Page 20 of Jimmy

“Forty.”

She crinkled her nose. “You don’t look it.”

“You’re flattering me.” He felt forty most days. “But I appreciate the compliment.”

“You should. You’re beautiful. I’m just plain.” She kept her hand on his chest. “I don’t feel worthy of you.”

“You are.”

“Are you going to take me home?”

“With me?” He tugged her close, tucking her between his legs. “I want to go slow, but I need you.”

“Is this a joke?”

This time, he frowned. “No?” She’d wounded him. “Why would it be?”

“I can’t wrap my head around you wanting me and not that girl with Kurt.”

“You’re adorable. Any man should be honored to have you on his arm.” He embraced her. “Yes, I want you.”

“You can have me.” She kissed him. “I want you, too.”

He’d rather close the shop right now and take her home, instead of waiting another hour. The bell dinged, and two women strode into the foyer, giggling. “Do it,” the brunette challenged. “You won’t go through with it.”

“I will.” The blonde stood at the counter. “I’d like to have you do my tattoo.” She pointed to the book. “I know which one.”

Karey opened the book. “Which one?”

“I’m talking to him.” The blonde stared at Jimmy. “I want the butterfly done tonight. By you.”

He knew the tone of her voice and the desire in her eyes. She’d been in a couple times but chickened out before getting the tattoo. “Which butterfly?”

She pointed to a particularly detailed image. “That one.”

“Well, that design will take four hours and runs eight hundred dollars. You’ll need to make an appointment. I’ll happily book you, but I couldn’t get it started tonight. We close in forty-five minutes.”

“Oh. Then I’ll make an appointment.”

“I’ve got the next opening at six on Thursday next week.” He brought up his schedule on the tablet. “Or at eight on Friday.”

“See?” The brunette giggled. “Told you. Ask him the other part.”

Karey folded her hands on her lap and smiled. “Good choice, the butterfly. It’s pretty.”

“Right.” The blonde turned her attention back to Jimmy. “How about Friday? We could go for coffee afterward.”

“I’ll schedule you for Friday, but I won’t be available for coffee. Sorry.” He offered the tablet. “Fill in your information, and I’ll send the confirmation email.”

The brunette laughed. “Jesus.”

Karey fiddled with her phone, seeming to ignore the conversation. Was she upset? He dealt with this all the time.

The blonde filled out the form, then pushed the tablet to him. “How about drinks tonight?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t.” He hesitated. “I’m seeing someone.”

“Oh.” She blushed. “You really are?”

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