Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45314 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45314 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Valerie actually felt a bit green at the thought of committing.
Tatiana pulled out a sketch pad and quickly doodled a design.
Valerie gasped. “My goodness. You’re so good at that. It looks professional as if you spent hours drawing it.”
Tatiana shrugged. “I like to sketch. I have a very steady hand, which comes in handy when I’m inking someone, of course.”
“That is an important skill if you’re going to own a tattoo shop,” Valerie agreed. “I love your style, by the way. Your outfit is so cute. I wish I was brave enough to dress however I wanted and get a tattoo, of course.” She glanced down at her jeans and plain T-shirt covered with a brown cardigan. How boring. “Granted, I work from home and don’t leave my house much, so why bother getting dressed all cute each day?”
Tatiana smiled. “If it makes you feel good, you should do it. I buy all kinds of flamboyant clothes because I love them.”
“But do you wear them at home?” Valerie challenged.
Tatiana opened her mouth and then closed it, glancing yet again toward Maniac. “Well, not exactly. I mean I have a style for work. But at home, I also dress in a way that makes me feel…good.” She twirled one of her braids around a finger and then dropped it.
“I should do that,” Valerie declared. “I should get a tattoo and buy myself some clothes that make me feel better about myself.” She stood. “I should also stop bothering you. I’m sure you have better things to do than to entertain me.”
Tatiana stood too, plucking at the front of her blouse again. “Oh, you’re not bothering me at all. I’m between clients. Excellent timing. Besides, this has been fun. I like you. I’ll sketch a better Birthday Cake cupcake for you later today if you’d like? You could come back tomorrow and look at it. I’ll be glad to show you my equipment. Sometimes that makes tattoos seem less scary.”
“That sounds great. Thank you.” Valerie’s hands were shaking, and she rubbed them on her thighs as she followed Tatiana back toward the entrance. It was going to take a lot of bravery to come back tomorrow and even more to actually go through with this plan.
The front door opened as they approached, and a man stepped in, holding two large boxes in front of him.
“Oh, Grayson,” Tatiana exclaimed. “Those look heavy.” She rushed to clear a low table near the entrance. “Set them here. Maniac can carry them to the back later.”
When the man named Grayson lowered the boxes, Valerie finally saw his face. She knew him. He must work for a delivery service because he often brought packages to her house also.
He lifted his gaze and smiled at Tatiana before glancing at Valerie. His smile grew. “Oh, hi. Valerie, right? I’ve made a lot of stops at your house.”
Her cheeks heated. Her cheeks always heated when she saw Grayson coming up to her front porch. Most days he was her only actual human interaction, and though it was always brief, he was kind and friendly to her every time.
She’d secretly fantasized about him for months. He looked exactly like the Daddy in her imagination and dreams. Tall. Fit. Dark hair graying around the edges. He had dimples when he smiled that made her knees weak and her panties wet.
She swayed a bit now as he continued to stare at her. Suddenly, his smile fell and he cringed a bit. “Sorry, that was rude. You don’t need me telling other people how often I make deliveries to your house.”
She shook her head. “No problem. It’s true. I’m kind of a hermit. I don’t get out much. It’s just easier to order things.” Stop talking. You’re rambling. Plus, you know the real reason isn’t that you’re a hermit. It’s that you like it when Grayson brings things to your door.
Grayson smiled again, thankfully. “It’s true. More and more people prefer to order online and have everything delivered. It keeps me in business.” He glanced around. “But you’re out now. Are you getting a tattoo?”
She shrugged. “I’m thinking about it. It’s a big decision.”
“I can understand that. The first time I got one, I hedged for weeks.”
“You have a tattoo?” she blurted out. Can I see it? Please tell me it’s on your chest and take off your shirt.
Valerie shook the absurd random thoughts from her head.
“Yes.” He pulled back the sleeve on his shirt, showing the two women his bicep. “Got it in the Army. I have a few others too, but I don’t think you ladies want me to take my shirt off in the doorway.” He chuckled.
Valerie’s hands started shaking again. Yes. I do, actually. She pursed her lips, hoping her cheeks weren’t as red as they felt.
Grayson reached back for the door. “I should go. I have a lot of stops to make today. I’m pretty sure you’re on my schedule for this afternoon, Valerie. I guess I’ll see you again then.” He winked and hurried out the door.