Pete is too shiny, too fresh and optimistic. No matter how beautiful he is or how many exhaustion-induced dreams I have of him, I will not dim his light, and that is exactly what would happen if I allowed myself to take what he is so clearly offering.
From the moment I met Pete Cliffer, I was attracted to him, how could I not be, but I also recognised immediately that he was too good for me, too young, too hopeful. That fact will not change. So I just need to make sure he knows I’ve drawn a line and it’s for his benefit.
CHAPTER 5
PETE
I love this job.
After Ryan introduced me to the booking system and showed me where everything is, it was a walk in the park.
I welcome the clients that are scheduled for the day and answer the phone. First time clients require a consultation first so that the guys can estimate how long it will take to do the work, so most of the phone calls are fielding questions or booking consultations on the guys’ calendars.
At lunchtime I take orders from the guys and walk to the deli across the street to buy lunch for everyone. Ryan keeps telling me it isn’t necessary, that I’m not there to be a gofer for the gang, but I want to be useful and it’s hardly a big deal.
Stepping into the brightly lit and pastel-painted deli, a handsome guy welcomes me from behind the broad white counter. “Hi there, beautiful day, isn’t it?” His voice has a sing-song quality to it that instantly makes me smile back, gotta love a guy that’s happy with his work. I notice straight away that he’s not much taller than I am and just as much of a twink, if he swings that way, I should never assume, but either way I could totally be friends with this guy.
“Hi. I’m Pete,” I introduce myself as I step up to the counter in front of him. “It’s my first day at Savage Ink and I’m on lunch duty,” I add as I pull out the note that has the guys’ orders scrawled on it.
“Nice to meet you, Pete, I’m Ash.” He gives me a once over and smirks. “You don’t look like a tattooist.”
“What gave me away?” I ask while holding out my ink-free arms playfully. “It’s nice to meet you too.” I extend my hand for a handshake. His grip is firm, but not too hard, kind of friendly.
“What can I get for you, Pete?”
I give him the scrap of paper and just pray he can make out the handwriting before stepping back to wait for him to prepare everything. My eyes look around the sandwich shop. The walls are painted a muted yellow with white trim. All along the one wall are shelves filled with family photos and vases of flowers. So cute.
When he hands over the bags of freshly prepared sandwiches and salads, I thank him again and promise to stop by tomorrow.
Once the guys are all fed, happy and back to work, Carter approaches me with a shy, almost guilty looking smile. I arch a brow in question at him as I clear away the mess left over from lunch.
“So, uhm, I wanted to apologize for this morning. I was only messing around to get a rise outta the big guy you know?” His hand rubs the back of his neck as he checks over his shoulder that nobody is coming back toward us. I fight hard not to roll my eyes at him but I’m unsuccessful.
“Don’t sweat it Car-Car, but just so you know there is only one man around here that I want getting that close to me.” I pump my eyebrows playfully at him and he mock gasps, putting his hand to his chest in a pained gesture.
“What is it that our boss has that I don’t?” he whispers and pretends to wipe his nonexistent tears. I smack him lightly on the chest. “I have an idea. Play along today, okay?” He looks deep into my eyes, a mischievous twinkle in them then winks. “I got your back, Trouble.” What the fuck have I just agreed to?
The bell over the door chimes and that’s my cue to get back to work. I give Carter a quick hug and rush out to the front with a wide smile on my face, wondering what he could possibly have planned.
“Hello, welcome to Savage Ink, my name is Pete, how may I help you?” I look at the young girl standing in front of me.
“Yeah, hi. I have an appointment, my name is Lily.”
I check the calendar and confirm that her session should start in ten minutes.
“Please take a seat in our waiting area over here,” I gesture to the comfortable looking couches, “and I’ll check with Nyx if she’s ready for you.”
I wait for Lily to take a seat and watch as she wrings her hands on her lap as her leg bounces up and down. Damn that girl is nervous. I knock on the door of a private station, where Nyx is tattooing something on a guy’s ass cheek, and open it slightly.
“Your next client is here,” I explain looking at the table in the middle of the room and there lies a pantless guy. Hot as fuck, not as hot as my guy, but still hot. Nyx clears her throat with amusement. “How long till you’re done?” I try to hold her gaze and not look down at the furry ass on display, I’m just a man after all.
“I think in fifteen minutes I’ll be ready. Ask her if she wants something to drink while she waits for me.”
“On it.”
As I walk back into the waiting area, I notice that poor Lily is eyeing the door like she’s calculating the distance and speed required to leave without anybody noticing her making a run for it. Her leg still bounces in a quick rhythm as she bites her thumbnail. “Well, Nyx is finishing now, fifteen minutes tops.” I wonder if there is something I could do to calm her down a little. “Can I get you something to drink in the meantime?” She looks up at me, and for a moment I think she didn’t hear what I said.
“Water would be great, thank you,” she finally answers with a shaky voice.
