Chapter Three
TOMI
It’s been a long-ass day. I’m exhausted. I just want to go to sleep, but I’m lying in bed awake, waiting to see if Levi has any issues with going to sleep tonight. For the past couple of nights, he’s called out to me. But tonight, he’s been quiet in his room for the past twenty minutes. Levi will either call because something scares him, or it will be fine, and he’s drifted off. Then I can finally go to sleep until he wakes me up, usually the next morning.
It’s not easy, but I have been gifted this life, and I wouldn’t change it. I love Levi, and even though he can be hard work, he’s the best thing in my life. He’s my best friend. The only one who knows exactly what it was like to lose both our parents and sister in one tragic accident.
I roll over in bed and reach for the picture frame on my bedside table. It’s of my parents and my sister, Kaylie, the day she was heading off for college. Glimpsing their smiling faces fills me with so much emotion—joy at the happiness in their elated expressions and utter soul-destroying sadness at the fact they’re not here anymore.
It doesn’t get easier even a year later.
It’s still hard as hell to face their picture, but I do it every night without fail before I go to sleep.
I do it to show them I’m so fucking sorry.
The warmth of salty liquid slowly slides down my cheek as my chest squeezes so tight it’s hard to breathe. I put on a brave face for everyone, I have to. I’m the boss at work, and I’m basically Levi’s caregiver. If I fall apart, everything crumbles. So, I stay strong until I get into bed and stare at this damn picture every night. I miss them so much it physically aches every cell in my damn body, knowing that this home my parents built, this sanctuary for Levi, this shrine to my parents and sister, is at jeopardy. All because my parents mortgaged this place to help me get Hope & Faith Ink off the ground. When they died, that mortgage fell on me to repay. So, losing the shop isn’t just a matter of losing my job, it could be the deciding factor in losing my home—the place where Levi and I grew up, the place that holds the memories of our family together.
Losing Hope & Faith Ink means I could lose everything .
Sniffling, the emotion rises inside of me, but instead of letting it swallow me whole, I push it down and place the picture on the side table, then slide back into bed, pulling the sheets over me. I turn off the light, sending my room into darkness with just the soft hue of the moonlight, trying to break through the curtain as silver light shadows my room.
Taking a deep breath, I listen once more for Levi.
There’s nothing.
Maybe it will be a good night.
So, I close my eyes. Instantly, images of Xander invade my head. My thighs tighten as I inhale sharply. His strong arm, as I tattoo it, plays like a slideshow in my mind. I bite down on my bottom lip.
He’s so fucking gorgeous, he’s incomparable.
Who is this guy?
Will I ever see him again?
The Next Day
It’s the dead zone just before lunch—the time to clean and get ready for the after-lunch rush. I’m sweeping while Jana messes about with the piercing display, and Gigi is cleaning. Hogtie is finishing up a back piece while Skins stacks the supply closet. The buzz of the lone tattoo machine makes me grin as rock music plays quietly in the background. I sway my hips as the broom moves over the immaculate tiled floor.
If there’s one thing I make sure about this place, it’s that the health standards and cleanliness are always up to code. Nothing is dodgy about Hope & Faith Ink.
I sashay past Jana, making her chuckle at me.
“You know, you should have been a stripper. It’s not too late to change careers. Maybe we should install a pole?”
I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Please, no one could afford my moves.”
“I’d pay for your show, Tomi,” Gareth replies. He’s a repeat client having his back done by Hogtie.
“Thank you, Gareth, but this bootie isn’t going on show. Not for no one. Besides, I don’t want to give up tattooing if I don’t have to.”
Skin sticks his head out of the supply closet. “None of us do, chick, but …” he pauses, “… what’s happening with the shop and this Scott Enterprises bullshit?”
