Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
“Okay.” She nods.
“Come on.” I step out from behind the counter and wait for her to come next to me. Her lavender scent fills my senses, and I inhale deeply. I didn’t know it was possible to miss a smell so much. I’m sure it’s the woman, but I barely know her.
“This is me,” I say, waving my arm toward my room.
“This is nice. Do you all have your own spaces?” she asks.
“We do. We’re actually in the process of building a new facility. It will give us more room to bring on guest artists and a bigger break room. We’re also including a playroom for the kids. It’s just Lilly right now, but with Legend and Monroe expecting, there will be two, and I’m sure the rest of us will have families one day.”
“You want a family, right?” she asks. She quickly slaps her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, that was rude of me. It’s none of my business.”
“There was nothing wrong with your question, Briar. You have nothing to be sorry for. Yes, I do want a family.” I know I’ve mentioned this to her before, but I’m fine with her confirming.
She nods. “So, how do we do this?” she asks. I know she’s trying to change the subject. I’m not offended by her question. In fact, I almost asked her if she wanted more kids, but I don’t know where the girls’ dad is or what her situation is, and I’d hate to embarrass her further. I know she mentioned before that if it never happens for her, she has the girls. And now I can’t stop imagining her pregnant. Fuck me, I bet she was glowing and gorgeous.
“Let’s talk about your ideas.”
“Well, I want something that represents my girls and my dad.”
“Something with meaning. This is your first, right?”
“It is.” She smiles, and damn, I could stare at her all day.
“So, I get to be your first?” I wink, and she giggles.
“I guess so.” Something in her voice changes.
“I’m sorry if I upset you. It sounded bad, but I really was thinking about your ink.”
“I know.” She shrugs, staring down at her lap. “I’ve not always been able to choose all my firsts.” She lifts her eyes to mine. “I’m glad it’s you.”
Her words have my heart thundering in my chest. I’m certain if the noise of the shop was gone, she’d be able to hear it. Hell, she still might be able to. “Right. So, any ideas? Is there a direction you’re thinking?”
“I have a few ideas.”
“Let’s hear them.” I give her my full attention. Not that she didn’t have it already.
“Well, I was thinking something that would be easy to add to or make another of if I have more kids in the future. I mean, I don’t know that I ever will, but I would want all my children to be represented.”
“That makes sense.”
“My dad used to carry a pocket watch that was my grandpa’s. He gave it to Dad when we were born, and Dad carried it every single day.”
“Do you have a picture of the watch? Or the actual watch?” My mind is already processing design ideas.
“I have it. Not with me, but I have it.”
“Perfect. Can you send me a picture of it? You can text it to me, if you still have my number, or bring it by so I can see it.”
“Sure, I can do that.”
“All right, what else do you have for me?” I ask, making a note of the pocket watch on my tablet.
“I was thinking maybe two pocket watches and have them set to the times that the girls were born. Then maybe have their birth flower around it.”
“I can work with that. Any other specifics?”
“No, I’m not much of an artist, so I was hoping you or whoever would be able to take it from there.”
“Me. I got you.” The words are husky even to my own ears. “I’ll need to see that pocket watch because I want it to be authentic to your dad.”
“I would love that,” she murmurs.
“Next question. Where are you thinking of putting it? Once we have a location, we can talk about size.”
“I’m not really sure.”
“Do you want it to be hidden? Exposed?”
“I don’t really have a preference. I work in medical billing. Most of the time, I work from home, so I don’t have to worry about hiding it or anything.”
I stand, placing my tablet on the desk. “Well, we could do your shoulder.” I lightly run my fingers over her shoulder, and she shudders at the contact. “Your back.” I run my hand down her back. “Your hip, your thigh, the possibilities are endless, Briar.”
“I want it to be where I can add on to it, should I have more babies.”
Do not think about her having your babies. I mentally scold myself. “Right. So, shoulder, back, or thigh are the best options unless you’re wanting something smaller.”