Page 50 of Inked Beasts

Kai and Thorn are taking pictures of animals that are new to the shelter, working to show them off to their best advantage for the website. Thorn, who started doing his own photography and videography years ago for his cooking posts, is behind the camera, while Kai helps one of the shelter staff position the dogs and cats and gets them to look at the camera.

Along with shaking toys near Thorn’s head, Kai produces an impressive range of sound effects to catch the attention of the shy, easily distractible, and often scared animals.

“Come on, Mr. Boots. You know you want a little fishy, fishy.”

Hearing Kai make baby talk is always a highlight. We like to think we’re helping the rescue organization, but in truth, coming here is good for our souls.

“He’s a stubborn one,” Kai says, laying down the fish and looking for a different toy.

“Let me try.” Lexy, who’d been laughing quietly at Kai’s antics, goes over to stand beside him. She offers her hand to the gray and white cat, who shrinks back at first but then eventually gives her a cautious sniff. She pets him until he’s purring, and when she draws her hand away, Kai gets the feline’s attention.

“Got it. Perfect,” Thorn says, reviewing the images on his camera. “I bet someone will snap up Mr. Boots very soon.”

“I wish I could take them all home with me.” Lexy’s looking wistfully at the row of cages that hold a sobering number of homeless animals.

A quick look flashes across Kai’s features, and I know what he’s thinking. Lexy needs to put down roots here, because right now she doesn’t have an actual home that would accommodate a pet. Her temporary living arrangement is beginning to become a sore spot for him.

When the photography sessions are complete, Thorn goes off with the shelter manager to download the images, while the rest of us spend time in the dog run area, helping the dogs work out their energy as they get more practice socializing with humans.

“Who’s a good boy?” Lexy coos to a playful pittie mix who brings back the ball she threw for him.

Kai’s still watching her, and because I can read him so well, I know he’s forming a plan. “Come over tonight,” he says so only I can hear.

My Spidey sense tingles. “Why? What’s up?”

“Just come over.”

LEXY

After our visit to the animal shelter, I have dinner with Kai at his apartment. His place is distinct from the other men’s; the furniture is almost stereotypically dark and masculine, but the pieces are situated sparingly, and don’t overwhelm the space. The potential heaviness is offset by throws and pillows in lighter neutral shades.

The real star, though, is the art. I learned the first time I came here that Kai is a serious collector; he especially enjoys finding little-known artists and boosting their careers. Paintings, sculptures, and textiles all have their place.

The styles are different enough that a less skillful arrangement could easily become a jumbled mishmash, but Kai has managed to create his own breathtaking gallery, all the pieces melding into a whole that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

Every time I’m here, I’m impressed all over again. “You know,” I tell him, “if you ever decide to give up the tattoo work, you could run your own art gallery.”

He smiles. “I’m thinking about opening one, actually, along with the shop. It’ll let me give the artists more exposure.”

“That’s fantastic.” I’m not surprised; Kai is one of the most unselfish people I know. He’s completely spoiled me, in bed and out. Unlike Gage, he’s not much for gifts, though I know he’d be happy to buy me anything I wanted if I asked. But he’s endlessly generous with his time and attention.

An art gallery would likely be an expensive endeavor, but I’ll bet the potential new reality show would provide all the needed funds and more.

When the doorbell rings, I send him a questioning look. He gets up to answer it, and a moment later returns with Gage beside him.

“Oh! Hello.” I’m momentarily flustered; I’ve been dating the men separately all this time. It hasn’t been that difficult, since they each have different work schedules and leisure-time interests.

Having two of them here in a private space, however, is a bit overwhelming. I’ve enjoyed being able to focus all my attention on whichever man I’m with at the moment, but Gage and Kai together are almost too much of a very good thing.

Almost.

“We’re just about to eat,” I say. We’re sitting on cushions around a low table, takeout from an Indian restaurant spread out before us. I make a mental note to tell Ava that I’m being more adventurous in my food choices, though Kai did ask the restaurant to prepare my butter chicken with a milder spice level than his tikka masala.

“Sounds good.” Not waiting for Kai’s approval, Gage settles on the floor near me with his usual grace, always a bit surprising in a man his size. I guess the two of them know each other well enough that he doesn’t have to wonder if he’s welcome.

Kai seems perfectly relaxed as we eat and talk, and so does Gage. I’m the one who can barely focus on her food, whose skin feels too tight, too warm.

Why is it that suddenly, all I can think about is sex?

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