I groan and continue sweeping. “They say we have to vacate the premises ’cause the other asshole in this equation, Jacob, our landlord, crumbled and sold me out. So, Scott Enterprises has purchased the property, and we have to be out because they’re demolishing it to make way for a new whizz-bang megacomplex.” I roll my eyes. “There’s going to be all kinds of retailers located in the megacomplex. We can rent a shop from them, but it’s almost triple what I pay now—”
“That’s bullshit!” Jana practically yells in interruption, slamming her hands down on the glass cabinet, making me anxious it might break.
“Tell me about it…” I shake my head. “I can’t afford that. The emails Alex-asshole-Scott has been sending are far too involved and over-the-top. I tried to talk to Jacob when it happened, to let us stay here as a favor to my dad, even maybe ask Scott Enterprises to build their shit around us, but he wouldn’t hear of it. I told him this place was sentimental to us and my family, but it didn’t work. Money speaks, I guess.” I sigh, then continue, “I also tried to knock Alex Scott down in price for a spot in the new megacomplex, but nothing.”
I shrug. “He won’t budge. He said, rules are rules, and if he breaks them for one tenant, then he has to do it for everyone.” My eyes narrow as my muscles tighten with my sheer hatred for Alex Scott. “He’s a real piece of work. He’s even dodging my calls. I’ve tried his office numerous times, but his ditsy receptionist says he’ll call me back. He never does.”
I just don’t know how the hell to go into battle when I can’t reach the man I’m meant to battle with. I’m not equipped for this, but fuck if I’m not going to fight it with every damn thing I have in me.
“I heard Alex Scott is only the second-in-charge. He’s not even the top dog at Scott Enterprises,” Jana snidely mocks, making us all chuckle.
“Figures. He’s probably throwing his weight around to impress the boss, and in doing so, pissing all us little guys off in the meantime. As I’ve said… total asshole!”
Suddenly, the door dings, and we all turn to Xander, who is stalking in. He’s hot as sin in his tell-tale ripped jeans and a black tank top. My thighs clench as I continue to act casual while sweeping the floor and watching him from the side of my eyes as he strides up to me.
“Back so soon? Did you leave something behind?” I ask.
His lips turn up, the whites of his teeth dazzling me like a deer in the damn headlights. “No, just didn’t want to leave it so long between visits.”
I’m a little shocked. My heart races as I place the broom behind the counter and start walking toward my station, but he reaches out, grabbing my arm and halting me. A shockwave runs right up my arm as I gaze into his gorgeous eyes.
He’s haunted, but it suits him.
“I’m not here for a session today, Tomi.”
I’m confused as I slowly pull my arm from his grip. “Then why are you here?”
“To take you to lunch.”
I scoff, my mouth turning upward coyly. “That’s pretty damn presumptuous of you, isn’t it? I mean… I may have already eaten, I might be busy, I could have serious allergies.”
“Do you?” he asks.
I cock my brow. “Do I what?”
He chuckles. “Have allergies?”
I roll my eyes. “No, but that’s not the point here, wise guy. The point is—”
“Have lunch with me?” This time, it’s more of a question than a statement. I can’t help but melt a little at the uncertainty in his eyes.
Everyone’s watching and waiting for me to answer like the nosey fuckers they are as I gnaw on my bottom lip. “What’s in it for me?”
He shrugs. “Free tacos?”
I giggle. “Well, why didn’t you lead with that? Show me the way.” I swipe out my hand, gesturing for him to lead. I dip my head at Hogtie to take charge while I’m gone. He winks at me as I grab my bag, swinging it across my body, my red heels clicking on the tiled floor.
Butterflies swarm through my stomach while heading for the door. I know everyone’s watching me leave with Xander, but as we walk outside, all thoughts of that vanish as he leads me straight over to an impressive motorcycle. I suspect a Harley, but I can’t be sure. I don’t know much about these things, but damn, it makes my breath seize in my throat.
“How the hell am I supposed to ride this thing in these heels?”
He raises his brow. “It’s not like you need to do anything other than hold on.”
I gnaw on my bottom lip. “Oh… yeah.”
