Page 75 of Love Me Reckless

She inhales a slow breath and nods. “Yeah.”

I hurry around the front of my truck to open her side and help her down. We walk to the corner, and she slides her hand into mine.

“I want to be brave,” she says.

I squeeze her hand. “You are.”

She exhales hard, like she’s psyching herself up.

I push open the shop door, which makes a little bell chime. Inside the tidy waiting area are three chairs that face a reception counter. The walls are painted a mural of colors, from soft yellow to icy turquoise to raspberry. Framed pictures of tattoos and body piercings hang in groups all the way down the hall leading to the back.

A woman with burgundy lipstick, heavily made-up eyes, and a messy bun enters from a door to the side. “Hi, can I help you guys?”

I eye Kirilee for guidance. This is her gig but I’ll do whatever she needs me to.

Kirilee unzips her coat and steps to the counter. “I’m looking for an artist who can do something like this.” She pulls a file folder from her purse and sets it on the counter. The giant rock on her finger flashes in the soft lighting. I turn away and coax a slow breath into my lungs.

“Let’s take a look,” the woman says. “I’m Brydeen. I don’t do the ink but I can match you up.”

“Nice to meet you,” Kirilee says with a smile. “I’m Kirilee.”

Brydeen offers her hand, and they shake. She shoots me a questioning glance.

“I’m the emotional support animal.”

“Nice to meet you, animal.” Brydeen gives me a wink, and I already like her.

Inside the folder, Kirilee has collected several designs. In each one is what looks like some kind of songbird. One design has blossoms too, or maybe wildflowers. They’re all pretty. Elegant. Striking, even.

“Mountain bluebird, huh? Nice,” Brydeen says, nodding. “You thinking color? Or keep it just an outline in black?”

Kirilee chews on her lip. “Color? Would that be too hard?”

“No. But it means a longer sitting.”

Kirilee sorts through the designs. There’s one with a bird soaring, wings arched, with strokes of color in her wings and tail feathers. Kirilee places her palm on the design and releases a measured breath. “This one.”

Brydeen nods. “You have an idea where you want it?” Her gaze steadies on Kirilee while she waits for her answer.

“Here,” she says, rubbing her left side, up by her breast.

My chest tightens. Fuck, she’s brave.

Brydeen raises an eyebrow. “Is this your first one?”

“Yeah, but I know it’s what I want.”

“Understood.” Brydeen gives her a thoughtful glance. “Rib ink hurts like a bitch, is all. You good with that?”

I slide my hand into Kirilee’s and give it a soft squeeze.

Kirilee nods. “Yeah. I’m good.”

“All right,” Brydeen says with a smile. “Let me talk to Leif. He’s just finishing up.”

After we agree, Brydeen walks back down the hallway.

Kirilee exhales a full breath, like she’s nervous. “Is it weird that I’m excited?”

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