Tattoos & Unicorns

by Kayla Carson

  I tried to shake the naughty thoughts away as I left the bed in search of my clothing. I made quick work of putting everything back on while Owen placed our dinner order. When he came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, he had a pair of black sweatpants on. I was sitting on the end of the bed, and he came to stand in front of me.

  “I uh feel like such an idiot right now.” He said, awkwardly. “I can't believe I didn't ask you before we- I mean, fuck. Are you on birth control?”

  I laughed. “Do you think I would have climbed onto your lap if I wasn't?”

  “Hell, I don't know things were pretty hot, and heavy, and neither one of us were thinking with our heads.”

  “Are you saying you wish we hadn't?”

  “No! God no. Fuck, I'm really putting my foot in my mouth here.”

  I stood then, cupping his face in my hands. “It's fine. We're fine.” I assured him. “Now, what did you order for dinner?”

  He smiled. “I had to use Uber eats, so the options weren't the best. You'd think being in 'Ocean City' there would be more to choose from.”

  “It's more of a tourist trap. Did you order something local?”

  “I ordered the jerk chicken from a place called Seacrets.”

  “I could literally eat anything right now.”

  “Anything?” He winked.

  I swatted his chest playfully, my hand landing on a tattoo of a mermaid suddenly making me curious.

  “What does this one mean?” I asked, tracing over the ink with my finger.

  “That was a fast subject change.” He teased. “I got it for my niece.”

  “I thought you were an only child?”

  “I am.” He nodded. “My best friend has a six year old little girl. I'm her pseudo uncle.”

  “That's sweet.”

  “What about you? Do you like kids?”

  I laughed. “Who doesn't like kids?”

  “You'd be surprised.”

  “I thought I was ready to have one.” I said, gauging his reaction.

  “With Derek?” He asked.

  I nodded, and he gestured for us to sit on the end of the bed.

  “I just assumed that after the wedding, and the opening of the boutique we'd be able to really settle down and start a family.”

  “Do you still want that?”

  “A family? Yes.”

  “I mean, Derek. Is there still a part of you that wants to make it work with him?”

  If he had asked me when this trip first started, I wouldn't have known how to answer. My heart, and mind were conflicted with each other the second I walked in on him with another woman. But now? Now I was seeing things clearly. The two of us never would have worked, and I never would have been able to be one hundred percent myself.

  “No.” I answered without hesitation. “I'm a firm believer in the past, staying in the past. There are things that I could forgive, but cheating? That will never be one of them. I honestly never understood the point of it. If you stop loving someone, then set them free. And if you have a choice to make between the one you're with, and someone else. Always choose the someone else, because if you truly loved your partner, there would only be one choice.”

  “I don't think it's that black, and white. Especially when you've got a long history with someone.”

  “It doesn't matter. What he did is beyond repair, and there's no convincing me otherwise.”

  “So if he showed up right now, and confessed his love to you?”

  “I'd slam the door in his face.”

  “That easy?”

  “That easy.”

  Someone knocked on the door then, and Owen stood to answer it. I glanced around him, to see that our food had arrived. My stomach chose then to growl loudly, and when Owen set the bag down I was practically drooling from the smell. The jerk chicken came with a honey mustard sauce on the side, and he'd also ordered Jamaican fries. They were cut into large wedges, and sprinkled with a blend of homemade spices.

  “I wish we didn't have to leave in the morning.” I said, after I finished one of the fries.

  “How long is the drive to New Jersey?”

  “I don't know, I'd have to consult google.”

  It was then that I realized I'd left my phone back in my room. I turned towards the bedside alarm clock then, and noted that was just after ten PM. I knew that Morgan had probably tried to call me at least six times. She always called to check in to let me know if she'd be staying away for the night, or if she'd be returning.

  “What's wrong?” Owen asked, sensing my sudden distress.

  “I need to run back to my room for a second.” I said, as I stood from the small table we were eating at.

  “Is everything alright? Are you having second thoughts?”

  “No.” I laughed, before snagging another fry. “I'll be right back. I promise.”

  “Alright.” He said, with a bit of worry.

  I left my shoes in his room, and quickly went back into mine to find my phone. Sure enough, I had ten missed calls. Most of them were from Morgan, but one was from my dad. I instantly felt like shit, and texted Morgan to let her know that I was alright. As I predicted, she was staying away tonight which meant that I didn't have to tell her about Owen, and I hooking up just yet. Not that she wouldn't be happy for me, but I just wanted to enjoy him for a little longer before explaining whatever it was that we were doing.

  I called my dad back next, and when he answered I smiled at the sound of his voice. It was late, but I knew he'd still be awake. He asked how the trip was going, and when I told him about the change of plans he was less than amused. I got a ten minute lecture about picking up strangers, and then an even longer lecture about needing to focus on my future. I knew that he meant well so I left out the part about Owen, and I sleeping together. There was no need to worry him more than he already was.

  He offered to send me money to help with the tire repairs, but I declined of course. I promised to call him the minute we got to New Jersey, and that seemed to make him happy for now. While I was still in my room I grabbed my toothbrush, and slipped my feet into my slippers before making my way back to Owen's room.