Xander hands me a helmet. A flash of giddy excitement flows through me as I pull it over my head awkwardly. He turns, watching me, then leans in, doing up the strap. The gesture is so sweet, it has me feeling all kinds of weird and wonderful things. Then he spins back to the bike without a helmet for himself. I have to admit the little bit of rebel in him has me weak at the goddamn knees as he slides onto the bike, then puts out his hand to help me. I take it and move into position behind him.
Inhaling a deep breath, I slide right into place feeling like this is the most natural position for me to be in. I fit perfectly, and though I don’t ride on the back of bikes often, this is the first time I’ve truly felt like I’ve belonged on one.
He turns over the engine, and the vibrations rattle through my body, making me squeal.
I’m going to lunch with Just Xander.
On his freaking bike.
Oh. My. God.
So much for my rule of never dating a client.
Yeah, that shit just went right out the window!
He veers out onto the street with force while I squeal again as he pulls on the throttle, and we’re off, zooming through the streets of San Francisco. My smile is wide the entire way as I grip onto his torso like my life depends on it, though, I’m honestly holding on tight because I want to feel him.
All of him.
And boy, does he feel good.
The muscles beneath his tank top are so hard that it’s making it difficult to concentrate as he takes us to our lunchtime destination. We ride along the edge of the San Francisco Bay until he pulls up in front of a quaint little Mexican restaurant.
My stomach growls, and my inner glutton dances the cha-cha in excitement. Mexican is my favorite food. I slide off the bike with a pep in my step. Xander follows, then leans in slowly and undoes the strap of my helmet. His eyes meet mine, my stomach flips, and it’s as if time stands still. Everything around us fades out of focus as it’s just him and me alone and nothing and no one can burst this bubble we’re in. My heart leaps into my throat as my mouth goes dry. Goose bumps litter my skin, and it’s as if I’m seeing him for the first time—like I’m truly seeing him. I lean a little closer, his magnetism forcing me toward him—I’m being swept up in his wake.
Suddenly, a car honks its horn, breaking us from our moment. Xander clears his throat, reaches out to pull the helmet off my head, and places it on the seat of his ride. Then he gestures for us to go inside. Taking a much-needed breath, we walk in. The place is quiet, but it’s a weekday, so I’m not surprised.
We sit, the tension between us is comfortable but definitely there. We both know it. A waiter comes along quickly. The good thing is we can place our orders and not have to spend too long fussing about what we want.
We order, then spend the time before our lunch arrives with small talk.
It’s nice.
It’s easy.
Comfortable.
But he’s not giving too much away. He’s closed off, and we’re spending most of the time talking about me.
I don’t have a hell of a lot of time before I have to go back to work, so I’m going to eat like I always do. Taco sauce runs down my hands as I shove the tasty treat in my mouth while talking at the same time. “Levi’s doing all right in school, but if I have to give up the shop, I won’t have the income to keep him at the same place.” I stop chewing for a moment and swallow. “He’s settled, but any change can unsettle him for months. He’s all about routine. We have one… at the shop, the house, his school. Change isn’t something we accomplish well… neither of us.” I lick up the side of my hand as Xander watches my every move, a slight smirk appears on his face while he slowly and neatly eats his nachos.
Maybe I’m taking over the conversation, so I spin it around. “I’m sorry, here’s me blabbing on all about me and my worries. How’s your day going?”
Xander shoves the last of his nacho into his mouth, then wipes it with a napkin, tilting his head like he’s unsure of how to answer. “I’m having trouble with my father at our family business. We don’t agree on how things should be run… but, what can you do?”
I take a sip of my margarita and shrug. “Leave. If you don’t have job satisfaction, do something else.”
He softly laughs. “If only it were that simple. I believe in what I’m doing, I just don’t like every aspect of it. With every great thing, there always has to be a downside.”
“You’ve got yourself in a hot pickle.”
His body wracks back in laughter. “Who the hell says hot pickle? ”
I scoff, picking up a diced tomato cube then throw it at him, hitting him square on the cheek, and I burst out laughing as he sits there shocked.
“You threw food at me?”
“What ya gonna do about it?”
