Page 10 of Imperfect Skin

“You were brilliant with young Benji,” I told him as I spun us around slowly. Mouse brought his arms up and laced his fingers behind my neck, slowly relaxing in my arms.

“I didn’t do anything special. He seemed like a brilliant kid, and Alice likes him.” Mouse smiled softly as he talked about them. His arms were a comforting weight around my neck. This close I could smell the spicy cologne he was wearing. I wanted to dip my head down and run my nose along his throat, where I knew the scent would be at its strongest, but thankfully, I kept my composure and my wits.

“Should probably arrange a proper play date for them after school, but I was booked solid all week with clients and Mum’s going to be picking Alice up most days,” I said, as I turned Mouse around in another slow circle. I liked the feel of him under my hands, the way my hands sat just right on his narrow hips.

“I’ve got a quiet day Friday. I could pick them up. Arrange it with Benji’s mum,” Mouse answered, turning his head to look at the two youngsters dancing with Doc, who seemed to be enjoying himself.

“You’d do that? You know you don’t have to. I can try to shift around some clients.” I was flummoxed by how willing Mouse was to help with Alice. I just worried I’d made him feel like he had to.

Mouse tugged gently on the short hairs on the back of my head. “If I didn’t want to, I wouldn’t have offered. Besides, Friday is half day for Alice. The teachers have a staff thing, and your mum has her trip to visit your aunt’s, remember?”

I stared blankly at him. “How do you know all of this?” I asked, a little chagrined.

“Um, that would be because I pay attention to when your mum talks and don’t zone out. Seriously though, the shop has been slammed, and you and Sy have been working double time since Rez headed back to London. We really need another piercer so I can start taking on more tattoo clients.”

I nodded in agreement. We really did need another artist. I was hoping Simon’s cousin coming over would take off some of the stress. “Simon said your cousin might be willing to stay on a bit longer, if we can get his visa sorted out.”

“Jesus. Another bloody bearded giant, just what the shop needs.” Mouse laughed, shaking his head. “Jakob is a good bloke, even if he does like country music. Kinky fucker too, so he should fit in well with you and Simon.”

I arched a brow. “And how do you know who’s kinky or not in the shop?”

“You’d be surprised what I know. Just because I am that red-haired idiot’s little brother doesn’t mean I’m vanilla ice cream.”

I coughed, trying to cover my shock. “I wouldn’t be stupid enough to assume anything where you’re concerned.”

“Uh-huh.” Mouse gave a sad smile before he dropped his arms. The song had finished, and he reached into the back pocket of his jeans. “Sorry, I have to take this.”

“Yeah, no problem. And see, I didn’t even stomp on your toes.”

Mouse’s lips twitched in a half smile. “You were a perfect gentleman.” His smile turned teasing as he stepped away from me.

I found my way to the open bar and considered having a glass of the top-shelf single malt I knew Simon had hiding behind the bar for family, but I opted for a pint of bitter. I’d only have one drink, as I’d put my hand up to be taxi tonight. Scanning the crowded hall, I couldn’t see Mouse, but I was sure he’d be back.

Taking a long swallow of my beer, I nearly spat it back out again when Doc slapped me firmly on the back. The man was totally unrepentant when I shot him a glare over my shoulder.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.” Doc didn’t look sorry at all. He was grinning like the Cheshire cat. The man was a Grade A brat.

“Did you get tired of trading barbs with Perry?” It was my turn to grin when Doc scowled and muttered expletives.

“That man is insufferable. Argues with me on every point. Will not see reason or meet me halfway.”

I sighed, taking another drink of my beer. This had to be about the laneway that Doc’s practice and Perry’s hair salon shared. “The laneway?”

“Yes, and his propensity for listening to pop music too early on a Sunday morning. He’s living in the flat above his shop, which just so happens to be right alongside mine.” Doc sighed and let out an amused chuckle. “I’m being a grump again, aren’t I?”

I held my hand up with my thumb and pointer slightly apart. “Just a little bit.”

“I don’t know how or why he does this to me.” Doc stole my beer and took a long swallow before handing it back, ignoring my raised eyebrows.

“Better?” I asked, looking sadly at the empty pint glass.

“Much. Now tell me, did I see you and young Mouse dancing?”

“Yeah, we promised the kids we’d dance with them. Alice has taken a real shine to Benji.”

Doc looked over towards the two where they now sat colouring, surrounded by a mound of party food. “Fast friends, I would say.”

“Yeah, Mouse has suggested the two of them have a play date Friday after school. He said he’d watch the kids so they could hang out.”

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