Page 308 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

The light gray walls along with the brown and rustic furniture portrayed a sturdy man with experience where time had taught him unforgettable lessons. Traditional decor mixed in with unique accents made the place masculine. The brown, gray, and navy palette was probably the work of an interior designer.

A few intricate pieces of art hung on the wall.

“Are those yours?” I asked, staring at the details that reminded me of the rose art and the intricate mazelike tattoo on his arm.

“Yeah.”

“Where did you learn how to draw like that? Gosh, the details are spectacular.”

“Self-taught.” He shrugged. “Drawing was my escape. A way for me to let loose, release my emotions onto something.”

“They’re beautiful.” I met his eyes. “You’re so gifted.”

“You’re beautiful.” I stroked a thumb over my cheek. “You’re like a mesmerizing piece I wanted so badly. Do you have any tattoos?”

“No. But I might think about it now. I’d want something simple.”

“Let me know when you’re ready. Did you know you inspired a new piece for me?”

“I did?” Joy erupted in me. “Where?”

“Later. Right now I need your help with something.” He took my hand, leading me into a room. “Please help them.”

I gasped at the spacious room full of plants—plants from my shop! The tags with Happy Flowers were still poking out from the pots. Some plants sat on a metal rack, while others were scattered in the floor. A few hung from the ceiling too. All the plants looked sad and on the edge of death.

“Oh my God, Kain.” I walked over to two brand new watering cans and grabbed one for myself while handing him the other. “Fill them up, please. This is a life-or-death situation.”

I took the watering can and followed him to the kitchen sink.

“That bad, huh?” He filled up his can and reached for mine.

“Yes. When did you get them? Why do you have so many when you’re not taking care of them?” My voice rose as I got protective of my plants. “They’re living things that need tender love and care.”

Laughter gleamed in his eyes. “I can see you love them.”

As I watered the plants, Kain followed suit. “You can do this every two days. Or you can check the soil to see if it’s moist. The care varies from plant to plant. Some need more water than others. So why do you have so many plants?”

He placed the watering can down. “Because of you.”

“Me?” I picked off the dry leaves and tossed them into the trash basket. Then I arranged the potted plants in a way that highlighted them all.

A crooked smile slid onto those sexy lips. “After our first encounter I’d stopped by your shop a few times after work, but you weren’t there. I bought plants each time so the girls didn’t think I was a creep. On the day I met you and your grandfather, I got two plants for my office.”

My heart melted at his admission. He was starting a plant collection because of me. No man had ever done something like that for me. I cupped his face. “You’re starting your own little greenhouse. We should get nice pots for them and I can help you place them around your apartment. They’ll dress up your home with color and oxygen. They shouldn’t be sequestered in this room, even if it is beautiful.”

“Okay. Thank you. Now I don’t need to call in an interior designer.”

I glanced at the drawing studio and several bookcases. “You work here?”

“Sometimes,” he said, leading me back to the kitchen island. “Let’s eat.”

I slid onto the stool and turned to him. “You’re a successful tattoo artist who owns two franchises. It’s hard for me to believe you’re single.”

Kain could have any woman he wanted. What was he doing with me?

Kain put on an apron with an image of a sharp knife with a smiley face that read, I’ve got the killer move!

“Nothing to be suspicious about. I had to work on myself first before I could commit to anyone. There was a lot of mental baggage I had to get rid of. Besides, no one got my attention until you.”

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