Page 7 of Inked Soul

More laughter shakes my frame as I listen to this man describe his friend. They sound more like brothers than friends.

“I’m an only child,” I say sadly. “I wish I had that kind of closeness to anyone.”

“I love my sister, but you can have her if you want. But I do have a ‘no refunds, no returns’ policy.”

“Oh my God,” I say, slapping his shoulder as I move around him to drop the plates in the dishwasher. “You can’t just give your sibling away.”

“I know.” He sighs. “It hasn’t ever worked, no matter how hard I’ve tried.”

Bending over to load the dishwasher, I hear a muttered curse behind me. Glancing at Luke, I find his gaze fixed firmly on my ass while he adjusts his hard-on. Well, shit. I didn’t even know I could still have this effect on a man. Since giving birth, I haven’t loved my body as much as I once did. His reaction is a massive ego boost.

I finish my task with a smile, feeling good about myself for the first time in over a year. Lust flows through my veins. Luke is everything I avoided in men my entire life. He’s too wild, too different from me and the life I want for myself. He is dangerous and free where I am cautious and staid. We would never work, but I honestly can’t think of a single damn reason not to climb the man like a tree.

“What do you do for a living?” I ask, leaning against the counter.

“I own the tattoo parlor in town with my two best friends.”

“I’ve always wanted to get something done,” I say with a shrug. “But it’s so permanent. What if I don’t like it?”

He smiles with a shake of his head. “Tattoos are very personal. You need the right artist to bring your vision to life. I’d be happy to work with you if you ever decide to get some ink.”

A shiver runs down my spine at the thought of his big hands on my skin while he marks me permanently. Why the hell is that thought so hot?

Chapter Four

At the End of My Frayed Self-Control

Luke

Today has been fun but now I need to leave. I’ve had four beers and my self-control is slipping. Since I first laid eyes on Abigail in those frayed cutoff shorts, I have been sporting a semi and it’s only gotten worse with time. Thinking of getting her in my chair and being the first to put my mark on her skin is doing crazy things to me.

I can see she isn’t overly self-confident, and I assume that has something to do with her divorce. Her husband cheated, that much is clear. I know because she got so defensive when I asked. I stare at her, taking in her natural beauty, and I can’t imagine any man lucky enough to catch her attention would ever be that stupid. I know I wouldn’t be.

I also know if I stay here any longer, I am going to do something one or both of us will regret in the morning. I find myself wanting to know her better, so I don’t want to screw this up. She is the type of woman I could see myself falling for easily.

I’m not sure where that thought came from. I’ve never considered myself the type of guy to settle down but suddenly my mind is filled with thoughts of building a life with this beautiful but broken woman.

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