His eyes narrow as he dips his finger into the guacamole. Before I can react, he reaches across the table, swiping straight down the center of my nose, the creamy substance smearing all over my face. I suppress a giggle as I glare at him. His face is alight with humor, and he sits back, arms folded like he’s king- fucking-dick.
Well, I’ll show him.
I pull my leg back, then fling it forward, kicking his shin not very hard with my red heel. He jolts in the seat, his face contorting in an exaggerated shockwave of pain while I fling myself back in my chair, laughing.
He dips his head with an exhale. “I deserved that,” he murmurs.
A concerned waiter steps up to the table. He peers at me, then to Xander, then back at me. “Everything all right here, miss?”
I stop laughing as a drop of guacamole drips from the tip of my nose. “Yes, everything’s just fine.”
The waiter glances at Xander, who can’t hold in his smirk as he tips his head. “It’s fine, we’re good,” Xander confirms. The waiter turns away, huffing.
I pull my lips in by my teeth as Xander picks up some napkins handing them over. His eyes glance up as he peers at me with a cheeky demeanor. “It’s a shame I wasted good guacamole on your face. I need to spend my money more wisely than smothering you in it.”
I snort out a laugh. “Who says it’s wasted? You can still eat it. I’m sure your tongue is quite skillful.”
His eyes widen as his hand stops over the middle of the table like I’ve stunned him. I burst out laughing as I grab a napkin, wipe my face, then pick up my other taco and start eating. I waggle my eyebrows at Xander, who snaps out of his catatonic state.
“Who the hell are you, Tomi?” he asks.
I grin through my mouthful of food and shrug. “I’m just me,” I reply.
He smiles while leaning forward. “Well, I like just you .”
My chest tightens in happiness as I continue to eat my lunch with him in easy comfort.
***
I’m so full I can hardly walk as Xander leads me back out to the bike after not only a fantastic lunch but paying for it like a gentleman as well. I told him I’m a strong, independent woman who could at least share the cost with him, but the stubborn idiot wouldn’t have it. He said, ‘free tacos,’ and he meant it. At least, I have to appreciate a man who sticks to his word.
He leans in, doing the strap up on the helmet, his eyes lingering on mine again.
A burning sensation runs down my spine as I stare back at him.
It’s intense.
He’s intense, but I like it.
Xander finishes with the strap, then glances at his watch. “I have another half hour or so before the hounds are called. Feel like going for a ride?” he asks.
I gnaw on my bottom lip.
I shouldn’t.
I have a tattoo studio to run. Probably clients waiting.
But what’s another half hour, right?
“Half an hour, no more.”
“You’re a bossy little thing, aren’t you?”
I stand taller, puffing out my chest. “You have no idea.”
He grins. “You up for going somewhere we’re not supposed to be?”
Excitement builds inside of me. This whole bad boy thing he has going on works for me. “Hell yeah, I’m all for breaking the rules.”
The cheeky, excited expression on his face tells me he has something up his sleeve, but I won’t find out until we’re there. He turns, sliding onto his bike as I follow behind him. He starts the engine, sending a deep rattle through me. It’s almost sexual, the way the bike’s rumble feels against my body.
With my arms wrapped around Xander, I take in the engine’s purr. It is kind of rhapsodic. I could fast become addicted to this.
He takes off at a rapid pace, the wind whipping at my face only making me happier as he heads toward the Oakland Bay Bridge. Anticipation rumbles through me.
Where on earth are we headed?
We start crossing the bridge, the beautiful water lapping and moving beneath us. It’s a calm day, the waves are gentle and twinkle from the sun—it’s a beautiful sight to behold as we cross over.
Suddenly, he takes a turn off the I-80, and it confuses me. I didn’t even know you could do that on this small island. He takes another turn, and just like that, we’re off the highway. I grip on tighter as we make turns like we’re heading back toward the way we came. I’m so freaking confused as we glide in the direction of the corner of the island.
