Page 39 of Just Between Us

It was utterly ridiculous, but a petty part of me felt like I needed to stake my claim on him. Instead, I decided that I could use the opportunity to gather more information on the King family—particularly Royal and his apparent handsy reputation in town.

“Hey, excuse me?” I hoped my smile came across as friendly.

The blonde’s head whipped up, and they both stopped walking.

“Hi, I’m so sorry.” I pointed at the tattoo parlor. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Have you gotten work done there before? I’m new in town and thinking of getting something done during my trip.”

The pair brightened.

“Are you kidding? King Tattoo is the best. People come from all different places to get their ink done here.”

The blonde nodded. “All of the artists are talented, but the owner, Royal King, he’s next level.”

“Yeah, but he books up like a year in advance,” the brunette interjected.

The pretty blonde shrugged. “People chicken out all the time, though. It might be worth putting your name on the list for any cancellations.”

“Got it.” I smiled. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”

I waved as they walked down the sidewalk. Anxious, but intrigued, I opened the door to King Tattoo. Despite it being early afternoon on a Monday, patrons were milling around, flipping through artists’ books and speaking with Luna at the desk.

I eyed the gorgeous framed artwork along the walls. A whiff of smoke—something warm and woody—floated over my shoulder. I looked back to see Luna waving a bundle of burning herbs in my direction.

I waved a hand to clear the white plume that encircled me and coughed. “What are you doing?”

“White sage.” She swirled it again, wafting it toward me. “Smudging wards off negative energy.”

“Luna.” Royal’s gruff tone had her eyebrows lifting and throwing her hands up.

“Okay, okay. I was just trying to help.” She rolled her eyes and returned to her chair at the desk.

I cleared the smoke around me. When my eyes met Royal’s, my insides turned to goo. He was dressed in black jeans and scuffed work boots. His black T-shirt was tucked in, putting his ridiculously cut body on full display. His tattoos snaked up the backs of his hands and arms and disappeared under hisshirtsleeves before winding their way back out of his collar and spilling onto his thick, corded neck.

His eyes were warm and inviting. “What brings you around?”

Steadying myself, I put on an air of indifference. “I got a recommendation from some of your adoring fans.” I gestured over my shoulder toward the entrance where the two girls had just left. “Figured I would see for myself what the fuss was all about.”

“Oh, yeah?” A dangerous twinkle danced in his eye. “What did you have in mind?”

I glanced at the display of artwork framed throughout the waiting area. A large flip rack of posters filled with drawings was tucked into the corner.

I walked toward it and absently flipped through the artwork. “I was thinking something like an infinity symbol orcarpe diemor like a heart withMomin the middle.”

He smirked. “All classic choices.” His eyes flicked toward Luna, who was painting her nails behind the front desk. “Luna, when is my next appointment?”

She rolled her eyes and used her free hand to tap a few keys on the keyboard. “You’ve got fifteen minutes.”

He turned his attention toward me. “Why don’t you come on back to my booth and we can discuss a few options?”

Royal’s tattoo booth.

My skin prickled. His space. Not one to back down from a challenge, I lifted my chin and sailed past him. He shook his head and chuckled before following closely behind.

As the door to his booth clicked closed, I felt the air shift. I went from predator to prey. Nerves tickled my belly as I tried to regain my composure, doing anything in my power to remain calm.

I looked down my nose at the gleaming countertops with the various tattoo equipment and ink arranged in tidy rows.Every surface gleamed, and the air held the familiar tang of disinfectant. The walls of the room were painted a moody, navy blue, but were nearly covered over with various drawings.

Some drawings were framed while others were simply tacked directly onto the drywall. A few had color, but most were black-and-white sketches.

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