Page 35 of The Truth of Loving You

I shrugged. I doubted he would specifically ask Cole, and I’d write some code to track supplies, which would help Cole’s business as well as provide a plausible explanation for my random appearance. Carnal thoughts of Cole’s hands on me, specifically spanking me into shutting off my thoughts, had clearly fogged my common sense and led me to this ruse.

“What do you need?” Alec asked as I stared, lost in fantasies about Cole. “To help,” he clarified.

“Access to your POS system and info on how you track your inventory. It would also be helpful to know what supplies and how much are used for each tattoo. That way, I can create a link to trigger reorders.”

Alec’s eyes widened, signaling my nonsense worked. But it wasn’t bullshit; I could actually help out. Why not? If the level of Cole’s voice coming from his office was any indication, I’d be here a while.

“Let’s get started.” Alec motioned for me to join him behind the counter.

Soon, I was immersed in all the inner workings of a tattoo shop and so focused I shut everything else out, including Alec and Cole.

Cole

“Fuck.” My voice echoed off my office walls.

Every owner I knew was struggling to get ink. The supply chain issues had hit everyone. I managed to trade some supplies to get enough ink for the next few days. But we wouldn’t be able to take walk-ins, and I had no idea when our shipment would arrive. It should’ve been here three days ago and every day since.

Some of my friends said they were still waiting on shipments from a month ago and had to use another vendor and pay to reorder the same supplies because the other vendor used a different shipping company.

My phone rang with a call from another shop’s owner. “Dude, what’s up? How’s business?” I knew from experience, opening with a request, even from a friend, didn’t get results. I had to sweet-talk my way into trading favors. I listened as he grumbled about the supply chain. My perfect segue. “What do you need? I’ll see if I can help.”

Alec wandered in, and I waved him off.

I mentally calculated how many needles I had to spare for my friend’s shop. Even if he didn’t have ink now, it would help build goodwill for the future. He’d owe me.

Alec left a sticky note in front of me with the current inventory of needles and a request to text him when I was off the phone. I put my friend on speaker and texted Alec to go home and we’d figure it out tomorrow. Alec had mentioned meeting up with a twink tonight, and he deserved some fun after today.

I was living for the moment I could get to Shane. Everything was a mess, and I needed to feel in control, which was exactly what he craved. My stomach flipped when I thought of what I’d do to him. I rationalized that I hadn’t eaten in hours. Today, Shane was just the light at the end of the tunnel.

I wanted his tunnel in every dirty way.

Our arrangement had been the best idea I’d ever had. Shane wasn’t clingy or needy. We gave each other what we both needed when we needed it. The man was incredible.

Forty minutes later, I hung up the phone and texted Alec to see if he’d locked the front door before he’d left. Alec sauntered in with a shit-eating grin on his face.

“I thought you’d left.”

“Nah, couldn’t leave the boss in a lurch.” His grin unnerved me. “You seem to be taking this better than expected.” Alec surveyed my office. “No papers tossed everywhere, nothing broken, no holes in the wall.”

“Fuck off.” I grinned, not playing his game.

“You just seem,” Alec tilted his head to the side, “‘happy’ is too strong a word but more relaxed, maybe. Like you had a good fucking, and it’s made you less dickish.” Alec’s chuckle made his words less insulting.

“Thanks for keeping tabs on my cock but get out. I’m gonna make a couple more calls and leave.”

The reason for my new-found relaxed state wasn’t his business. Alec wouldn’t understand that the non-relationship I had with Shane was the best thing in my life right now. Uncomplicated and easy. I should text Shane explaining I’d be even later than expected.

“Make your calls from the comfort of your home, boss.” Alec called me boss to irritate me. “I’m working on a project, so I’ll leave when it’s done.” Alec tipped his head at me and walked out.

What the fuck project could he possibly be working on.

I dialed my phone on a mission to get more ink and get my ass to Shane’s place. Solving the Alec mystery was tomorrow’s problem.

I cut down on the small talk and finished my two calls in less than an hour. We’d have ink through the weekend, and that would have to do for tonight. I texted Shane as I closed my office door and heard a phone go off in the lobby. Alec must’ve actually stayed.

“What the fuck are you...” My words died as my eyes landed on Shane typing furiously at our checkout counter.

“He won’t hear you,” Alec said, lounging on the consultation couch. “You did ask him to help right?” Alec’s brow pinched together.

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