I didn’t get to hear the rest of her loving comments because I ended the call. My heart pounded, and coupled with my headache, I had little desire to keep working. My phone showedfive o’clock, and that was my signal to close my files and go meet my incredibly gorgeous, hot, and sexy man for dinner.
How quickly had my life changed since meeting Keston. From zero to one hundred with a single kiss. Because from that first time when he touched me at his shop, I was his.
I entered Inktastic and waved to Jodi, who was cleaning her table and chair, and wandered to stand behind Keston, who was busy working on the shoulder of a big older man. He didn’t notice I was there, and it was fascinating to watch him work. While I had no desire to have someone stick needles in my skin, I could appreciate the artistry and talent it took to create and execute the designs.
Keston finished and straightened up, rolling his shoulders. “That’s it, Mike. Lemme get you a mirror so you can see.”
I spotted the hand mirror on his tray and handed it to him.
“Here.”
Keston jerked around, a smile on his face. “How long have you been standing there?” He took the mirror from me.
“Long enough to see how talented you are. And I’m not just saying that because you’re my boyfriend.” I winked. “And you have a great ass,” I murmured.
Muttering, he cast his eyes to the ceiling. Red crept up his cheeks, and he faced his client again, who was busy on his phone. “Mike. Take a look and let me know what you think.”
The big man squinted and cocked his head left and right. “Perfect. Exactly what I wanted.”
“Great. I’ll go get your aftercare set up.” Keston left us to gather some items together.
The rest of Mike’s arm was covered with other colorful tattoos, but one caught my eye and I stepped forward to peer closer. What I saw sent me reeling, and I pointed to his arm.
“How-how did you know him?”
Mike glanced at his biceps. “Bruce? He was a cop friend. A good man. Helped us on the pile.” He flexed and sighed. “I told Keston here that when I heard he died, I wanted to do something to honor him.” He ran his fingers over the tattoo. “Too many, gone way too soon.”
“What is it? You’re white.” Standing beside me, Keston moved in closer. “Whoa, wait a second. Is that—”
“My dad.” Tears stung my eyes. “Yeah.”
Mike’s jaw dropped. “You’re his boy? He always talked about you. How he was proud you did so good in school and that you wanted to be a lawyer.”
“I am.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the tattoo. Seeing his shield number and date of death sent a rush of love and longing through me. But not pain. No more.
Keston rubbed his face, his wide eyes expressing how overwhelmed he was. “I had no idea that was your father when I did the ink. I remember thinking it was a cool way to pay tribute to a friend. I see so many people, I totally forgot. I’m sorry.”
“Hey.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. I wouldn’t have expected you to connect the two.”
“Forget about me.” Keston’s arm slid around my waist. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” Warm and secure for the first time in my life, I leaned into him. “I think I am. And I can never forget about you. You’re like my own tattoo, only permanently inked across my heart.” Keston squeezed me hard.
As Keston treated the tattoo, Mike said, “He’s a hero. Worked nonstop when the towers fell and for weeks after. I know he lostbuddies as well.” Once Mike was wrapped up and had put his sweater and jacket on, he stuck out his hand. “Nice to meetcha.”
“Same here. Take care of yourself.”
We clasped hands, and after Mike paid, Keston steered me into his office. “Sit for a few while I clean and close up, and then we’ll go home.”
Jodi had finished up and stopped to say good-bye. “Good to see you again. And again.” Her eyes danced, and she closed the space between us to speak quietly. “I know Keston hates when I talk about his private life, but I just wanted you to know I think you’ve been great for him.”
“Thank you. I agree.”
Brows together, Keston strode into the office. “Jodi?”
She wiggled her fingers. “Just sayin’ good night. Byeeee.” Swinging her purse, she left, and I snickered.
“She’s cute.”
