Page 105 of Until the Ink Dries

By the time I got out, Benny was returning from putting Charlie down.

“She out?” I asked.

“Like a light. She didn’t even make it through her bedtime story. I’m about to follow suit. I’m tired as shit.”

“You did a lot of work today, Mr. Handy Man.”

“Remind me to never move again.”

I laughed. “Go on and take your shower so you can come lay your head on these titties and cuddle with me.

He smirked as he headed into the bathroom while I made myself comfortable in his new bed. The rest of the bedroom furniture was still in boxes, but this bed was amazingly comfortable. I’d gotten so comfortable that I started to drift off. It wasn’t until I felt light kisses on my bare shoulder did my eyes pop open.

“Don’t go to sleep just yet,” Benny whispered in my ear.

He pulled back the covers and reached for me. That’s when I heard the soft sounds of “Softest Place On Earth” by Xscape playing.

“What are you doing?” I asked, slipping my hand into his palm.

“I just realized I never gave you that dance. I know you said you like to dance around the living room and sip your wine.”

I smiled at him remembering that.

“We don’t have any wine and this is a bedroom, but may I have this dance?”

I nodded as I stood to my feet. He pulled me into the large open area and into his arms. Holding me close to him, he pressed his forehead to mine. Eyes closed, we swayed back and forth to the song. A smile attached itself to my face. My heart was so full and I was so happy being here.

If I ever had any reservations, they disappeared any time he held me like this. This was the type of love I deserved. It was soft, yet strong. Passionate, but not suffocating. It was reciprocated and grounding. Most importantly, it was freeing.

I was free to be me. No masks. No facades. No gimmicks. This man loved and appreciated me, just as I was.

Pulling back, I peered up into his eyes. “I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you, too.”

Iwas home. That steady buzzing of the tattoo gun was a sound I missed and didn’t realize how much until I came back. I had been wanting to get back to my studio, but with getting Charlie settled into her new reality and buying a new damn house, the time just wasn’t there. I didn’t know what to expect when I made the post on my social media about my books being open again.

I guess I didn’t realize the demand my name brought. To say my DMs were flooded was an understatement. But, it felt good to be back and even the other folks who worked in the shop with me were excited. For the first time in a minute, shit was finally going back to normal.

I finished up the tattoo then allowed the client to check it out.

“Damn, this shit is nice as hell. I’m glad you’re back. I’m gone need to book you again to finish this sleeve before yo’ ass goes on another hiatus.” He joked.

I shook my head and smirked. “I hear you.”

We chopped it up for a little while longer while I checked him out. He was my last client of the day. I had at least an hour to clean up the shop before Willow got here. I planned a date for tonight; I just wanted to be close to her without my child. Her ass was a big cock blocker and had practically stolen my damn woman any time she came around. I loved the fact that she wanted her around because I did, too; but damn, I wanted a little attention, too.

I laughed to myself at the thought of me complaining about my daughter stealing my girl. I had never felt that way since she was born. Clearly, Charlie and I were in the same boat. I locked the door as my client left, then my phone rang from the back room. I jogged to the back to grab it before it went to voicemail.

“What’s up, baby?” I answered.

“I need you to unlock the door in like ten minutes! I went by that new smoothie spot. It was so damn good that I drank it too fast now I have to pee.” she whined.

I laughed and shook my head. I put her on speaker, then moved toward the supply closet to grab the broom and other cleaning supplies.

“I hear you. The door will be unlocked. You don’t have to front for me. If you’re coming here to blow up my bathroom, that’s all you gotta say.” I told her.

I tried to hold in my laughter as she kissed her teeth.

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