Page 9 of Jimmy

“This is so romantic.” She leaned into him.

“It is.” He’d never expected to have such a wonderful night this way.

His back pocket vibrated as he received an incoming call. He didn’t tend to leave his phone in his pocket or ignore calls, but he’d rather be with her right now.

“Karey?” A tall, dark-haired woman strolled up to them. “I thought you were working.”

Karey turned in his arms. “Hi, Nikki. I finished at nine. How are you?”

“Good.” Nikki swept her gaze over Jimmy.

He knew Nikki -- not by name, but by her flat belly, where her tattoo was located, because he’d tattooed her. “Hi.”

“Oh.” Karey laughed and fumbled. “Gosh. I’m sorry. Nikki, this is Jimmy. Jimmy, this is my friend, Nikki.”

“You’re on a date? Or do you know each other from college? He’s a professor or something? Or did you decide to get a sugar daddy?” Nikki asked. “You can’t be the guy who tattooed me. He wouldn’t be here with Karey… but you are.”

Sugar daddy? He didn’t think he was that much older than Karey. He also didn’t like Nikki’s condescending tone. “A date, and yes, I’m the one who inked you,” Jimmy said. “What brings you out?” He liked Karey’s nervous laugh. It was cute.

“Oh.” Nikki nodded once. “This is the guy whose name you threw into the fire. I mean, I know who you are, but I’m shocked you’re out with Karey.”

Huh? He should question Karey about that later.

“Something like that,” Karey said. “Are you out with someone?”

“No. I’m meeting my friend, Denise. She wanted to get a tattoo, and we were headed to your shop, Jimmy.” Nikki rocked on her heels, making the clunky soles of the high-heeled boots thump on the walkway. “I guess she’ll have to settle for Kurt.”

“She will.” Jimmy had loved being here until now. Nikki was ruining the moment.

“Well, you should go. Denise has chickened out a hundred times,” Karey said. “When she gets it, I’ll consider getting one, too.”

She would? She didn’t strike Jimmy as the ink enthusiast type.

“You won’t. Needles make you faint.” Nikki snorted. “So, yeah… no.”

Poor Karey. He rubbed her back. If she wanted a tattoo, he’d be the one to do it. But only on her terms.

“I see Denise, so I should go.” Nikki waved. “Good to see you both.”

Jimmy dipped his head but said nothing. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but he felt guilty. He wanted to give Karey a perfect date because he wanted another one with her.

Karey relaxed when Nikki left. “Sorry.”

“Why?” He held her tight.

“She was being nosy.”

“It happens.”

“I guess.” Karey sighed. “I’d like to go.”

“Sure. Not having fun?” He let go, then offered his hand. “I’ll take you home.”

When they reached the bike, she stopped. “I had fun.”

“We’re not at your place yet, you don’t have to give me the kiss-off.” That sounded terrible. “I mean…”

“Tonight isn’t over yet?” She smiled and squeezed his hand. “I know.”

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