“What’s that?”
“For my tattoo from Stone. I think I’m going to get a stack of books inked on my arm.”
“A stack of books, huh?”
“My favorites.” Rafael smiles and adjusts his glasses, the sun high above us. “I thought I could just get one or two now, and then add more books over time. And maybe some book covers, too. I’m still figuring out how to design on human bodies. They’re weird spaces.”
I grin. “That is an idea I appreciate.”
“Have you been thinking more about what tattoo you’ll want?”
We reach the car, and he opens the back. Instead of grabbing his wallet, he opens his bag on the seat and messes around in it for a second.
“I kind of just want to steal your idea and get a book cover,” I laugh.
“That’s allowed,” he says, his face in the back of the car, “as long as I’m the one who gives it to you.”
“You’ll probably be the only one who gives me any tattoos,” I say. The words sound too romantic after they cross my lips, and I blush. The denim hugs Rafael’s full, firm butt while he deals with his bag, and I’m struggling to tear my eyes away.
We’re going to hook up again, probably soon.
It’s dizzying.
“Actually,” he says, “can I put my wallet in your bag? The zipper on this front pocket is broken.”
“Sure.” I pull my water bottle out, then hand him my bag. “I think I want to get something from the archive as a tattoo,” I continue. “I just don’t know what yet. And Milo and I were talking about getting a friend tattoo, matching lilacs.” I laugh. “I guess I probably will end up with some ink.”
Rafael turns around and faces me. “You don’t feel too nervous, getting something permanent on your body?”
“It’s kind of exciting.”
He gives me a funny smile. He reaches out and touches my arm, then strokes his fingers down my bicep, and warmth floods me. “What if I turn out to be an amazing tattoo artist? Will I get to cover you with my drawings?”
I smile back. I’m squirmy and super turned on all of a sudden, and I know he can feel that.
“I hope so,” I answer. His glasses are crooked, and I reach out to fix them.
The idea of wearing his art thrills me. I’ll feel like I really am Rafael’s, if that dream comes true.
Standing in the middle of the parking lot, we learn forward and kiss. This one isn’t just a friendly kiss, but it’s not all turned on and desperate, either. We press our lips together, my hand on his cheek and then down to his coarse beard. Our tongues meet. It’s easy and nice and quick, and I’m floating in his arms.
Rafael steps back, and the car door swings shut behind him. He turns and pulls the handle, but it doesn’t open. Then he tries the front door, but that doesn’t work either.
“Rafael?” I ask.
“Shit,” he answers.
I peer into the car and see everything in the backseat, our bags and Matty’s spare key included.
“Do you have your phone or your wallet in your pocket?” Rafael asks hopefully.
“I have the emergency forty dollars I always keep.”
“Right.” He frowns. “Shit. Alexander, I’m so sorry.” His eyes light up. “Wait, but you have Milo’s number memorized!”
I frown. “His old one. He just got on a new plan with Joey.”
We stare at each other. This is hardly the first time Rafael has done something like this, but he does seem more upset than usual. He turns to the car, his face twisted in a frown, like this is a problem he could solve
