Page 298 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

“Why so many tattoos?” he asked, staring at the abstract design woven within a landscape.

“Why not? You have any?”

“I do, in fact.” He smiled. “It’s on my ass. A heart with my sweetheart’s name on it. But now it looks like a wrinkled fruit. Tats on wrinkled skin changes the art, you know?”

I laughed, not wanting to imagine his description. My eyes swung back to Eva, who appeared calm and collected while chatting with Sean.

“I appreciate what you did. My Eva would’ve gotten hurt if you hadn’t helped. She was furious when he grabbed her purse. I almost fell to the ground. I couldn’t believe she ran after him. Is that what people in the city do when they’re robbed?” He shivered. “I’d just let the thief have it. But my baby girl probably has important stuff in there.”

“I saw Eva running, and I knew she needed help.”

“There’s fire in my girl. Anyway, thank you very much for intervening. I want to thank you for your gesture. Are you free for lunch tomorrow?”

Wow.

I smiled at the interesting irony. His granddaughter had rejected me before, and now Grandpa Collins was asking me out. Well, sort of. Regardless, this man just made my day. If only he knew my intentions with Eva, would he still invite me? I liked his friendliness and openness. An idea sparked in my head. This was my opportunity to get to know Eva and maybe ask her out again. I didn’t give up on what I wanted. The relentless pursuit to survive had saved my life and made me a successful businessman.

“I’d never say no to lunch with a smart man who has an interesting tattoo.”

Grandpa Collins let out a laugh, placing a hand on my arm as though we were buddies. “If I want another tattoo, can you recommend a place?”

“My place.” I gestured to The Etched Building. “Body Canvas.”

“You’re a tattoo artist?” His eyes brightened.

“When there’s time. I have a team who helps me manage all my studios.”

“I’ll make a note of it.” He looked toward the building and back at me. “Lunch will be at Eva’s place because I’m cooking.” He rubbed his hands together. “To celebrate the apprehension of a bad guy.”

I didn’t know what to say. I was going to be inside Eva’s home. Today almost seemed like fate. I’ve never believed in that stuff, but I couldn’t explain it any other way. It was as if there was some dude up there looking down at me, understanding my desires. Thanks, Man.

Eva approached her grandfather, and Sean came up to me. “You okay?”

“Fine. You know him?” I jerked my chin to his cruiser.

“There’s been a few car break-ins recently along Beacon Street. He could be our guy. I’ll find out after I get his fingerprints. Catch you later.”

I nodded and watched him drive off with his flashing lights.

“Please thank your friend who stayed with me,” said her grandfather. “The good-looking guy wearing the sweater.”

“I’ll let Godfrey know.”

Eva turned up to me. “Thanks again for chasing after the thief. You could’ve gotten hurt.”

“I couldn’t let you run after him like that. You could’ve gotten hurt. I’m a lot bigger than you.”

Something flashed in her eyes. “I remember you. You’ve been in the flower shop . . .”

She remembers me. Yes!

She didn’t need to remind me about the rejection. Too many questions bubbled in my head. What else did she remember? What did she think of me now? Did she think I ran after the idiot because I wanted brownie points with her? That would be absurd. The thought didn’t even occur to me. I ran after him because I feared for her safety. Would she believe me if I told her that?

“Your shop has wonderful plants. I like plants,” I lied.

Well, I was learning to like them. They added color and character to my boring office.

She arched an eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate. I didn’t. This wasn’t the time or place for me to admit that I’d stop by earlier today to see her but was disappointed she wasn’t there.

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