Page 42 of Shadow Wolf
“Sweet hair.” Vicki whistled under her breath. “So, what do you recommend for two besties, in college, wanting to get their first tattoos?”
I just shook my head and pointed to Vicki as I stepped away from her. I wasn’t going to get one… no way.
The woman laughed and nodded to Vicki.
“Well, you could go with the usual.” She looked at me and smiled. “Butterfly? Or an infinity symbol.”
Vicki shook her head. “Nah, I think you were right, Clare. I think it has to mean something. Why don’t I think of one for you, and you think of one for me?”
My mouth dropped open. Hell no, I wasn’t letting Vicki pick my tattoo. The bell to the store rang just as Vicki looked over at whoever had come into the store and winked at me. I cocked my head as she smiled.
“A Wolf for my bestie… no wait. Two wolves.”
“Maybe a panther too?” a deep husky voice sounded behind me.
My mouth dropped open as I slowly spun, knowing exactly who I would see behind me.
“Frankie.” It was barely audible, but he smiled. Of course, he did. He had amazing shifter hearing. One of the memories I got back reminded me all about their hearing. A bit late now, would have been good to know when I was crying my eyes out and cursing them weeks ago.
“Hi, Clare.” He replied. He stood there, jeans and a tight white tee. He held onto two coffees as he watched me. Reading my emotions most likely. Yeah, I was getting better at knowing the strengths of the shifters from my memories.
He looked so good, he looked… happy. Was he here for a tattoo?
“Give me that,” The pink-haired woman grabbed one of the coffees out of his hand. “It took you long enough.”
She moved back to Vicki and started to discuss her tattoos with her.
“How have you been?” He asked as he shifted his weight. Not moving away from me, but not moving closer either. I nodded.
“Good. And you?” I gestured around the shop. “Do you work here?”
The grin on his face had my body tingling all over. God, that smile still affected me. I was so close to him I could feel his body warmth, I wanted to be closer to him. Smell him. He always smelled so nice… I missed him. Had missed him for a while but seeing him like this. I wanted to reach out and hug him, kiss him and hold his hand while he told me about his day at work.
“Yeah, I got the job a month ago. Nothing huge, doesn’t pay a lot, but I love it.”
I stood there nodding, I could see he loved it and it made me smile to see him like this. I didn’t know what to say to him. What did I want to say to him?
Did Vicki know he would be here? I turned to her, and she quickly averted her gaze. I narrowed my eyes, and I felt a zap bite my ass. I squeaked as I jumped forward, rubbing my poor butt cheek.
Frankie grabbed me, stopping me from toppling over him. I shook my head.
I gritted my teeth and grumbled, “Vicki, you’re a bitch.” She didn’t have super hearing so probably didn’t hear me. But Frankie did and I felt his chuckle through my body. It went right to my heart… then my core.
“I’ve been on the end of one of those zaps. They hurt.” My eyes widened at his words. When had Vicki zapped him? “Did you want to come back to my station, sit down? Maybe talk?”
I hesitated, shuffling my feet. I wanted to, so badly, but my belly was filled with butterflies. Another zap to my ass told me that I had to at least answer him. I already knew I would say yes. I needed to talk to him. We left things really badly.
“Yeah, I would like that.” I smiled up at Frankie, hoping he couldn't tell how nervous I was. But when I turned to Vicki, my smile was a little more… devious.
“You know what, Vicki. I will pick out your tattoo. It will be a surprise. I know the perfect one for you.”
She raised her brow but the smirk she gave me said, “bring it.”
Chapter28
Frankie
Icouldn’t believe she came into my tattoo shop. That she was here, smelling like roses and sunshine. But then Vicki… she must really like me deep down and didn't need to hate me anymore. At least that was what I was getting from this visit. Because Vicki whispered, “you’re welcome” when Clare agreed to talk to me. I couldn't stop the smile on my face. This was a good visit.
