“Of course. Does he have any tattoos?”
As I fill my uncle in, my phone chimes in my pocket. I leave it for later, only pulling out the device once I’m downstairs getting ready to disinfect the empty tattoo shop.
Isaac’s reply to my video has a smile tugging at my lips.
Red: I think I could get into football if that’s what happens in the locker room.
Red: Thanks for texting, Bruiser.
I type back.
Me: Bruiser?
Red: Your dick, Trevor. You can’t tell me that thing won’t leave an impression.
Me: It doesn’t have to.
Red: Oh, no, no. You made me a promise. I, for one, can’t wait to find out just how long I’ll feel you after.
Me: I’ll do my best.
Red: You better.
My phone continues to chime as I deep clean the tattoo artists’ stalls and the front of the shop. I can’t remember the last time I smiled throughout my entire shift.
Chapter 9
Isaac
“Someone didnotpay you for that. A fern? I refuse to believe it.”
“Two hundred bucks,” Trevor says. “I charged extra because I had to buy the plant.”
“Oh myGod. Why, though?”
He shrugs, amusement tipping the corner of his mouth up. “Maybe they have a thing for botany.”
I groan before affecting an overly throaty voice. “Thrust thy fronds all over me. I shan’t ever get enough of your greenery.”
Trevor’s laugh booms around our little corner of the library. “They do say fiddleheads have a nutty flavor.”
“Stop,” I wheeze, grabbing Trevor’s side so I don’t fall into the man. “You can’t say all those words together and expect me to take you seriously.”
“Shh.”
I jolt as Bev shoots Trevor and me a scathing look, her warning to be quieter clear. The moment she’s out of sight, Trevor erupts back into laughter.
“Can’t believe you nutted on a fern,” I manage through my chuckles, wiping an escaped tear off my cheek. Trevor’s thumb is there the next second, taking a similar path.
My breath catches as his touch lingers, the man’s gaze intense in a way it’s been from the beginning. Calm but powerful,like a swell in the middle of the ocean. You don’t even realize how big the wave is until it crashes down on shore.
And now that I’ve given Trevor a clear, green light when it comes to me?
Fuck.
I’m pretty sure the current is going to pull me under and swallow me whole.
Trevor drops his hand before long, cognizant of where we are. I’m tempted to sayfuck itand beg him to swallow me right here, right now.
