Beautifully Scarred Read online

  “I’m glad you love it. Thank you for trusting me with your vision.” My mood seems suddenly buoyant. This is exactly what I wanted when I talked to my parents about my idea of setting Novocain apart from other shops. I want this place to help transform people, one tattoo at a time.

  Melanie wraps her arms around me again, squeezing me tightly. “I will be forever indebted to you.”

  “You don’t owe me a thing. It was my pleasure.”

  Melanie walks around the shop, looking at some of the artwork hung above each station. “Are these pieces the artists have done?” she asks.

  “Yeah, each of those have been featured in various magazines. The artists enter contests to be featured. It’s huge PR for them as well as the shop.”

  Abby follows in her steps, strolling around the place, admiring the pictures.

  I stride toward the front desk once my station is cleaned.

  Melanie pulls her wallet out. “What do I owe you?”

  “Nothing. It’s on me.”

  “No, I have to pay,” she insists.

  With my hands set on the counter, I lean forward. “I told you I understand the need to heal more than anyone. It’s one of the reasons I’m doing tattoos to help others the first Sunday of the month. The shop is usually closed, but I’m coming in for appointments.”

  I shrug. “If I can help others, then I want to. Even if it’s just a tattoo.”

  Melanie inclines her head in compliance. “It not just a tattoo; it means so much more. It’s new armor. A new definition of who I am or who I can be. It’s a way to leave my past behind and look toward the future.”

  My head dips slightly. “Mission accomplished.”

  “Good morning.” Quinn traipses over, sitting on the cushion next to me. She leans over her steaming cup of coffee, blowing on it before taking a mouthful.

  “Mornin’.” I pull my legs up, wrapping my arms around my knees. It’s too early for her cheerfulness. After Melanie and Abby left the shop yesterday, I stayed behind and sketched for several hours, then headed to Murphy’s for a drink, which turned into three. My eyes drifted around the bar several times, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lee, but he wasn’t there. Instead, my eyes landed on Zeke and Dane, who played pool at the back table. Girls were lined up along the bar, eyeing them from afar.

  After I decided three was my limit, I headed out, which led to my pounding head this morning.

  “Any plans today?” she asks, louder than necessary.

  With my eyes glued to the television, I reply. “Nope.”

  If I look at her, she will go in for the kill. If I act as if I am engrossed in this show, maybe she’ll leave me alone.

  “Have you spoken to Lee lately?” Quinn asks, already knowing the answer.

  Rage builds in my stomach. I’m so damn mad. “No, I haven’t. Which I’m sure you knew.”

  She lifts the mug to her lips, taking another sip of her coffee. “I figured as much with your shitty attitude the past few days.”

  “Get to the point of this conversation, Quinn. I’m losing my patience.”

  She leans over, grabbing the remote, and turns the television off. “It’s been what, two weeks since you’ve seen him?”

  It’s been two weeks since I felt his lips on mine. I’ve tried not to think about what he and I could be together. It’s easier to push those thoughts away than deal with the reality that I like spending time with Lee.

  “Hey, I was watching that,” I growl, reaching across to snatch the remote. She holds her arm above her head, out of my reach.

  “Give it to me now,” I hiss at her. “I am not in the mood for your bullshit this morning.”

  “Nope, you’ll survive without it on.” She tosses the remote across the living room, and it lands in the hallway by the bathroom.

  She glares at me. “So, I’ll ask again. You haven’t seen Lee in two weeks?”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I reply curtly. “Maybe.”

  “Why do you insist on shitting on anything nice?”

  “Excuse me?” My temper flares and I turn to face her.

  Her forehead puckers. “You heard me. He did nothing wrong, and of course, you found a reason to distance yourself, to push him away.”

  “I didn’t push him away. We’ve both been busy.”

  “I call bullshit. Have you talked to him?” She tilts her head, waiting for me to respond.

  “Yes, if you must know. We’ve exchanged a few text messages,” I reply with heavy irony.