After a few minutes, he pulls up the bike. At the tip of the island, I spy a small museum and lighthouse. The buildings are all white, appearing in need of work, but they’re kinda cool. I didn’t even know they were here. I slide off the bike, yanking off the helmet as Xander stands and takes the helmet, placing it on the seat, then glances at me. A gentle breeze moves through the air, my hair dancing in its wake as I spy the edge of the island and the bridge. It’s an absolutely stunning afternoon and a breathtaking sight.
I glance at Xander, and his lips slowly turn up as if he knows he’s done well. “Wow,” is all I can manage as he tilts his head toward the lighthouse, so we start walking in that direction.
My heels make it slightly more difficult to traverse the pebbled ground, but I’m a pro at this while Xander walks right next to me like he understands my plight. Our bodies are so close I can smell his woodsy aftershave. The fragrance smells expensive and has my senses working overtime.
It’s so delicious.
We make our way as close to the edge as possible without being dangerous, and we just stand. Bodies aligned with this pulse, this electro-charge surging through the air.
Xander has gone out of his way to make me feel special today.
I don’t know why, though.
Why now? After two years of periodically coming into the shop, he takes this up a notch. But I’m glad he has. I’ve felt this pull, this buzz, this chemistry we have from the first time I saw him, but I’ve tried to ignore it.
I’m not ignoring it now.
His arm brushes mine, sending a wave of goose bumps along my skin and then down my spine. He does something to my body that I can’t even comprehend. If I don’t do something to break this intensity, I’m going to rip his clothes off right here. That wouldn’t be entirely appropriate.
I turn to face him with a genuine smile. “How the hell do you know about this place?”
He glances at me sideways. “I found it one day when I took the off-ramp by mistake. It’s off-limits to the public, but I like to take the risk every now and then. The view’s worth it.” He turns, bringing his arm up, and wraps it around my shoulders, pulling me to his side. I welcome the move, cuddling into him. Feeling our bodies together in an embrace is doing all sorts of things to me. My breath quickens. The warmth radiating from him is like an inferno setting me on fire. My hand slides to his chest, and I can’t help but let out a small laugh as I recall our food fight at the Mexican restaurant.
He slowly shakes his head like he’s in awe of me or something. As his eyes meet mine, his piercing orbs stare right into my damn soul, like he knows everything about me, like he’s known me my entire life.
My heart leaps into my throat as my breaths come hard and frantic. His chest heaves as if this moment is affecting him too. As we stare into each other’s depths, the air fills with intense energy, surging, pulsing around us, drawing us together like a powerful magnet. His hand moves up, gently caressing my cheek. The warmth of his smooth fingers on my skin makes me gasp, my lips parting as I let out a staggered breath. His eyes shift down, focusing on my lips as he moves in closer. My toes lift up on their own as we angle toward each other, my arms instantly wrapping around his waist while his hand slides into the back of my hair, pulling me closer to him. His breath tickles my lips, my breathing rushed as our lips graze the edges of each other’s.
“Hey!” Someone yells loudly and in a thoroughly annoying voice, making me pull back from Xander’s almost kiss.
My eyes widen as I turn to a security guard holding a baton walking toward us. “Oh shit,” I murmur.
Xander reaches out, grabbing my hand. It tingles immediately, but I don’t have time to dwell on that fact as he yanks me with him, and we start running. The crunch of the pebbles echoes through the air. I squeal as we rush toward his bike. The guard takes charge after us, but thankfully, he’s a fair distance behind as we scurry to Xander’s bike, chuckling like damn fools.
We slide onto the bike, a cloud of dust swirling around us as Xander quickly hands me the helmet. Jumping on the bike while I shove it on without doing it up, he starts the engine. With a quick glance back, I see the slightly chubby guard stop to take a rest break. He throws his hand in the air, waving the baton at us.
Xander revs his engine, then skids off away from the guard and the lighthouse. A plume of pebbles and dust radiates up in the air in our wake as I cheer and raise my arm.
