Page 46 of Joey

“Did you do all these?”

“Yes.”

“Are these ones you’ve given to people or just ideas?” he asked, pointing to the designs on plain white paper.

Joey stepped beside him. “The ones that aren’t people’s actual tattoos are just ideas. If someone chooses a design from here, I replace the sketch with the person’s picture.”

Ethan glanced around. “How many tattoos do you think you’ve done?”

Joey laughed. “Thousands. Maybe tens of thousands by now. I’ve been doing this a long time.”

“What do your parents think of your celebrity status?”

Joey settled onto a black stool, spinning slightly. “They stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. They’re not interested in fame and fortune. They’re happy with their cottage in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.”

“What do they do?”

“They both retired early. I bought them the house and told them to get out of London. They want for nothing, which is the best thing about this so-called fame. I was able to get them to stop working and relax.”

“I bet they loved you for that.”

Joey chuckled. “They did. They’re more than happy now. Mum knits blankets and clothes for the babies at the hospitals that need them, and Dad, well, let’s just say he’s enjoying his garden.”

“Sounds like heaven.”

Joey tilted his head and stopped spinning. “Is that what you want? A quiet life?”

Ethan studied the designs as he thought about his answer, and he was grateful Joey didn’t rush him. What did he want? “I want to be happy. I don’t think it matters where I am or what I’m doing. I’ll know it when I see it.” He already knew it. He wanted to be wherever Joey was. No matter what they decide to do, he’d settle anywhere Joey wanted to.

Joey stood, the stool sliding away behind him, and came to a stop in front of him. “Every time I don’t think I could fall harder for you, you say or do something to make me drop off that cliff again.” He cupped Ethan’s jaw with his gorgeous tattooed hands, staring into his eyes, and Ethan’s stomach swirled. “I know it’s a hard decision to make, but I promise you, I’m happy with wherever we are.”

Ethan swallowed, his gaze blurring Joey’s face. “I do love Whitby, but I’ve found that I don’t mind the idea of not living there. Maybe we could visit often, but I’d be happy anywhere. As long as I’m with you.”

“And I’ve found I don’t mind living in Whitby as long as I’m with you,” Joey replied.

Ethan snorted, and his tears overflowed. He hated crying when he was overwhelmed. It felt like he was being a crybaby. “We’re a right pair.” He slid his arms around Joey’s waist and nuzzled his cheek into his hands. “So, we’ve determined it doesn’t matter where we live. Where does that leave us?”

“Still trying to decide where to live,” Joey said, chuckling.

Ethan sniffed. “Okay, I say we need to write a list of the pros and cons of both places or other places if there’s somewhere else we might want to live.”

Joey studied him. “Are you sure you’re ready to uproot your life and shack up with me?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” Ethan said. And it was the truth.

Despite the sadness hanging over them from the reason he’d met Joey in the first place, he had never been happier. Yes, he’d miss his family and friends, but it wasn’t like they were on the other side of the world. He’d be able to visit them. And maybe he’d see more of the country if he travelled with Joey. He already knew how to keep track of things as a busy hotel receptionist. Surely, a tattoo artist’s assistant wouldn’t be harder.

As those thoughts flew through his head, he realised he’d already made up his mind. Now, to show Joey what they could be.

“I think we should keep our base here, visit Whitby as often as we can, and as Ani suggested, I could be your assistant or the business’s assistant as I travel with you.”

Joey’s eyes widened, and Ethan had the impression he wasn’t breathing. After several long moments, Joey said, “You’d do that for me?”

Ethan lifted to his toes to close the slight distance between them and kissed him. Already getting used to Joey’s scent and taste, he closed his eyes and sank into the embrace. When they pulled back, panting, he said, “I would do that forus.”

Joey took his mouth again, and Ethan gripped Joey’s back, holding himself upright as Joey devoured him. He was glad he’d decided to keep his stubble longer. Beard burn was no longer an issue, especially with how deeply Joey kissed him. This was the right decision for them, and although he would change their plans if Joey gave a good argument, he honestly thought they would make it work. He’d have to speak to Ani about what being an assistant would involve. But his thoughts disappeared when Joey’s tongue tangled with his, and he held on for his life.

“Oops, sorry!”

---