Page 19 of Challenged By the Ex-Military Tattoo Artist

"It wasn't like that!" Maria protests weakly, before heaving a weary sigh. "Ugh, I can't believe this is happening."

"Believe it, girl," Jenna replies, no doubt wearing a shit-eating grin. "Though I have to say, I'm impressed. I didn't think you had it in you to get all hot and heavy in the back room of your cute and cozy craft store."

Maria groans, and I can just picture her burying her face in her hands.

"Please, Jenna, can we just...change the subject? I really don't want to talk about this anymore."

Jenna chuckles, the sound laced with amusement.

"Alright, alright, I'll lay off. For now, at least." She pauses, and I can almost see the sly grin spreading across her face. "But you know I'm gonna want all the juicy details later, right?"

"Jenna!" Maria exclaims, sounding scandalized.

I have to stifle another laugh as I listen to the two women bicker good-naturedly. It's clear they have a close relationship, and I can't help but feel a bit envy, wishing I had someone like that in my life.

After a few more moments of playful back-and-forth, Maria finally manages to wrangle Jenna out of the store, muttering something about getting back to work. As their footsteps recede, I lean back against the table, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"Well, that was certainly...interesting," I muse to myself, running a hand through my messy hair.

Chapter 9 - Maria

I practically shove Jenna out the door, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"I can't believe you heard that," I groan, raking a hand through my mussed hair.

Jenna just grins, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Hey, I was just in the right place at the right time, that's all."

I level her with an exasperated look, "It wasn't intentional, okay? Things just...happened." I avert my gaze, unable to meet her probing stare.

"Mmhmm, I'm sure." Jenna leans in, poking me playfully in the ribs. "So, spill. What's he like?"

I feel my face heat up even further.

"Jenna! I'm not going to discuss the...intimate details of what just happened."

She pouts, but I can see the barely contained excitement in her expression.

"Aw, come on, Maria. You know I'm dying to hear all about it."

Sighing, I shake my head.

"There's nothing to tell. It was a...a moment of weakness, that's all. It won't happen again."

Jenna arches a brow, skepticism plain on her face.

"Uh-huh, sure. That's what they all say." She pauses, a slow grin spreading across her lips. "Although, if I'm being honest, I always figured you had a bit of a wild side. Guess I was right."

I groan, resisting the urge to bury my face in my hands.

"Jenna, please. I really don't want to talk about this anymore. Can we just...I don't know, change the subject?"

Mercifully, she takes pity on me, pulling me into a quick hug.

"Alright, alright, I'll lay off. For now, at least." She pulls back, waggling her eyebrows suggestively. "But you know I'm going to be prying for details later, right?"

I manage a weak smile, already dreading the inevitable interrogation. "I figured as much."

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