I pull more ink from the cap on my tray and go back to the work at hand. The outline is taking shape as I move onto the tail feathers.
“It took me quite a while to come to that realization. And lots of wine.”
How could anyone walk out on this gorgeous woman? She’s funny. She’s sexy. She’s got a tender heart under all this ink.
“I’m glad that realization brought you into the shop.”
“What about you? Has anyone ever broken your heart?” She gives me her brightest smile.
“As long as I don’t break your heart.”
“Wow. You are smooth, Trevor. Very smooth.”
I don’t need to tell her that I’ve probably done more heartbreaking than I should. I never wanted to be in a long-term relationship. It just wasn’t something I was interested in. At least, not until Ruby came walking into my life.
“What can I say? I’ve had a lot of practice?”
“Bragging to the girl you’re currently sleeping with about past conquests? Maybe you’re not as smooth as I thought.”
“How do you think I got to be so smooth?” I wave a hand around my head, indicating the shop around us. “You gotta have some people skills to work in a place like this.”
A pretty pink blush creeps up Ruby’s high cheekbones. “You have those in spades.”
I make progress on Ruby’s tattoo. The outline looks perfect on her side. I always put everything I have into each piece, but when I get to create a custom piece and bring it to life? It’s even more satisfying to see the results.
“I think that’s all we’ll do for tonight.” I finish wiping all the excess ink off and start putting on the lotion to lessen the sting.
“Can I see it before you wrap it?” Ruby’s eyes are sparkling with excitement.
“Of course, love.” I scoot back in my stool, giving her room to stand. She moves to the full length mirror, a small gasp escaping her lips.
“Trevor. It’s incredible. I can’t wait to see it in colour.” Her voice is full of awe as she twists and turns to see the full piece. Some of it wraps a little further behind on the back of her thigh.
“Maybe two more sessions and it’ll be done. We’ll give it some time to heal before we get started on it again.” I snap my gloves off, throwing them in the bin.
“I can’t get over how fab it is.” Ruby’s eyes meet mine in the mirror and a heat that wasn’t there before rises.
“I think it’s the woman that makes it better.” I move to stand behind her. Her side is an angry red from hours under the needle. I wish I could take her just like this, but she’ll be exhausted from getting tattooed. There’s always the crash after the high of the process.
Ruby leans back into me, and I wrap an arm around her shoulders, bringing her back to my chest. “You have no idea how badly I want to take you out for a drink, but I’m ready for a movie and bed.”
“Never a bad way to end the day after new ink. I’m assuming you have everything for aftercare?” I wrap the new ink so it doesn’t bleed onto her clothes.
“I do. But maybe if it’s not bothering me, you could come over this weekend?” Ruby’s chewing on her bottom lip, and it takes everything I have not to pull it from her mouth with my teeth.
“Best idea in the world.”
ChapterFour
TREVOR
Iswear, I feel like a bloody fool. Sitting here at the bar, waiting for Ruby. She’s over an hour late for our date, and she hasn’t texted or called. I doubt Ruby would blow me off. We’ve had a fun few weeks together. More fun that I can ever remember having with a woman. Even if Ruby is still tentative about taking the next steps.
Feck this. I throw a few pounds on the table and head out into the brisk, London night. Living in Shoreditch, I don’t stray far from the area. My favorite place in the whole world. It’s a short walk to Ruby’s before I’m knocking on the door.
“I’m coming. No need to break it down.” Her voice is muffled before the click of the lock sounds. Swinging the door open, Ruby’s wrapped up in a sweatshirt and joggers, hair piled on top of her head.
“Ugh. We had a date tonight, didn’t we?” She pushes the door open, shuffling back to the sofa.
