Page 32 of Truck Off

Rob holds his hands up in surrender. “No one’s saying you don’t. I’m just trying to keep the peace. You’re a great artist, and I want to keep you here.”

His words surprise me. Rob acts like he doesn’t need any of us or care if we stick around. It’s good to hear otherwise.

“Thanks. I better get set up for my first client. He should be here soon.”

Rob leaves me to it while I get out the designs and notes for my client. It’s a custom design of a wolf’s head, baring its teeth and surrounded by trees. This art will cover his left shoulder and wrap around his arm and eventually be worked into a full sleeve. Today is day one of at least three sessions it will take to complete.

Jobs like this are my favorite. They’re the ones that pay the most and bring me the most joy.

While I’m organizing the inks I need to lay the foundation for this tat, my mind wanders over the past week of conversations I’ve had. Aside from my coworkers, I’ve only discussed my ink supply issue with two people.

One was Jayla, and there’s no way she did this. She can’t afford it any more than I can. She’s a single mom, living with her parents and working at Walmart. She can’t even afford her own place, let alone supply me with ink.

That leaves one other person. And he just might have done this.

Christian Mutter.

But why?

We went on one date. We’ve texted several times since then and even agreed to a second date, but it’s not like we’re a couple.

I sigh and drop back into my chair.

I knew it was too good to be true. That kiss was too amazing, too life-altering, to be real.

Men only ever want me for one thing—my looks and sex. Okay, maybe two things. And many of them have been willing to buy their way into my pants.

Is that what Christian is doing? Preying on my weakness? Buying me things he knows I desperately need just so he can get me naked?

It wouldn’t be the first time, and with my luck, it won’t be the last.

Well, shit. I thought he was different. Was I that wrong about his intentions? It is odd that he suddenly noticed me. I’ve watched him for years, and he never looked in my direction until that day at Kochs.

I scrub my hands over my face just as the bell over the door dings, letting us know a customer has arrived. I look up to see it’s mine.

I push to my feet and wave him over. I’ll have to deal with Christian later. For now, I need to keep my frustration and internal accusations in check. No need to let myself get too pissed until I talk to him.

* * *

As soon as I slide behind the driver’s seat of my car, I shoot off a text to Christian.

Lina: Did you buy me ink and a new cabinet?

I toss my phone into the passenger seat and start my car. Or rather try to. I’ve got to figure out where I’m going to find the money to get my car fixed before she dies on me completely. If that happens, I won’t be able to get to and from work.

I drop my head back and growl while I wait a few moments before I try starting her again. My phone buzzes.

Christian: Hmm? Ink and a cabinet? Are those things you need?

I sense a teasing nature to his words, and that pisses me off even more. I don’t need bullshit right now. I need honesty.

Lina: Don’t play dumb with me. Did you do it or not?

Christian: Am I missing something? I know this is just a text, and I’m trying not to read too much into it, but you sound pissed.

Lina: I am pissed.

Christian: Why? Because someone did something nice for you?

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