  “Wow, I’m impressed you responded.”

  “I have,” my voice waivers as I try to hide my annoyance.

  “With one or two word responses, like you’re giving me right now?”

  “Quinn, you’re getting on my nerves. Go away, please. I have a pounding headache, and I don’t feel like having this conversation with you.”

  “Why? Because you know I’m right.” She stands from the couch and walks into the kitchen, placing her mug in the sink. “If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m your voice of reason. The one which attempts to stop you from fucking everything up.”

  “Thanks. Quinn, I really appreciate it.”

  Oomph, my hand flies to the back of my head. “What the hell,” I holler when the remote hits me.

  “A simple thank you would be nice,” she huffs, walking down the hall, then slams her bedroom door. Her coolness was evidence that she was not amused with my behavior this morning.

  Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lee

  Two weeks have passed since I’ve seen Mills. Granted, I’ve been swamped at the shop, but I have a nagging feeling she’s avoiding me.

  “Here are the instructions for care that we just went over. Be sure to follow them,” I say, handing my client the sheet of paper.

  Nodding my head toward Lola, the receptionist, we walk to the front desk together. “She’ll ring you up. Thanks for coming in.”

  “Thanks, man. You nailed it.” He points to the portrait of his daughter I inked on his arm. “I’ll definitely be back.”

  “I appreciate it. Referrals are the best way for us to grow our clientele. Here, take a few of my cards.” I reach to pluck a few from the stand, handing them to him.

  Lola collects the money from my client. Once he exits the shop, she turns to face me, leaning her hip against the desk.

  “Any plans for tonight?”

  Ignoring her question, I reach for the mouse and click on my appointment book, seeing I have three more appointments scheduled for today. Closing out my account, I turn to face her.

  “Yeah, I have three more appointments today.” With that, I turn without elaborating and head back to my station.

  Lola follows me, settling into my chair. I don’t want to make a scene, so I lean close so only she can hear. “What are you doing? I need to wipe my chair and station down before my next appointment.”

  “When the shop closes tonight, have a drink with me.”

  “I’m not interested.” A thin chill hangs on the edge of my words. I don’t have time for this shit here at work. I have enough on my mind with Mills. She’s the woman I want to have a drink with after work, not the one lounging in my chair.

  “Come on, one drink won’t kill ya,” she says in a silky voice.

  “I appreciate the invite, but I have to decline.” I turn away to grab the disinfectant spray to wipe my station down.

  Craig walks over, leaning against the wall, eyeing Lola. “Charles made it clear, no fraternizing amongst employees. You’ve only been here a week; don’t do anything that will get you fired.”

  “I simply asked if Lee wanted to have a drink after work.”

  “We both know what was intended. Drop it, Lola. Plus, he has a woman. Respect a man when he declines,” he says, pushing off the wall returning to his work area.

  I watch him retreat, giving him a nod. I appreciate him putting it out there that I have a woman, or shall I say had a woman.


  “Why didn’t you say you had a girlfriend?” Lola asks.

  “Because I don’t owe you an explanation on why I declined your invitation. A simple no should have been good enough. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to set up for my next client.”

  Lola pushes up from my chair. “I like you. I want to be friends. No hard feelings?” She extends her hand. Not knowing if I trust her or not, I stare at her hand as if it’s going to do tricks or some shit. “Sure. Friends.” I take her hand and shake it.

  She nods her head and returns to the front desk.

  “Thanks, man,” I call over my shoulder to Craig.

  He lifts his chin. “No problem. She was out of line. She knew she wanted more than a drink, or she would have asked me to join as well. She wouldn’t have singled you out.”

  Craig continues preparing for his three o’clock, setting up his ink cups on his counter.

  “Maybe you and I can head out for a drink after work,” I say.

  “Sure. I’m not interested in you, so no fraternizing will ensue.”

