Page 35 of Catch You

“Good. Now, hop on,” he repeats.

I take a hesitant step toward his chair as he drops down onto a little wheeled stool. His jeans stretch across his wide thighs before his inked arms rest on his knees as he waits for me to make a decision.

I’ve wanted this tattoo for years. I know I’d never regret it. But one, I’m scared of the pain, and two, I’m even more scared of the man who might deliver it.

“Jesus, Harlow, it’s like I’ve just committed you to the death sentence. I’m not going to force this thing on you. I’ve got plenty of other uses for this chair, you know.”

I run my eyes over the black leather and picture myself laid out on it while he …Nope, stop it.Those kinds of thoughts are not going to help right now.

I sit on the edge, as far away from him as possible. He chuckles at my attempt to keep some space between us and rolls himself over until his knees cage my legs in.

He drops his hand to a lever beneath his ass and lifts, so our eyes are in line.

“So, what did you have in mind?”

My breath catches at his deep, rumbling voice. He almost makes me forget my reason for coming here in the first place.

“I’ve … um … got a drawing.”

“You really have planned this.”

“It’s been some time coming,” I admit. “I’m scared of needles, so I usually run out of the studio before I get that close.”

“It’s probably nothing like you’re expecting.” His large, burning hand lands on the bare skin of my thigh. “I can’t promise that it won’t hurt. But I’ve got ways of making up for it after.” His hand pushes higher.

Desire burns through me, and I have to bite back the suggestion of forgetting the tattoo so he can just distract me instead.

No, Harlow. Not again.

What is it about this man that makes me forget everything I’ve tried so hard to overcome and throw myself head-first back into a life I regret?

It’s not the same. You are not the same. He wants you, and not just for a quick fuck.Brooke’s voice pops into my head.

“What do you want from me?” The question is out before I even realize it. Embarrassment burns my cheeks as his eyes widen in shock.

“I … uh …” He hesitates as he tries to figure out where I’m going with this. “Honestly,” he says, holding my stare, “right now, I’ll take whatever you’ll give me.”

10

COREY

“Right now, I’ll take whatever you’ll give me.”I rear back a little. Did those words just actually come out of my mouth?

Fucking hell. Get your shit together, man.

She stares back at me, shadows clouding her eyes, but they lighten slightly as my words register.

If I had time to think about an answer, I would have told her that I just wanted a little more of last night. That’s what I’d usually say, and all I’m usually willing to give, but my subconscious has clearly decided that’s not everything I’m willing to give this woman.

“So …” She hesitates, and I hate that I’m making her question herself right now. “You didn’t just want me for one hot night?”

“Fuck,” I grunt, remembering last night and just how hot it really was. Do I want more of that? Fuck yeah. But is thatallI want?

The fact that I’m asking myself these questions pisses me off. I should be screaming that yes, sex is all I want. It’s all I’ve got the time and energy for. But the thought of her walking away because that offer isn’t good enough has me panicking. Last night wasn’t enough, I’ve come to terms with that, but I’m not in a place where I can seriously consider anything more.

“If you’re asking if I want a repeat, then hell yeah. Last night was mind-blowing. If you’re asking if that’s all I want, then … honestly, I don’t know. My life is … complicated.”

“Right.” She pushes to the edge of the chair, and I panic.

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