Flirting with Forever: A Hot Romantic Comedy(74)

“I’m going to clean the area first and then get the stencil ready.” I cleaned her skin and took a closer look to see if there were any marks or moles that I’d need to work around. She had one little mole toward the front of her hip but it wouldn’t be in the way. “Are you comfortable like this?”

“This is fine. Although I’m suddenly a little nervous.”

I squeezed her leg. “That’s normal. You’re going to do great.”

I prepped the stencil and placed it. I thought it looked perfect, but it was her body. She needed to be completely happy with it.

“What do you think?”

“I love it already.”

“Is there anything you want me to change?”

“No, it’s perfect.”

I picked up my tattoo machine. “Okay. Are you ready for this?”

She met my eyes. “I’m ready.”

I moved my stool closer and straddled it. Then I got to work.

For the first few minutes, I felt a tingle of nervousness. Not enough to shake my confidence. But I was aware that this tattoo was different from anything I’d ever done before. It was special, an act of intimacy and trust that I hadn’t been expecting.

With every line, my focus sharpened. The design came to life on her skin, bit by bit, while the tattoo machine vibrated in my hand. She stayed still, her energy calm and relaxed.

“Still doing okay?” I asked.

“Fine,” she said. “It hurts but in a way that’s almost pleasant, if that makes any sense.”

“Yeah, makes perfect sense.” I wiped away the excess ink and checked my work before continuing. “Make sure you let me know if you need a break.”

“No, keep going. I love watching you work.”

I kept the lines delicate and used shading to create depth. The crescent moon seemed to glow and the tiny stars around it added the illusion of sparkle. I kept adding and adjusting until finally, it was finished.

“What do you think?” I wiped her skin again and let her look.

“I love it so much.”

“Yeah?” It had turned out perfectly.

“Honestly, Dex, it’s so beautiful. It’s intricate without being overpowering.”

I tilted my head and gazed at her. “I had the perfect canvas.”

Leaning in, I kissed her lips. I didn’t know how to express what this had meant to me. I was honored and I felt closer to her than I ever had before.

Maybe all my worry about where this was going had been a waste of time. I just needed to be patient and this would work out exactly as it was meant to.





31





NORA





My tattoo was healing nicely after just a few days. I had to admit, I’d spent a lot of time admiring it in the mirror. Every time I got undressed, I’d gaze at it for a while, enamored. I loved having Dex’s art permanently on my skin.

I’d also loved seeing him in his element. He’d been so focused, his hands so sure. I’d known he was talented but watching him work had been fascinating. I had a new appreciation for what he did for a living and the creative talent that made him who he was.

Tonight, though, Dex St. James was going to be out of his element, and firmly in mine.

The dress I’d chosen for Everly’s charity event was deep red with a halter neckline and fitted waist. It was floor length with a high slit and paired perfectly with my silver open-toed heels.

My phone buzzed with another group text. My friends were all getting ready and we’d been sending each other pictures of our progress. But Sophie’s latest photo almost sent me into a panic.

She was dressed in a loose-fitting dress with wide red and white stripes. It made her look like she was wearing a circus tent.

Me: Sophie, honey, what is that?

Everly: Oh my…

Hazel: It’s an interesting choice.

Sophie: I think I made a mistake. But the lady at the store said it was pretty on me.

Me: There are so many things wrong with this.

Sophie: What should I do?

Me: Take it off. Immediately.

Sophie: I was trying to find something that would hide my belly.

Me: Why would you do that?

Sophie: Because belly!

Me: Darling, you have a beautiful figure and it’s no less beautiful now that you’re pregnant. Don’t hide it, show it off.

Hazel: Nora’s right. You have beautiful curves.

Me: See, if Hazel agrees with me, you know I’m right. Do you need me to come over and help?

Sophie: You don’t have time for that.

Me: I’ll make time.

Sophie: Let me try a different dress first.

I waited while Sophie changed. I wanted to find out where she’d bought that other monstrosity and call to complain. After a few minutes, she texted another photo.

This one was perfection. It was deep green and hugged her curves, showed off her little baby belly, and made her boobs look fantastic.

Me: This is the one. You’re a goddess in this.

Sophie: Are you sure?

Everly: I love you in this dress.

Hazel: Oh yes. Beautiful.

Me: If you don’t feel good in it, that’s one thing. But don’t for a minute think you aren’t stunning.

Sophie: I’m just self-conscious. We all know I’ve never been skinny but this baby is changing everything.