“You’ve got everything figured out, haven’t you?” Jared asked.
“Yup.”
Jared’s lips downturned a little.
“What?” Kyrone asked, although he knew what was bothering his lover.
“I wish I could help out more financially.”
Kyrone squeezed Jared’s shoulder over the counter. “You’re paying your way. I can’t ask more than that. You’re not the one who’s decided to throw away almost two years of a degree and switch to a new one.”
“One you’ll love,” Jared said with a small smile.
“Hopefully.”
Kyrone was actually financially better off now that Jared had moved in. Between his wage from Ink Envy and the small amount he was planning on drawing from his trust fund each month, Jared was going to be able to pay half the rent, bills, and food, which meant Kyrone had more income to play with. Well, maybe not to play with, but to go towards tuition fees so he wouldn’t have to rack up too much more debt.
He rubbed his hands together. “I’m ready for my new tattoo.”
Jared lifted the barrier. “Do you want to see the design first?”
Kyrone shook his head and then pulled a scarf out of his pocket.
“What’s that for?”
“My eyes.”
Jared stared at him like he was mad.
“You asked me to trust you, and I do. I want it to be a complete surprise.”
“But—”
He kissed Jared to cut him off. “No buts. I love you.”
Jared gave him an uncertain look but led him upstairs all the same.
Faye was at her normal station, finishing off a pretty watercolour butterfly tattoo on a young woman. She greeted Kyrone with a smile. By the time Jared had finished setting up his work station and Kyrone had filled in the necessary paperwork, Faye had seen her customer out and had come back upstairs. She stared at Kyrone as he started to tie the scarf around his eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“What does it look like?” he asked, lowering the scarf.
“He wants the tattoo to be a surprise,” Jared said.
Faye arched an eyebrow. “You’re brave.”
Nerves fluttered in Kyrone’s stomach. “Haveyouseen the design?”
She nodded.
“Do I have anything to worry about?”
“Hell no, it’s gorgeous, but I’ve never inked anyone with something they haven’t approved before.”
“I’ll sign a waiver if it’ll make you feel happier.”
Faye shrugged. “If you hate it, you can take it up with your boyfriend.”