  Luckily, he left it open for me so getting back inside was easy enough. I locked the door behind me, and when I saw him laying on the bed with his eyes closed I smiled. I guess I had taken a bit longer than I expected. I tip toed past him into the bathroom, and brushed my teeth. When I finished, I turned the lights off that we'd left on, and silently slipped into the bed beside him.

  “Goodnight, Owen.” I whispered, before kissing his cheek softly.

  “Unicorn.” He mumbled in his sleep, and I couldn't help but feel an unfamiliar flutter in my stomach.

  TWELVE

  THE NEXT MORNING, I woke to the sound of a guitar strumming. I rubbed my eyes, and yawned silently before taking a quick glance around the room. Owen was sitting at the small table shirtless, strumming away silently. His back was to me so I just laid there, and watched him for a while. He began to hum along to the chords he was playing, and then he'd stop and write something down. I wondered if what we shared last night had somehow inspired him, and the thought made me smile.

  “What are you working on?” I asked softly, after he'd set his pencil down.

  He turned in his chair then, and that's when I noticed the glasses he was wearing. They were rectangular in shape, thickly framed in black. I suddenly found myself biting my lower lip. Damn if the glasses didn't add a whole other level of sex appeal.

  “Did I wake you?” He asked, as he set his glasses down onto the table.

  “No, but why have I not seen those glasses before?” I asked, arching a brow.

  He stood then making his way back towards the bed, before climbing in beside me. He placed his hand on the side of my face, and leaned in to kiss me. I smiled when our lips touched.

  “You like my glasses huh?” He teased.

  “I do.”

  “Maybe I should go put them back on then?” He asked, befo
re attempting to leave the bed.

  “No!” I stopped him by grabbing his arm. “Since you're already here...”

  Without hesitation he pulled me into his arms, and pressed his lips against mine. I giggled before wrapping my arms around his neck, and he deepened our kiss. It didn't take long before we were hitting first base, and smoothly sliding into second. Hands roaming, and our bodies writhing seductively. I fisted my hands in the back of his hair, and his were cupping my ass.

  When he dipped his head down to my neck, I nearly melted. He used his tongue, and teeth, and I couldn't help but let out a little moan. I never knew that kissing someone could turn me on so much. Before he returned to my lips again, he stopped to look at me.

  “I could kiss you like this all day.” He said, in a gruff voice.

  “Were you reading my mind?” I asked, trying to catch my breath.

  He grinned, before capturing my lips once again. We had just gotten back into our groove, when a soft knock on the door stopped us in our tracks.

  “Did you order breakfast?” I asked.

  “No.” He sighed. “Maybe they'll go away.”

  “Ronnie!” Morgan called from the hall. “I know you're in there.”

  Owen laid his forehead down on mine, and groaned making me laugh.

  “I'll go see what she wants.”

  “No.” He said, pressing his lips to mine.

  “Owen!” I giggled, as he continued to plant kisses all over my face, and then my neck.

  “I can hear you!” Morgan called out again.

  Releasing me Owen rolled onto his back, and I climbed out of the bed to answer the door.

  “You may want to cover that thing up.” I said, with a backward glance before I reached for the handle.

  I could hear him adjusting the comforter, and I bit the side of my cheek to hide my laughter. When I pulled the door open Morgan brushed past me, and sat down in the chair that Owen had been working in earlier.

  “Did you make coffee yet?” She asked.

  “No.” I said, glancing around the room with question. “Is that why you're here?”

  She rolled her eyes. “No. I'm here because when I got back to our room this morning you were gone.”

  “And... you just assumed that I'd be here?” I asked, as I crossed my arms over my chest.

  “I figured the two of you were having coffee or something? Breakfast, maybe? But the fact that you're just here in your pajamas, while Owen's still half asleep doesn't make much- ohhhh! I did it again, didn't I? Dammit! I'm such an idiot!”

  Owen chose then to toss the comforter aside, his tent no longer pitched. He sat up, and reached for the black tee shirt sitting on the bedside table before putting it on. He stood then, and strode towards me with purpose. Morgan and I watched him with confusion, until he stopped directly in front of me. I looked up at him with question, and he winked at me before cupping my face in his hands, and kissing me roughly.

  My arms were still crossed, and when he broke the kiss he turned towards the bathroom, and shut himself inside. I stood there for a moment before bringing my hand to my lips. They still stung from the force of his kiss, and Morgan was staring at me like I'd grown another head.

  “What the hell was that?” She asked.

  “A kiss?” I said, feigning innocence.

  Morgan's brow shot up in question. “What aren't you telling me?”

  “Let's go back to our room.” I suggested. “I need a shower.”

  She grinned so wide then, that she reminded me of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. I shook my head trying to ignore her, before heading towards the door. I made sure to lock it behind me, and when I found myself back in my own room I suddenly felt lonely. I had forgotten how good it felt to sleep in someone's arms. Derek, and I never went to bed at the same time, and when we did we often just fell asleep.

