We’re open nine to nine. It was nice to meet you.”
“You too.” He’s lost the flirty tone of voice, but I can see the excitement in his expression over the chance at the job. Perfect.
“I can’t leave you alone for a second,” Denton teases as we walk away.
Rolling my eyes, I catch his hand in mine. “That was business.”
“Hey, there’s Neal. I’ll see you guys later,” Trey announces, and rushes off.
“So, full disclosure. I’m not a strong swimmer. Like, I can probably make it across the deep end without drowning, but it won’t be pretty.”
“Probably?”
He slings his arm around my neck as we head toward the pool house. “Seventy-thirty I make it across, well, maybe closer to sixty-forty.”
“How about we stay in the shallow end?” I laugh.
“Good plan.”
Chapter Ten
Denton
Today has been the most fun I’ve had in a long time. As much as I love hanging out with the guys, it doesn’t compare with spending time with Becca. She’s just so easy to be with and talk to. It’s like she gets me, and I don’t feel like I have to act a certain way or worry about what I say.
It also doesn’t hurt that she looks good enough to eat in the tiny bikini she’s wearing. I guess Neal was right when he said you can’t fight it if you’re meant to be with someone. All it took was an opportunity and we both seemed to forget why getting together was a bad idea in the first place. It may be early, but we’re crazy about each other. We’ll make it work.
Becca hands me my clothes, grabs the bag and heads to the changing rooms to get dressed. We’ve both had enough of the pool, especially since the sun is starting to go down. When we meet in front of the pool house, she’s changed into a pair of jeans that show every curve of her thighs and ass. Her clingy shirt hugs her tits and all I want to do is get my hands on her.
Music fills the air, and a smile lights her face as she says, “Let’s go see who’s playing.”
“Are you going to dance with me and let me feel you up and stuff?”
She rolls her eyes, grabs my hand, and pulls me toward the concert area. “We’re in public.”
“Fine, I’ll keep it clean, but you owe me.”
“I owe you for not mauling me in public?”
“Yep. It means I get to maul you in private.”
“I can live with that.”
We’re almost to the concert area when a guy walking past calls her name. She stops short, her hand tightening on mine. Her eyebrows dip and her lips press together. Whoever he is, she isn’t happy to see him.
“Becca, I thought that was you,” he says with an oily smile. He’s an average looking dude. About my height with a shaved head, goatee, and a million tattoos that look amateur even to my unprofessional eye.
Becca doesn’t miss a beat. “Sorry, I don’t have any spare change,” she says with a sneer. Her hand tugs mine, and we stalk off before I can hear whatever name he just called her. I know he said something, though. She just dismissed him, pretended he was a beggar or homeless person. I don’t know whether to be concerned or laugh my ass off.
It isn’t until we come up behind the crowd of people gathered around the stage, that I ask, “Bex, you want to tell me who that was?”
Sighing, she turns and loops her arms around my neck. I put my arms around her, and we join the couples dancing to the slow song that’s just started playing. “Dickless Nicholas,” she sighs. “My ex.”
“I take it things didn’t end well?”
“He’s the reason I ended up in the dorms. We’d been seeing each other for a while, and he talked me into getting an apartment together. A really nice one. After we moved in, he hopped around from job to job, never keeping one very long, and sticking me with most of the rent and bills. Then I found out he
was also screwing anything that would have him. Turns out he was just a hobosexual. He gets into relationships just to have a place to stay.”
“What an asshole. I’m sorry he hurt you.”
“Hurt probably isn’t the word. I mean, I thought I loved him, but after he left, I realized I was just in love with the idea of someone loving me. It never would’ve worked out. He was a completely different person than he pretended to be. I try not to let it affect my ability to trust people, but it does make me second guess their motives sometimes.”
She lays her head on my shoulder and her voice is soft as she adds, “That doesn’t mean I can’t trust you.”
Tightening my arms around her waist, I close my eyes against the guilt slamming into me. Her next words just make it worse.
“It’s been such a shitty summer, and you’ve helped me more than you realize, Dent. Without your help, I don’t think I would’ve dared take the leap I did in starting Dreams in Ink. And I know it wouldn’t be doing as well without all the time you’ve put into promoting it. I appreciate it so much.”
Her soft lips land on mine in a sweet, slow kiss.
I’m an asshole.
A grade-A, born and bred, in the flesh, asshole.
Everything she said is true, and I know I’ve helped her business, but she has no idea how much it’s also helping me. She doesn’t know I’ve been documenting everything, keeping track of her sales, profits, and losses, all for a project that may get me an internship.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her. It didn’t seem like a big deal not to mention it when I first started, but that was before she dropped out of school and upended all her plans based on my advice. She just said she has trouble trusting people’s motives. What if she thinks I’ve only done this for my benefit?
I should tell her, and try to explain, but not tonight.
The cool air washes over us, making her move her warm body closer to mine. She feels so good, so right in my arms, and I can’t spoil this moment. I won’t ruin such a perfect day. I’ll find a way to tell her later.
“You’re doing the hard work, babe. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. I’m proud of you.” That’s absolutely true. She’s amazing.