Page 27 of Tattoo My Heart
He puts his hand out for Bass to shake, which he does with a lot of enthusiasm.
“Cal, what are you doing all the way out here?”
“I have some business ventures this way.”
I frown at hearing Cal’s response. What kind of business ventures can he have out here? The only reason my shop is here is because my grandmother left me everything. It would be way too expensive to relocate. Although, in all honesty, the money I spend on the delivery service to the city is starting to be a little too much. I might need to look into options.
“I was thinking of calling the shop in the next couple of days,” Bass tells him, confusing me even more. “I need a couple of spots covered.”
“Anytime, man. Happy to help.”
Bass turns to look at me.
“I didn’t know you knew Cal Prentice.” He points with his thumb over his shoulder toward the man in question. “He is the best!”
“Oh,” I fumble with the hem of my top. I feel nervous for some unknown reason. “The best at what?” I can hear how stupid I sound, but I can’t help it.
Bass promptly pulls up the long sleeve of his t-shirt to show me his massive arm. I just now realize that it is full of intricate designs and bright colors. I can’t take my eyes off it.
“That’s beautiful,” I whisper and touch his forearm with the tip of my index finger. I trace the smooth lines of what seems to be a water lily. It is so life-like, I don’t understand how it’s not moving when I touch it.
All of a sudden, my hand is being snatched away from Bass.
“What the fuck.” The deep grumble is coming from Cal just as I yelp in surprise.
“What in the world…”
“Don’t fuckin’ touch him, that’s what,” Cal growls at me, heat smoldering behind his eyes.
I take a step back and place both hands on my hips, ready to fight. I’m not sure what he thinks he’s doing here, but if he ruins my date for the Fourth, he and I are going to have some issues.
“Excuse me?”
Cal takes a step closer and bends at the knees just enough to stare me in the eyes.
“Do. Not. Touch. Him.”
This is getting me going even more.
“I can touch whoever the hell I wanna touch,” I inform him. “In fact…”
I turn my head to look at Bass. I grab him by the arm and pull him into me. With surprise on my side, the momentum about knocks all three of us down.
“See this?” I almost yell into Cal’s face. I wrap both arms around Bass’ arm and bring it to rest against my boobs.
“I’m not sure what’s happening here,” Bass intervenes. From the sound of his voice, it’s almost as if he is making every effort humanly possible not to laugh. “I didn’t know you were with Cal, Evelyn.”
“I’m not…” I bring his arm closer yet. “With…” I refuse to let go when he struggles to get out of my hold without hurting me. “Anyone.”
“Evie, let go of Bass right now,” Cal warns.
I squeeze harder yet, fingernails digging into Bass’ skin now.
“Ow,” he tries again.
“Shut up, you’re fine,” I mumble in the corner of my mouth before smiling big at Cal.
“Evie,” Cal growls again. “Let go of Bass.”
