After grabbing breakfast, I took Noah out to the local bookstore for some new things to read. Cora mentioned a list in passing, so I figured I could add to his growing collection. I was shocked when he asked to look at the vinyl they had. Apparently, my Firefly has been giving him a music education.
The guys were surprised to learn that Cora takes care of her brother, but they took it in stride. They know all too well how much of a letdown family can be. I didn’t go into detail about her story, but they see it and know enough. Hurt recognizes hurt.
They don’t need to know anything about my girl anyway. As I work on the last part of my client’s design, I think about last night. I thought meeting Cora was the best day of my life, and it was, but damn if last night and this morning don’t come in a close second.
I think we’re finally on the same page. I wonder if it’s too soon to move in. My apartment isn’t suited for more than me, and Cora’s house feels like a home already. Every space in her house is filled with love and light, and I want to be in it.
Feeling my phone buzz in my pocket, I ignore it for a few minutes. After cleaning the rest of my client’s arm and putting some ointment on, I quickly wrap it. Plucking my gloves off, I admire my handiwork.
Max has been coming in here for a while. He recently got married to a sweet woman named Lily and wanted one on the side of his neck.
“She’s going to love it, man. Congrats on the wedding.” Normally the words marriage or wedding would make me want to dry heave, but not when I think of Cora. As long as it’s my Firefly walking toward me at the altar, you can count me in.I’d marry her tomorrow if I didn’t think she’d run. Baby steps.
“I don’t know about that.” He laughs. “She warned me about getting something for her. Hey, did you know tattoos were permanent?” he jokes. “She thinks it’s bad luck.”
I nod and smile. A lot of people won’t get a couple’s tattoo because they think it’s bad luck for the pairing. I’m finishing the drawing for mine and Cora’s, and it will be as permanent as we are.
I’ll proudly wear her on my body, and no one will mark hers but me. As soon as Kash gets a second, he’s helping me with mine.
“Well, I guess that explains why mine don’t wash off,” I joke, making him snicker.
“Does that mean mine won’t wash off?” I turn to find Noah behind us, looking panicked.
“What won’t wash off?” Looking from Max to him, I almost dread his response.
“This!” he exclaims, pointing to his forearm, where the outline of a tattoo now sits. Whirling around to Kash, I find him with his arms up in a ‘don’t blame me’ kind of way.
Shit. Fuck. Okay.Max is laughing and grabs Noah’s arm, tilting itto the side for a better look. “Looks pretty good, little man. That’s a nice skull. Maybe I’ll get one next time.” Max shoots me a look and mouths,Good luck, then heads up to check out with Seth.
“What the fuck did you do, Kash?” I grit out once Noah is out of listening range. He’s over talking with Seth and Max. Cora is going to kill me.
“He was asking about what some of the stuff was. I remembered that we had that airbrush kit and stencils from when we did the kids’ tattoo party last year. We looked through the box, and he thought it was a cool find. Pretty badass if I do say so myself.”
Kash looks so pleased with himself; it’s like he doesn’t see the problem.
“Cora trusted me with him today. You have no idea how big that is, and you have to go and fuckin ink the kid up! She won’t like that,” I exclaim.
“What aren’t I going to like?” the soft, feminine voice I hear in my dreams asks behind me.Shit. Fuck.
Turning around, I see Cora standing in a skirt and sweater combo, paired with tights, arms crossed over her chest. Her hair is piled on top of her head in a neat bun, and fuck me, she has her glasses on. She’s a hot librarian in the middle of a tattoo shop. Cora is a wet dream come to life.
I’m about to get my ass handed to me, and I’m honestly a little excited. When she turns those angry blue eyes my way, it gives me tingles all over. I need to get her away from the prying eyes around here.
Letting out a sharp whistle, Kash gives Cora a big smile. “Wow, Cora. Maybe you should wear this more often here. Might get us some extra clients.”
Whirling around, I glare at him. “Shut the hell up. Don’t you even think about her like that.” Pointing my finger in his face, I remind him, “This shit is your fault.”
“Yeah, back to that.” She looks between the two of us. “What am I not going to like?”
“It’s no big deal. Noah just got himself some ink,” Kash says simply.
Cora’s eyes go wide, then narrow. “What do you mean,ink?” When she crosses her arms over her chest, giving her breasts a boost, my dick gets hard.
Now is really not the time, buddy. I know she’s hot and pissed off, but we might actually be in trouble.This morning may end up being a distant memory.
With her arms crossed and her hair up, she looks like an angry librarian who found out someone ruined a book. It makes me think of all the ways she could punish me, since I’m the one who wasn’t watching him properly.
When neither of us answers, Cora turns back toward the reception. “Noah, what did you do?” She drops down to her knees, and I bite back the groan threatening to escape because of how her skirt is now hugging her ass.Damn it. Control here.
