Page 6 of Axel

“So why Hawaii?”

“New book inspiration.”

“You’re all inspired-out here?”

“I’ve written five books in Daisy Hills. Six after I finish this latest one.” It’s the most books I’ve written in any one place. “It’s time to move on before the muse moves on without me.”

“How do you get your inspiration?” I can’t tell if his question is as casual as it sounds, or if he’s hinting at something more…devious. A flutter in my belly hopes the latter. Would it be the worst idea to get some hands on inspiration for the steamier parts of this novel? He knows I’m moving. A no-strings arrangement would be simple because I’d always be leaving.

Youlikehim, Kelsey. Of course it’s a bad idea!

“I work odd jobs and try new things.”

“Like getting a tattoo?”

“Exactly.”

“So you’re writing a book about a woman getting her first tattoo, and… a tattoo artist?” he guesses.

“If you must know, yes. So be warned, anything you do or say could be put into a book.”

“Anything?” Okay, now I know he’s flirting. If his suggestive tone didn’t give it away, the sparkle in his eyes sure does.

“Axel Bennett, are you offering to help me with romance novel research?” I mostly mean to tease him, but the second the words leave my lips, we both know the question isn’t just a fleeting joke. I catch myself holding my breath, waiting for his response.

“What if I am?”

I wince as the needle I almost forgot all about drags against my skin and hits the top of my hip bone. I glance down and see the nearly full outline of the sunflower. The tip of the stem reaches the top of my hip and dammit does thathurt.

“Deep breaths,” he says. “This part will be quick.”

It’s too late to tell him to stop or to move the tattoo like he suggested in the first place. Distraction is my only option. “What do you think this research would entail, exactly?” I ask between sucked-in breaths.

“Anything you want, Kelsey.” The way he says my name instantly conjures half a dozen bedroom fantasies, and my nipples harden into peaks.

“You don’t mean that.” My attempt to lighten the mood is thwarted by the deliciously sinister twinkle in his eyes when they meet mine. That devilish look is doing things to me. Scrambling my brain. Dampening my panties. Making mefeel.There’s no denying the electric attraction between us.

“I do mean it.”

My entire body tingles with desire, oblivious to the pain of the needle gun as he shades in the sunflower.

Thatlookmakes me want to stay.

Fuck.

“I’m not talking about some cutesy date for research,” I say, convinced that’ll set this whole misunderstanding straight.

He turns off the tattoo gun and wipes down my tattoo one final time. “What do you think?”

I glance down at the sunflower and smile. This is exactly what I envisioned. “You’re really good at this.”

“I’m good at a lot of things,” he adds, one corner of his mouth tipped up.

I meet his gaze head on. “I’m sure you are. But I make it a point not to get involved with my research subjects.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Just my policy.” At least, it is when I already have a crush on my research subject. This is the only way to ensure feelings don’t get involved. That I don’t risk falling in love and staying. Or worse, ending my career.

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