Page 20 of Challenged By the Ex-Military Tattoo Artist

Jenna gives me one more playful nudge before heading for the door.

"Seriously though, M, I'm happy for you. Especially now that you are getting freaky in the back room of your own store."

"Jenna!" I exclaim, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks once more.

She just laughs, waving cheekily over her shoulder as she steps outside.

"See you later, you wild thing."

The moment she's gone, I let out a heavy sigh, running both hands through my hair in frustration. I can't believe this is happening. I mean, sure, I’m attracted to Max, but I never imagined we'd actually...

Shaking my head, I turn and head back towards the storage room, steeling myself to face him. When I push open the door, he's leaning against the table, a small smile playing on his lips.

"So," he says, arching a brow, "did she hear too much?"

I nod, unable to meet his gaze. "I think so..."

Max chuckles, the sound low and rumbling.

"I gathered as much. Though I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed I didn't get to make a proper introduction."

I feel my cheeks burn once more.

"Max, this isn't funny. She's going to be pestering me for details, and I have no idea what I'm going to tell her."

He reaches out, gently tilting my chin up so I'm forced to look at him.

"Hey, relax. You can tell her whatever you want. Nothing is going to change."

I bite my lip, nodding slightly.

"I know, it's just..." I trail off, letting out a frustrated sigh. "I don't know, this whole thing feels so...so out of control, you know?"

Max nods, his expression softening.

"I get it. Believe me, I do. And I know you like to be in control of your life, but maybe..." He pauses, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a wry smile. "Maybe losing control once in a while is not such a bad thing."

I blink up at him, caught off guard by his words.

"What do you mean?" I ask hesitantly.

Max reaches up, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear, "Well, think about it. When was the last time you did something truly spontaneous, something outside of your carefully planned and controlled life?"

I open my mouth to respond but quickly realize I don't have a ready answer. Max chuckles, seeing the dawning realization on my face.

"Exactly. You're always so focused on doing the 'right' thing, on living up to everyone's expectations. But Maria..." His thumb grazes my cheek, and I can't help but lean into his touch. "Don'tyou ever just want to throw caution to the wind and see where it takes you?"

I swallow hard, searching his gaze.

"I...I don't know. I mean, this shop, it's my whole world. I can't just throw that all away on a - a whim or something that might not really last."

Max nods, "I understand, but that doesn't mean you have to give up everything you've worked for." He pauses, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe you just need to find a way to incorporate a little more...spontaneity into your life."

I can't help the skeptical look that crosses my face, "And how exactly am I supposed to do that? Just start hooking up with random tenants in the back room?"

To my surprise, Max laughs - a deep, rumbling sound that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Well, I wouldn't necessarily recommend that. But maybe you could start by, I don't know, going on a date with said tenant?"

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