Page 37 of Pelvic Flaws

Katie’s eyes went wide. “Really? You’d let him come and have a look around. God, he could think about applying to tattoo studios for apprenticeships if he liked it.”

“I’d say it’s got a lot more legs than a record shop, that’s for sure.”

When I saw the excitement for her son on Katie’s face, an idea came to mind. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been thinking of it recently, but in that moment, I was determined to make it work.

“Okay, so here’s a thought. I need someone around the place to do all the dirty work; cleaning workstations, sterilizing equipment, ordering stock, standing in on reception, that sort of thing. It wouldn’t be a great amount of pay, but do you think Isaac would be interested?”

Katie gasped. “God yes. I’m sure he would.”

“He could maybe make up some money by doing designs. I might even let him join the consultation process.” The more I spoke about it, the more the idea was forming in my mind, and I knew it was a damn good one. “There’s only Jethro who’s able to draw a design apart from me, the others are freaking good, but can’t really draw.”

“Doesn’t that make them a pretty useless tattoo artist?” Katie asked.

“No, they’re amazing tattoo artists, they just always use a stencil. To be honest, me and Jethro inking free hand freaks a lot of people out. They think we’re going to mess up.”

“I’d freak out just having a tattoo, it wouldn’t matter whether you used a stencil or did it free hand.” Katie shuddered.

“Maybe I’ll change your mind someday,” I said in a low voice.

This time her shudder was an almost imperceptible shiver, but I noticed it. The fact that her nipples were suddenly visible underneath her thin, silky shirt, kind of gave the game away anyway.

“The point is,” I continued, letting her off the hook, “that means either me or Jethro have to be around for consultations, and there can be three or four a day, which have to be fitted in with appointments, which means we’re pretty much pulled out most days. Isaac helping with consultations and designs would benefit us, a lot. You see I’m a stickler for consultations, I don’t allow anyone to walk in off the street. No one gets inked unless we’ve talked to them first and discussed all their options and they’re given at least a week’s decision time. It’s just something I believe in.”

Katie’s eyes were shining with gratitude as she reached for my hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Thank you so much, Dex. You have no idea what you’re offering to him.” She realized that she still had hold of my hand and quickly pulled hers back.

“Hey, don’t misunderstand me, Katie. If he messes up or is late or gives me shit, he’s out. I don’t care if I’m dating his mom.”

She almost choked on the wine she’d taken a sip of.

“Pardon,” she said, putting a hand to her chest as she coughed.

“I think you heard me Katie. So unless you’ve had a shit evening, this won’t be our last date.”

“Oh no,” she replied, shaking her head. “I’ve had the best time.”

“Well that’s good.” I reached out and took back her hand that was still resting on the table. “Now, how about we get another drink?”

Katie

By the time Dex pulled up outside my house, it was almost eleven-thirty and I’d had the best night I’d had in a long time. He was funny and charming and he actually listened to what I’d had to say. I could have stayed in the bar longer, but when the place started to empty Dex decided we should go. I had to admit, I was a little disappointed, but short of asking him to stay the night, which was not happening, I had to leave him at some point.

As he turned off the engine, my stomach did a flip.

Would he kiss me?

If he kissed me, would it be a proper kiss, or just on the cheek?

Should I kiss him?

“So, here we are,” he said, turning in his seat and resting his forearm on the steering wheel. “Looks like they’ve all gone to bed.”

I peered through the car window to see all the lights were off, except for the dim glow of a lamp from Annie’s room.

“Yes, looks like it. Isaac is probably in his room playing on his PlayStation and Annie will be reading some entrepreneur’s autobiography.”

“Hence why she wants to do a business degree.”

I grinned in the darkness. He’d actually remembered what I’d said about my kids. That had to be extra points for him.

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