Page 21 of In Too Deep

“Sure I do. There’s a really awesome guy downtown. I tried to get an apprenticeship with him, but he told me I had to finish school first.”

“Oh, wow. Really? He’s going to let you work for him after you graduate?”

“If all goes as planned.” Izzy grinned and winked at her friend as they made their way to the platform.

Kris nearly melted at the wink, but forced herself to keep her wits since the train was pulling up to the platform. As they found a place to stand in the crowded train, Kris realized that Izzy was still holding on to her hand. Much to her surprise, she didn’t blush or tingle or felt warm. She just felt comfortable and happy.

Slowly and surely Kris was realizing that Izzy was her happy place. She was where Kris felt safe and warm, and she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she would never get over the feelings she had for the most amazing woman she had ever met.

CHAPTER FIVE

The two girls ventured out into the city hand in hand. Kris was awed at the bright neon lights that lit up the dark streets. She and Izzy had gone downtown a few times before, but not for long and never at night. Kris was like a kid on Christmas morning, amazed as she took in the sights, smells, and sounds of the city.

New York City had terrified Kris at first, but now it felt like home, thanks to Izzy. Actually, anywhere Izzy was felt like home to Kris.

They walked for nearly thirty minutes before Izzy led them to a rundown building off a side street downtown. The sign above the door read D

ECREPID DESIGNS and Kris thought the name didn’t inspire much confidence. Still, she trusted Izzy and followed her inside without a second thought.

The inside of the shop looked like something out of a gothic horror movie. Three of the walls were painted flat black, accented by a fourth wall that was exposed red brick. Gothic furniture and tattoo drawings framed in gorgeous golden frames filled the space.

At the center was a glass and wood counter, where a huge man covered in tattoos was typing on a computer. His shoulders and arms were thickly muscled. His barreled chest strained against the fabric of his black t-shirt. His head was clean-shaven, but his face was covered in stubble and a goatee hung several inches off his chin. Kris thought he was the most intimidating human being she’d ever seen.

Much to her surprise, the man’s face lit up with a smile when he saw Izzy come through the door. “Hey, college girl. You here trying to get a job again?”

“Not this time, Nick.” Izzy said with a smile. She waved a hand between her roommate and the tattoo artist. “Nick, my roomie, Kris. Kris, the ink master himself, Nick Bolero.”

“Nice to meet you, Kris,” he said, holding out a hand the size of a catcher’s mitt. He reached across the counter and waved a hand over Izzy’s head. He smirked and ruffled her blonde hair until she giggled like a little girl.

Nick propped his elbows on the counter and raised his eyebrows at them. “So, ladies, what can I do for you?”

Izzy nodded at Kris and smiled. “My friend here wants a tattoo.”

Nick narrowed his eyes at Kris, as if he could sense the trepidation in her heart. He said, “That so, Kris? Are you eighteen?”

Kris swallowed hard and gave him a nod. “Almost nineteen, actually.”

“This your first tat?”

She tried to swallow again, but found her mouth completely dry. “Yes. The first of many.” She glanced at Izzy and smiled.

“All right then,” Nick said. “Come on back.”

Nick led them to the back of the shop. He and Izzy made small talk like old friends as they followed him back, but Kris wasn’t listening. She was fighting the surge of nervousness that was sparking through her body.

“Have a seat,” Nick said. Kris froze at the sight of the cushioned chair she was supposed to sit in. It looked like something out of a dentist’s office; if that dentist decorated his office with black leather. She tried to maintain control as she sat in the chair and held out a hand to Izzy for support.

Izzy squeezed Kris’ hand, no doubt sensing her nervousness. She squeezed Kris’ hand and gave her a reassuring smile. With that simple action, all of the fear shooting through Kris’ body disappeared. She felt like she could do anything; even get something permanently etched on her skin.

“Do you know what you want?” Nick asked as he got his tools ready.

Izzy fished the folded drawing out of her back pocket and handed it over to Nick, who gave it an admiring look and nodded his approval to Izzy.

“You draw this?” he asked. Izzy nodded. “Very nice. Very classic.”

“Thank you, sir,” Izzy said with a bow. “Remember that the next time I come in asking for a job.”

Nick gave her a smile. He patted Kris’ arm. “Alright, Kris. Wait here while I make the transfer.”

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