The Rules of Dating(112)

“You got it, buddy.”

My next stop was downstairs at Billie’s shop. She wasn’t in this morning because she’d taken Saylor to her Mommy and Me class today, which worked out perfectly since I needed to check in with Deek without her around.

Justine was on the phone when I walked in. She covered the mouthpiece and smiled. “She’s not in this morning, babe.”

“I know. I came to see Deek. But do me a favor and don’t let her know I stopped by.”

Justine’s face lit up. “Are you and Deek up to something?”

“Yeah, and I want it to be a surprise.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” She nodded toward the studio behind her. “Go on back. His first appointment isn’t here yet.”

Deek was setting up his station when I walked in. He lifted his chin. “What’s up, man?”

“Were you able to work on what we talked about?”

He nodded and opened his drawer, taking out a stencil and a photo. “I found this picture of her that shows her forearm, so I used it as my reference. Should be pretty spot-on. What do you think?”

My eyes went back and forth between the stencil and the photo. In the picture, Billie had her hands up in the air, so it perfectly displayed the ornate key tattooed on the inside of her forearm. She’d told me her grandfather had given that key to her grandmother the day they’d met to symbolize what she meant to him. That story had given me hope that underneath the layers of armor, Billie was a woman who believed in true love. Now I was going to get a matching Victorian heart-shaped lock tattooed in the same spot on my arm. It seemed fitting since Billie held the key to my heart.

I smiled. “It’s perfect, man.”

“Hell of a lot better than a dumb fucking rose, too…”

I chuckled. “I’m glad you approve.”

“When are you going to have her ink it on you?”

“Tonight. I booked an appointment under a fictitious name.”

“What time is that?”

“Six.”

“I have an appointment at six thirty, but I can probably move my guy to tomorrow so you guys have the place to yourself.”

“That would be great.”

He nodded. “No problem.”

“Thanks, Deek.” I handed him back the stencil. “I have to run. Would you put it in your drawer so it’s safe until later?”

“Sure thing.”

“I appreciate it.” I waved.

“By the way,” Deek yelled after me. “If I find your ass-cheek imprint on my chair tomorrow, we’re going to have a problem.”

I smiled and tapped two fingers to my forehead in a salute. “Got it, boss.”

My next stop was to meet Billie and Saylor after Mommy and Me. Saylor had a check-up at eleven, and I’d promised my parents I’d stop over for lunch after. My mother had subtly reminded me that it had been a while since she’d seen my face. I arrived at the class a few minutes early and watched Saylor and Billie from the window. They were both laughing, shaking tambourines and dancing around like they didn’t have a care in the world. It made my heart feel so warm and full. These two little ladies were my entire world. I knew it was too soon to ask Billie to marry me, but she was going to be my wife someday. As corny as it sounded, I’d met my soulmate.

As if to prove she was my other half, Billie turned around and her eyes immediately found me watching through the window. I waved before walking inside to wait by the door until class was over.

“Hey, Daddy!” Saylor skipped to me. “Are the shelves fixed?”

My brows pulled together. “What shelves?”

“Billie said you were fixing the broken shelves in the laundry room.”

I looked to Billie who bent to speak to Saylor. “Umm…sweetie, could you go get my purse from the cubby for me, please?”

Billie waited until Saylor was out of earshot. “Two of the ladies inquired where my boss was today, assuming I was the sitter again. So I told them he was at home recuperating because he’d spent all morning drilling me. I thought I said it low enough that Saylor wouldn’t hear. But apparently, she caught part of it because she asked me what you were drilling. The shelves in the laundry room were the best I could come up with.”

I hooked an arm around Billie’s waist and yanked her close. “I love it when you get all possessive.”

“Oh yeah?” She grinned. “Good because here comes another member of your stupid fan club.” Billie grabbed two fistfuls of my shirt and planted her lips on mine.

Yep. I fucking love my girl possessive.

After Billie was done marking her territory, the three of us walked down the block together. We stopped at the corner, where Billie had to go into the subway station to catch the train down to her shop. I gave her a quick peck. “Can I see you later?”

“Sure. But I might be kinda late tonight. My last client of the day is new, and I have a feeling he might be difficult.”

It was hard to contain my smile. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, for starters, he made the appointment using a middle initial. Who makes an appointment anywhere using their first name, middle initial, and last name? Someone who is very precise and picky, that’s who. And of course, he wants a rose tattoo. Not even original art. He told Deek he likes the one on the sample wall.”