  A hard laugh escapes me. “Thanks, man. You’re not my type anyway.”

  “Don’t I know it. You like them fierce and full of attitude and with a set of eyes that will rock you to the core.”

  Lifting my arms, I cross them over my chest and wait to see where this conversation is going.

  Craig laughs. “Don’t worry, man. I’m not interested in your woman. I saw the two of you on opening day. We work together. I don’t take from another man’s plate. I’m aware you and Mills have something going on.”

  “We started seeing each other before we knew I was hired to work for her father. Do me a favor. Don’t advertise that you know about us. I respect her privacy, and we don’t want to muddy the water at her shop or here.”

  “I understand,” Craig nods his head. “It’s none of my business.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “No problem. When we close tonight, lets head to Murphy’s for a drink.”

  “Murphy’s, sure. I’ve been there before. The scenery is quite appealing.”

  “The ladies are too,” he wiggles his eyebrows.

  Reaching for my phone, I shoot Mills a text. If I’m getting out of here at a reasonable time, I can’t think of a better way to spend my night.

  You working late tonight? I should be out of here by 10:00. Let me know if you’re free. I’d love to meet up.

  Charles emerges from his office. “Lee, can I see you a minute?” He openly studies me as I approach.

  He turns, walking into his office, and I follow suit. Once inside, he closes the door and leans against the edge of his desk. Taking the seat in front of him, I lean forward, placing my elbows on my knees. “Is everything okay, sir?”

  “Charles, not sir,” he replies.

  “Sorry, force of habit.”

  He crosses his foot over his ankle. In a controlled voice, he says. “I’ll cut to the chase. I’m not one to stick my nose into my daughter’s business, especially not her love life. With that being said, I saw the way the two of you looked at each other on opening day. I noticed the way she reacted to your presence here at the shop. This conversation stays between us. You understand?”

  Without hesitation, I give him a forced smile and a tense nod of consent.

  “What I’m about to say stays within these four walls. I’m going to give you a little unsolicited advice.”

  He adjusts his body against the desk and raises his eyebrows. “If you like my daughter, don’t give up on her. Be patient. She will push; trust me, she will push, but you have to push harder. She will try to run, but you have to run faster.”

  I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I’ve never had a father give me a glimpse of what I’m up against with his daughter.

  “My daughter is a tough nut to crack. She has a heart of gold, if she allows you beyond the wall she constructed around it. She has trust issues because she has been hurt in the past. She has undergone more hurt than any human should have to withstand.”

  “Mills is definitely a handful, that’s for sure. I’d like to see where this goes between the two of us. I’m not in the business of hurting women. I’d rather protect them.”

  His eyes narrow. “Don’t hurt her. If she is just a way for you to get your jollies off on, then walk away now, before things become complicated. This is my place of business, as much as it’s hers. I don’t want any drama here. Whatever goes on between the two of you, stays outside of my shop. Understood?” His dark eyes flash a gentle but firm warning.

  “I don’t plan on walking away. I plan on breaking down the wall around her heart. Gently, one brick at a time.”

  He smiles. “I knew I liked you. Now get going. I hear you and Craig are having a drink together after work. Enjoy.”

  Standing from the chair, I extend my hand. “Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me about your daughter.”

  “Remember, this conversation never took place,” he lifts his chin toward the door. “Now get out of here.”

  Determined, I smile at the thought of building a new life for myself here in Philadelphia.

  Mills proved she isn’t immune to me, so I need to step up my game. Like Charles said, she’s going to run, so I need to lace up my shoes so I can run faster.

  Murphy’s is packed when we walk through the front door.

  The moment the music stops, a laugh echoes through the bar. I know that laugh. She’s here. Awareness of her prickles across my skin. My breathing becomes as ragged as my heartbeat. I feel the mysterious pull of her.

  Looking over my shoulder, my eyes land on Mills, who is standing with the two guys I recognize from the bar since they accosted me about my interest in Mills.

