Page 5 of The Inkslinger

Chapter Three

The Water Down Here

Hailey

For someone who just got out of a shitty relationship, I am way too eager to spread my legs. And I’m not referring to the tattoo but rather the artist. The man is sex on legs. Dirty blond hair that my fingers are twitching to run through, soulful hazel eyes, and a lean body. The scar running down the side of his face does nothing to detract from his handsomeness either, and I had to remind myself not to touch him constantly.

But I also need to remember that Derick broke my heart and my self-confidence when I caught him fucking my younger sister on the kitchen counter. In the apartment I paid for, may I add.

I have put all men off limits for the time being. But that doesn’t mean I have suddenly become blind or that I no longer feel lust. I’m not dead. Laine Gray is like looking at fine art. Fine art I want to climb like a damn tree.

He is muscled but not as big as the other artist, Alistair. It’s clear to see he takes care of himself, and his ink is vibrant and stunning. His hair is up in a man bun exposing his high cheekbones, full lips, and the scar that gives him an air of danger I can’t seem to resist. The moment I saw him it was insta-lust.

And the way his pupils dilated when he touched my skin? That’s like a direct line to the “on” button for my pussy. Not to mention his bedroom voice. I am most definitely going to have to get extra batteries for my B.O.B. if I am staying in Franklinton for any extended amount of time.

Fuck. I wonder if he would be open to a friend-with-benefits arrangement. No, that’s a bad idea.

I can’t just go sit at home. I’ll likely go insane thinking of what those big hands could do to me. Instead, I stop off at a bar I drove past on my way into town called The Hideaway. It’s only three in the afternoon so there aren’t a ton of people and that suits me just fine. I grab a seat at the bar, away from everyone else, and wait patiently for the bartender.

A pretty blonde woman hurries over with a smile.

“Sorry, that took a minute,” she says as she wipes the counter. “One of the girls quit at the last minute, so we’re a little shorthanded. What can I get you?”

“Whatever you have on tap is fine, thanks,” I reply working on an idea already forming in my mind.

When she returns with my beer, I jump right in. “I’ll take a job application too. Seems you have an opening.”

“You’re in luck,” she replies before shouting over her shoulder. “Adam! He’s the owner,” she explains when she turns back to me.

When he steps from the back, my brain-to-mouth filter fails miserably.

“What is in the water up here?”

“I know, right?” She chuckles. “Finest men in the state can be found right here in Franklinton.”

Another stunning man sidles up to us. He looks a lot like Laine actually, but a few years older with darker hair. Stonewashed jeans hug his thighs with every step and I can’t help but watch him as he moves.

“Yes, Love,” the man says before laying a searing kiss on the woman.

I feel like a douchebag for ogling her man. But either she’s used to it, or she knows he would never cheat because it clearly didn’t bother her. I wish I could find a man I could trust like that, but the past has proven I have shitty taste in men. They all end up cheating on me eventually.

“This lovely lady is looking for a job,” she says as she smacks his jean-clad ass before walking away, both of us watching her leave.

“I don’t know you,” Adam says once he faces me again, and it feels like an accusation. “I’ve lived in Franklinton my whole life. I know everyone.”

“You wouldn’t know me. I’m just visiting,” I explain. “I’m Hailey.” I hold my ground under his intense scrutiny.

“How long do you intend to stay?” He eyes me warily.

“Well, I paid two weeks’ rent, so at least that long.”

“Please tell me you didn’t get a room at the motel,” he says, disgust dripping from every word as a shiver works its way through his big frame.

I chuckle remembering Skye’s similar reaction. There must be something seriously wrong with the motel here.

“No. I’m renting a house, but eventually someone will have to tell me the story behind the motel. You may know the woman I am renting from seeing as you apparently know everyone. Her name is Skye.”

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