Page 21 of Trouble for Hire
Erik arched an eyebrow. “And let all your efforts go to waste? No, I’m not an idiot. Although, I’d advise you to prepare yourself for when Camille discovers you practically pimped her out to your best friend.”
“Oh shut the fuck up. I’m still trying to convince myself that getting ‘close’ to my sister means you just held her hand.” He snorted. “Besides, I prefer the term matchmaker. And you’re welcome, you ungrateful bastard.”
Erik laughed at Jeremy’s sour expression and at the lightness that suddenly filled his chest and head. He hadn’t won Camille back yet, but for the first time in three years, he had hope. He had peace.
And if he could convince Camille to give him another chance, he just might have love.
CHAPTER SEVEN
CAMILLESTRAIGHTENEDAstack of Forever Ink tank tops, and her fingers lingered over the black cotton.
How quickly Forever Ink had changed from just the name of a tattoo shop to meaning family. She cringed to analyze what that said about her. Had she been so hungry for true friendship, to belong, for...love that she’d leaped without bothering to look into this group who’d become so important to her? Friends...family. And the thought of leaving them broke her heart.
Well, broke the pieces of that heart. Erik had already shattered the majority of it.
Shaking her head, she drew in a deep breath and moved on to the rack of jewelry and began refilling the stock. Shrieks from running and playing children, the excited conversation and laughter as well as the rumble of passing motorcycles filled The Glen. Technically, she’d been fired the night before. Oh, Erik had given her that line about taking time off, but she understood what that meant.
But she was damn tired of running. And from the first, something about Erik niggled at her. Poked her. And challenging him had become one of her favorite pastimes. So why should that change now? He’d basically ordered her to leave, but she would decide if and when she did. And with the Forever Ink booth at the motorcycle rally needing manning, today wasn’t that day. She’d been scheduled to help Dara, and she refused to let her down.
Even if part of her just wanted to return to her apartment and get lost in Netflix and strawberry shortcake ice cream.
“Oh this shirt is adorable.”
Camille turned around, gladly putting aside her morose thoughts to focus on the pretty Black woman holding up one of the Forever Ink tank tops. Pride whispered through her. The shirts had been her idea, and this one was a favorite. Black, a faux rip down the center creating the V-neckline and with roses surrounding the logo, it really was adorable. And she’d almost sold out of them since being in the booth this morning.
“It’s one of our bestsellers,” Camille told the woman with the lovely natural curls.
“I love it.” Smiling, the woman extended a hand toward her. “Hi, you probably don’t remember me, but I’m Korrie Noel, Pastor Noel’s daughter. It’s been a while.”
“I’m sorry.” Camille winced. “I don’t, but in my defense, I avoided church like a BOGO sale on Crocs back in the day.”
Korrie laughed, and the happy sound drew a smile from Camille. “I totally get that. Well, it’s nice to see you again and welcome back home.”
“Thank you.” Camille nodded toward the shirt. “What’s the verdict? A yes?”
“Definitely.” Korrie handed it over to her and reached in the back pocket of her jeans, pulling a wallet free. “And someone said you were scheduling tattoos here, too?”
Camille slid the top into a plastic bag. “I am. One of the artists just stepped away for a moment, but she can offer you a consultation if you’d like.” She tilted her head, scanning Korrie’s bare arms and chest. “Will this be your first?”
“Yes.” Korrie grinned then turned, pointing in the direction of a small group of men a short distance away. “See the Ragnar look-alike with the blond mohawk? He’s mine.” Such love saturated Korrie’s voice on that “He’s mine,” that Camille’s heart twinged in happiness for the woman...and maybe just a tiny bit of envy. Did she know how lucky she was to have that? From the light in Korrie’s eyes when she turned back to Camille, she’d have to say, yes, Korrie did know. “And we’re both getting tattoos. Although, he’s had a bit of a head start,” she said with a snicker. “But it’s on my bucket list of ‘firsts.’ Israel, my fiancé, and I are still knocking them off together.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Camille said, handing Korrie her bag and taking her credit card. “And like fun.”
Korrie chuckled. “You have no idea.”
Okay. That sounded...interesting.
Moments later, Camille rang up the purchase and offered the other woman her card back.
“Thanks, I’ll see you—oh, hey, Erik,” she said, turning to smile up at the man who’d monopolized Camille’s thoughts all night and day. “I was just getting ready to schedule tattoos for me and Israel. Finally.”
Erik nodded, his gaze roaming over Camille in a quick scan before returning his attention to Korrie. But just that glance left her scorched and tingling with awareness. It’d only been hours since she’d seen him, but it might as well as have been days. That’s what the sizzle in her veins and the tightening of her stomach denoted anyway.
And the squeezing of her chest.
“Good,” he said to Korrie. “I’ll do the pieces myself. You just let me know when you’re ready to come in.”
Korrie beamed. “Thank you. And I love the T-shirts, by the way. All the new merchandise. I’ll probably be stopping by later for one of those rose and skull necklaces.”