  “Don’t let them deter you. She’s not interested in those two,” Jerry, the bartender, says, eyeing Mills over in the corner.

  “How do you know?” I ask.

  “Trust me. I’ve known her for years. All three of them are regulars. Their relationship is strictly friends and coworkers. Got it?” he says with a raised brow.

  “Thanks for the info.” I raise my drink to my lips, taking a long mouthful, enjoying the burn as it goes down my throat.

  As if feeling the weight of my stare, Mills’ stormy eyes find mine over the crowd in the bar.

  Her red hair is wild and mussed as she runs her fingers through it.

  Craig and I sit at the bar, knocking back a few drinks when the stool next to me is pulled back, and a body sits on it. Without turning to see who occupies it, I recognize her scent.

  Craig lifts his beer bottle to his mouth, smirking behind it, then tips it back, taking a swig.

  I turn to face her, winking when I catch her glaring at me. Her gray eyes pierce the slight distance between us.

  Leaning close to her, I inhale the light scent of her perfume. “Look who isn’t working late tonight. Why didn’t you reply to my text?”

  Mills is determined not to reveal her joy at seeing me here. I’ll give credit where credit is due. She’s imposed iron control on her emotions, but her eyes always give her away.

  She holds my stare with dark, angry eyes. Tearing her gaze from mine, Mills looks at Craig, then returns to me. “Why are you here?”

  Craig turns and looks at me and chuckles. “Having a drink with Lee.”

  “I wasn’t speaking to you. I was speaking to him.” She lifts her finger, pointing it at me.

  “Is that any way to speak to an employee of your father’s?” Craig teases, gaining a fierce glare from Mills.

  “You’re right.” She leans over the bar, reaching past me, and extends her hand to Craig. “That was rude of me. My rudeness was directed specifically toward Lee.”

  Craig laughs at her comment, taking her hand in his and shaking it. He gains a shove to his shoulder from me.

  I lean close to Mills. “The feisty Mills is back. I like this one too. Although I prefer the naked Mills underneath me. I missed you,” I whisper for only her to h
ear. We’re not in the shop. The hands-off rule is null and void. Leaning in, I place a few slow, drugging kisses on her red lips.

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d get the impression you’d been avoiding me.”

  Her eyes glaze with need. I know that look; I’ve seen it in them before.

  I appraise her body, one I’ve missed over the past two weeks. “Which only makes me want you more.”

  I gaze into her gorgeous gray eyes, and a shiver runs through her body. “I’m sorry I’ve been distant,” she whispers.

  I brush a gentle kiss across her forehead. Raising a brow, I smile. “You think?”

  Mills pinches my nipple. “I don’t apologize often. Take it and run with it. They come few and far between.”

  “I’ll make a mental note of that.” My hands find their way to her thin waist, pulling her against my body.

  “I’ve missed you,” I admit to her.

  “I’ve missed you too.” Shockingly, she returns the sentiment. “I’m not going to lie, the kiss at the shop freaked me out.”

  “Figured as much.” Lifting my hand, I make an X over my heart. “It won’t happen again. Well, unless you initiate it.”

  She bites down on her lip. “I doubt it.” She leans up, placing a kiss on my lips, then moves to my ear. “I told you, I keep my love life outside of the shops,” she whispers.

  She pulls back. “Plus, I prefer to keep what we do in our beds private.”

  “Not that I’m complaining, but I’d like to spend more time with you outside of our beds. Can you handle that?”

  Satisfaction purses her mouth. “I think I’d like that. I’m warning you. Don’t go and fall in love with me, Lee. I’m not in the business of loving anyone.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine,” I mutter with uneasiness.

  This girl is under my skin in ways I cannot explain. I’m drawn to her like a thirsty man who’s found water in the middle of a barren desert.

  Lies aren’t something I favor, yet the lie rolled off my tongue as smooth as honey. It would be the first and only lie I’d ever speak to Mills.