The tattoo is finished silently, and it’s only when he cleans it up and holds a mirror for me to see it that I gasp.
It’s perfect.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, admiring the thorns around the rose. “Yet twisted.”
Crane nods, taping cling film to the tattoo.
His fingers against my skin make me bite my lip, but he’s so focused on the task at hand that he doesn’t notice.
“Keep it clean and dry. Diaper cream works best for helping it heal, but for fuck’s sake, don’t let your family see this.”
“I won’t. I don’t tend to walk around naked,” I drawl, watching as he helps me hook my foot back into my underwear.
He turns away, the sound of his latex gloves peeling off filling the room.
“Thank you.”
Crane doesn’t answer; instead, he slips out of the room before I can get to my feet.
I’m buzzing from getting my tattoo, but I’m disappointed that Crane left as soon as he could.
Doesn’t he like being alone with me?
I mean sure, I’m his best friend's little sister, but that doesn’t mean we can’t flirt a little when we’re alone.
Right?
Heaving a sigh, I head back to the front desk to pay. Crane is nowhere to be seen, and the only person in the room is Heather.
She looks up at me with a grin, watching me walk over slowly.
“Tender place to get inked, isn’t it? Especially for your first tattoo.”
I shrug.
“It’s not too bad. Where’s Crane?”
Heather glances around, waving her hand toward the back room.
“I saw him head to the kitchen. Want me to get him? Is everything okay?”
Disappointment wells up in my stomach, but I shake my head, forcing a smile.
“No, he just left quickly.”
Heather smiles, saying nothing.
“Tell him I said thanks,” I mumble, tapping my card on the payment machine.
“Will do, thanks, darling.”
As the fresh air hits my face, under the fabric of my bottoms, I can feel the sting of my tattoo as it brushes against the bandage, and I can't help but smile.
My little secret.
Our little secret.
SEVENTEEN
