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ChapterOne
Holt
The buzzof tattoo machines helps soothe my inner monologue. Mixed with the music overhead, I’m almost able to forget about the rent increase, the yearly January lull, and the fact that my ex-girlfriend and co-owner of the shop walked out and took three other artists with her. My jaw clenches as the needle glides over my client’s bicep. The last few strokes of color ink embedding themselves in the intricate design, taking up half of his arm.
I’ve been through worse and made it through the other side. Everything’s going to be fine. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
I sit upright and tilt my head to the side until my neck cracks. My back kills from hunching over all day, but if I want to keep the lights on in the shop, the only dream I’ve ever had, I have to continue to work my ass off.
The front door bells chime overhead. My attention moves to the entry. At first, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. A stunning woman with red hair, cropped short enough to tickle the tops of her bare shoulders, scans the room. Dressed in a fuzzy lilac sweater and a pair of jeans, she clutches her purse to her side.
“Can I help you?” She jumps at my voice. When her caramel-colored eyes finally land on mine, my mouth falls open. I’m mesmerized, fallen into a black hole that I don’t even want to crawl out of.
“I, uh…” Her fingertips press against her bare collarbone, drawing attention to the slight spill of cleavage from her v-neck sweater. “I need to get something covered up.”
“A tattoo?”No dumb ass, a corpse.Of course, a tattoo! The woman nods, sucking her lower cherry lip between her teeth. “Grab a seat. I’ll be with you as soon as I’m finished up here.”
“Thanks.” Her lips press into a fine line before spreading into the slightest hint of a smile. She disappears behind the bookcase divider and takes a seat in one of the chairs. The top of her head remains visible, leaving me wanting more.
Grateful she arrived just as I was finishing with the sleeve, I clean my client up, dress the tattoo and send him on his way. My heart races as I clean my station. I move at lightning speed. My hands find their way into my pockets as I round the corner to greet the red-haired vixen.
She doesn’t notice me at first, her attention immersed in her e-reader, fingertips fondling her silver necklace. Her lack of awareness gives me a chance to examine her face. Her full, pink lips. High, prominent cheekbones. The sweet cluster of freckles dancing across the bridge of her nose and another cluster on her chest near the deep plunge of her v-neck.
The woman inhales through her nose and lifts her head before I can pull my gaze away. My eyes dart to hers, but it’s too late. She’s caught me staring.
“I’m Holt.” I take a step toward her, hand extended.
“Sienna.” She uncrosses her legs and starts to rise. I stop her.
“No, no. I’ll join you.” The chair to her right squeaks under my weight as I sit. “What kind of cover-up are we looking at, Sienna?” I love the way her name feels in my mouth, its consonants against my tongue.
“It’s kind of embarrassing.” Sienna runs a lithe finger across her brow, her face transforming into an adorable shade of light pink.
“It’s okay.” I lean forward, breathing in her scent, catching hints of musky vanilla and amber. “I guarantee you I’ve probably seen worse than what you’re about to show me.”
“It’s not a badtattoo.” Her caramel eyes shift toward the ceiling. “It’s just the name of a bad man.”
“Oh.” My eyes widen.
“I know.” Her waves sway as she shakes her head. “Dumb move.”
“No, don’t sweat it.” God, she smells fantastic. “You’re certainly not the firstoops-they’re-not-my-partner-anymoretattoo I’ve ever covered up.”
“I imagine not.” A nervous laugh escapes her lips. “It’s just that…” She leans in closer, her eyes locked on mine. “It’s in a very embarrassing place.”
Oh, now I’m fully invested. “Where?” I whisper.
Her eyes pinch closed, and she exhales through her nose. “My inner thigh. Really close to my...” She clears her throat. “You know.”
“Panty line.” I can barely choke the words out; Christ, just saying them with Sienna nearly gets me rock hard. I mentally scold myself. Sienna may be the hottest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, but I have to remain professional.
“Yeah.” The pink in her cheeks shifts to full-on crimson. “My panty line.” Her vulnerability is so adorable and so different from what I’m used to seeing in a woman. Especially my shitty ex-girlfriend. “That’s a good way to put it.”
“I have to ask because I’m only concerned about your comfort.” Her eyes light up. “Would you prefer a female artist? I know it’s in an intimate spot.”
“No.” Her cleavage rises and falls as she inhales a deep breath. “I came to you specifically because I saw your portfolio online, and some of your cover-ups are so good. You can’t even tell what was there before.”
Now it’s my turn to smile. “I appreciate that.” Sienna shrugs and drops her shoulders sharply, causing her breasts to bounce enough that I have to remind myself to keep my eyes up.