  I thought back to last night when I snuggled against Owen. The way he stiffened beside me really bothered me. When we watched the movie together a few days ago, he was the one who pulled me closer. So why was it any different? Was it because we were sleeping? Was that more intimate in some way? Or maybe it was because he wasn't the initiator this time? The way he spoke about Abigail, and the connection they shared was a little intimidating. Could I even measure up to something like that?

  “Spill!” Morgan said disrupting my thoughts, as she followed me into the bathroom.

  I turned the faucet on adjusting the water to my liking, before slipping out of my pajamas. When I was safely inside the shower, I finally opened up to Morgan. I only told her what she needed to know. That we talked, and that we hooked up. There was no mention of Owen's late wife, or the fact that he seemed to want something real with me. As far as she was concerned the two of us were just hooking up, and enjoying each other's company.

  It's not that I didn't want to confide in her, but it wasn't my place to. As for how I was feeling? That was another story all together. When Owen admitted that he could see himself wanting something more with me, initially I was intrigued. Now, after spending the night with him it was a little more complicated. I was starting to understand why he kept pushing the idea of us away. I could see myself wanting more too.

  I know that I was no where near ready to start a full fledged relationship. Not a healthy one any way, but I knew that being with Owen was like nothing I'd ever felt before. Not just sleeping with him, but spending time with him. I enjoyed being around him. Especially now that I knew him on a deeper level. Opening up about something so painful, had to have been hard. Now, if only I could open up to him.

  He knew bits and pieces about my relationship with Derek, but I hadn't gone into great detail. He was also quick to point out the dynamic of Morgan, and I's relationship, but even his knowledge on that subject was minimal.

  When I stepped out of the shower, Morgan was still sitting on the toilet seat. I wrapped the towel around myself, and used another one to dry my hair. She silently watched me in the mirror, and I felt like she was scrutinizing my every move. With my hair dry I ran my brush through it, and then reached for my toothbrush.

  I caught her eye in the mirror again, and she smiled warmly. Something was definitely going on here. I ignored her as best as I could as I continued to get myself ready. I put my hair products in, and scrunched my curls so that I wouldn't look like an alpaca when they dried. I applied a little lip gloss, and mascara, and then I turned towards the door so that I could get dressed.

  I only made it a few feet, before Morgan came to stand in front of me. Her back was pressed against the door essentially blocking me in, and then she crossed her arms locking in her stance.

  “Are you going to let me get dressed?” I asked.

  “I need to tell you something.” She said, growing serious.

  “OK...” I said, with worry.

  “It's about Derek.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I couldn't care less about that man, Morgan. He made his bed, and I'd much rather be lying in someone else's.”

  “I think I may have rubbed off on you a bit.” She laughed. “But that's not the point. Derek's in New York.”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “It's a large state, I doubt I'll ever seen him.”

  “He's moving into our apartment complex.”

  “When did you find this out?”

  “He called me yesterday. I only picked up because he sent a text first. He said you'd forgotten something important, and asked for a forwarding address.”

  “And you gave it to him? You didn't think that he'd try something underhanded like this?” I asked, with frustration.

  “To be fair, I was drinking!” She snapped. “Adam, and I were doing body shots, and I sent the text without even thinking. When he called he sounded sad, so I let him know that you were good. I even told him about Owen. Although, I think I may have called him 'sexy tattoo record guy,' but I can't be sure.”

  “I'm assuming Adam, is the tow truck driver?”

  “Yes!” She said, excitedly.
“Speaking of, you weren't the only one who had an amazing night last night.” She winked.

  “Can we get back on topic please?”

  “Right. Sorry. Like I said I may have said too much, but that's why I'm warning you.”

  I sighed. “What's done is done. Can I please get dressed now? We need to find out when we can pick the truck up.”

  “It's already here. Adam, and I brought it back this morning.”

  “You could have led with that.”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “All that matters is, we have our ride back. That, and you've been effectively warned about your slimy ex. I'd say this day is starting to look up.”

  I gave her a deadly look, and without another word she stepped aside so that I could finally exit the bathroom. I was beyond angry. I tried to brush it off as if I weren't, but I knew that it was written all over my face. I had made the decision to block, and delete Derek's number. I'd made the decision that we were over. I was ready to move on. I was actively trying to move on, and now when we finally got to New York I'd be starting all over again.

  I didn't even know why Derek was moving there in the first place. Initially, he was only going to be with me. His job was back home in Raleigh, and as far as I knew there was no where to transfer to other than Indiana. This had to be some convoluted plan to win me back, and instead of giving me butterflies it only made me mad. Just when things started to look up for me, of course he'd come rearing his cheating head.

  Every ounce of confusion I had about our relationship had vanished. I knew that I made the right choice, and it wasn't just because of Owen. I think I knew all along that we weren't right for each other. I always wanted more than he could give me. I used to think that I set my standards too high. I know that men in real life, are nothing like the ones in romance novels, but there are men out there who care. Men who take the time to understand your feelings, and help you work through them. Men like Owen Foster.

  As if the mere thought of him was enough to summon him to me, Morgan unlocked the door and let him inside. His hair was still damp, and he wore his signature pair of black jeans with the rips in them. He gave me a sly smile, and I blushed before packing my dirty clothing into a large garbage bag.