“Mmm,” was my only response. I wouldn’t mind some playtime, and I debated texting Bailey but held off. If he wasn’t invited, I’d feel weird, but I wasn’t about to ask Grady and givehim the wrong idea that I was interested in Bailey and wanted to see him. Even though I did. I’d play it by ear—if he was at the party, maybe I wouldn’t be going home alone.
My first client was a newbie, a woman around thirty who flashed me a nervous smile. “I saw your new-client special on Instagram. I’ve never had a tattoo.”
I put on my caring face. “Don’t worry. It’s probably best to start with something small so you can see if you’re okay with it. Do you have an idea of what you want?”
She nodded and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I want to get something representing my dog. She’s my best friend. I was thinking a heart with her face inside.”
“That might be a little too intense for a first tattoo. Maybe something simple?” I thought for a moment. “What about a paw print with her name underneath?”
“Ooh, I like that.”
“All right. Where do you want it?”
She bit her lip. “Where do most people get them?”
I shrugged. “It depends. On the shoulder, the wrist, or ankle is always a popular choice. But the skin on the ankle is thinner, so you might feel it more than say, on your shoulder.”
“Uh, okay. I still think the ankle is best. Her name is Maggie.”
“All right, then. Have a seat, and I’ll work up the stencil.”
A steady stream of clients kept us busy past lunchtime. We finally took a break and ordered in sushi. Of course, Ambrose started in again about his brother.
“Listen, dude. Maybe you can ask your brother to take another look at Lucas’s case.”
“I dunno, man. It’s a party—”
“There’s always some excuse,” Ambrose snapped, and I quirked a brow at his anger.
“I already told you I would, but we really haven’t been in a conducive setting.”
“Conducive setting? What the fuck kind of lawyer double-speak is that?” Ambrose sputtered. “You been hanging out with the college boys too much, I’m thinkin’.”
The door opened, and fuck if Bailey didn’t walk in. In a sleek gray suit and those black-rimmed glasses, he had an undeniably corporate vibe, and the truth was, I liked it. The guy was hot as fuck.
I got to my feet. “What’re you doing here?”
“Hello to you too. I had a client in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by.” He waited to be introduced to Ambrose, who remained stiff, eyes narrowed with mistrust.
“Uh, this is my coworker, Ambrose. Ambrose, this is Bailey Marks. He’s a friend of Grady’s.”
Bailey arched a brow as if to say,Oh, so that’s how we’re going to handle it?
“Nice to meet you, Ambrose.”
“Yeah.” Ambrose hopped off his chair. “I got stuff to do.” Without saying good-bye, he gave us his back and left us alone.
“What’s his problem?” Bailey asked.
“Nothing. You never answered my question. Why’re you here?” I could see Ambrose shooting me disbelieving looks that I was talking to “a suit.”
“Are you going to Grady’s party?”
I fought against a grin. “Yeah. Are you?” Why did I hope he’d say yes?
Because you want him again. You’d do him right now if Ambrose wasn’t here.
Heat rose in his big blue eyes behind those frames, as if he’d read my dirty thoughts.
