Page 21 of Beck

He watched Kole’s face carefully, wanting to see every nuance that crossed it, to ensure he didn’t misjudge the situation. His expressive eyes told a story of pain and hurt but also joy and humour. The echoes of the lines around his mouth and eyes told of laughter and grief. Beck wanted to stop the hurt and pain from touching him, but it wasn’t possible. Experience had taught him that.

Kole’s pale skin flushed, and he nodded. “I’d like that a lot.”

“Are you free on Saturday? I don’t have to work on Sunday,” he explained, the meaning behind his words clear from his statement the other day.

Kole’s flush darkened, and Beck wanted to feel that heat against his skin. So, he reached forward, giving enough time for Kole to pull away if he wanted to, and when his palm cupped his cheek and the heat warmed his skin, Kole’s eyes drifted closed, and he leaned further in.

“I’m free,” he whispered, opening his eyes again. His hazel eyes had darkened to a conker colour, and Beck wanted to kiss him. He even leaned in before coming to his senses when voices sounded.

“I’ll pick you up? Seven o’clock?”

Kole nodded, eyelids heavy and needy, and Beck almost changed his mind because feasting on those lips would make everything better, in his opinion. But he would have to wait two more days. He brushed his thumb over the mounds and slid his fingertips across his cheek until he no longer touched him. If he wasn’t mistaken, though, a whimper came from Kole when he let go. That was something to explore later.

The doorbell chimed, and Beck glanced up, his next client nodding at him. “Hey, Toby. How are you, man?” He stoodand shook hands with the man. “Toby, this is Kole, the newest addition to the Life in Ink family. Kole, this is the gentlest giant to ever have walked in here.”

Kole stood and held out his hand to shake. Toby engulfed his tiny hand, but Beck knew Toby didn’t have a hurtful bone in his body.

“The gentlest giant? What about Dallas?” Kole said. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too. What do you do for these misfits?”

Oh, how that word fit them so well. Beck grinned and waited for Kole’s answer. He was still a little shy about his work, but he was better than he had been on day one.

“I’m an artist.” Beck beamed at the use of the word Kole had declined several times at the beginning. “I create designs for Beck and everyone else to use if they wish.”

“Which are yours?”

Beck held up his hand. “Ah, ah, ah. You know the rules, Toby. You’ve been here enough. You have to guess.”

Toby sighed dramatically and then stepped closer to the wall. He studied it while Beck studied Kole. He dragged his teeth over his bottom lip, and Beck wanted to pull it free and soothe the battered skin with his mouth.

“This one,” Toby said.

Kole grinned. “Yes.”

They talked about his designs a little before Ani came back into reception. “I thought I heard voices.” She hugged Toby. “How are you?”

“Good, thanks.”

“I see you’ve met Kole.”

Toby nodded. “He was just showing me his work. Can I grab what I want?”

Ani waved her hand. “Sure. You know what to do.”

As Beck and Kole watched on, Toby took two of Kole’s designs and put them on the counter. He could see Kole wanted to protest, but it was only because he didn’t think his work was good enough or he felt Toby was doing it to be kind. When Kole stepped forward, Beck slid a hand up his arm and stopped him. It was the first time Kole hadn’t flinched at an unexpected touch.

Kole glanced at him, and Beck shook his head. Kole sighed and stepped back, turning to look out of the window again. He’d get used to it because his work was amazing. They just needed Kole to believe it, and that would come with time.

“Thank you for these, Kole. I can book in at least two more sessions now.”

Kole smiled at him. “I’m glad you like them.”

Beck decided to give Kole a breather. “Come on then, Toby. Time waits for no one.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

He headed for the stairs, barely stopping himself from checking on Kole again. When they entered his studio space, Beck closed the door.

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