My entire body shudders as a giggling fit takes over. I love how we were caught doing something we shouldn’t have been. Being there without permission makes this all the more fun as Xander speeds back toward my shop.
Unfortunately, I guess the date is now over. If that’s what this was.
But I know one thing for sure—we almost kissed, and it was fucking magical.
As we arrive at the shop, Xander pulls to a stop but doesn’t turn off his engine.
I know it’s my cue to jump off.
Our time together is over, and as much as I don’t want to, I have to get back to work.
I’m guessing he does too.
Regrettably, I let Xander go as I slide off from behind him, standing to the side while I pull off his helmet and hand it to him.
Xander’s lips lift upward, causing one dimple to dip in. His teeth are perfectly aligned and so white, the glow exudes his happiness like a ray of sunshine on this beautiful spring afternoon. He is the sun, and I’m burning in his blissful rays. How one man can be so utterly stunning and masculine at the same time, I have no idea as I stand on the sidewalk staring at him, him at me.
I don’t know where we go from here.
We almost kissed.
I want to know what it would be like to kiss his delectable lips. But I also know that behind me, all my workmates are probably watching, staring at him, waiting for me to make a move.
So, instead, I play it cool.
“Thanks for lunch. Tacos are my jam.”
His eyes sparkle as he watches me. “Taco… jam… got it!”
I let out a chuckle while shaking my head. “You’re so weird.”
He raises his brow. “Says the girl downing margaritas at midday, throwing tomatoes, and kicking people for fun.”
I exhale. “Point taken. So, Just Xander, am I going to see you again soon, or will you vanish for months on end?”
“How about I text you?”
I place my hand on my hip, tilting my head. “You don’t have my number.”
He tilts his head. “That was me asking for it.”
I roll my eyes, letting out a huff. “Then ask for it, Just Xander. I’m not the type of girl who goes for a guy who plays games.”
He’s unfazed. “I’m not playing any games here, Tomi.” He gazes into my eyes. “I like you. Have since the first time I came into your shop, but… my life’s complicated—”
“Do you have a girlfriend?” I ask point-blank.
His eyes widen. “What? No.”
“Wife?”
He smiles now. “No.”
“Boy lover?” I tease.
His smile falls as he stares at me incredulously. “Now you’re just mocking me.”
“Animal fetish?”
He bursts out laughing as he reaches out to grab me around my waist, pulling me in. I stumble forward, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as I stare at him. This could’ve been awkward, with him sitting on his bike and me standing. Somehow, it works as he holds me.
And it’s just like we’re right back at the lighthouse, staring into each other’s eyes. The whole world slows down around us, and it’s only Xander and me in our own safe little bubble. I’ve never felt any connection like this before, where every part of my body comes alive by merely glancing at him. His fingers slide under my shirt at the lower part of my back, sending a wave of tingles bursting all over my flesh. His thumbs gently caress my skin as my arms loop around his neck, my fingers playing with his short, brown hair at the nape of his neck.
My breathing hitches as his lips part, his tongue darting out, licking his bottom lip slightly. The sight makes the anticipation that much more. I need to taste him, and I can’t wait as I tilt forward while he leans up. One of his hands is moving onto the back of my head, and the other is holding tight on the small of my back as we inch closer.
He smells so good.
He looks so good.
This can only be… good .
Fuck it! I lean in, pressing my lips to his, and the instant I do, my lips crackle and burst like popping candy. Fireworks explode above my head while my heart races so fast it might detonate if I’m not careful.
His hand on my back moves a little lower to my ass as he pulls me closer to him while his tongue enters my mouth. My thighs clench at the dull ache instantly hitting my core. I moan with the move, feeling like I could easily get lost in him. He kisses me deeply, passionately—it’s intoxicating. His tongue dances with mine in a fevered tango, our teeth colliding in a frenzy. My fingers tangle in his hair, holding his face to mine, needing him, wanting him as he grasps onto me tight enough to show dominance but care at the same time. This is by far the best kiss I’ve ever had.
Suddenly, a loud roar of cheering erupts from behind us.
I know it’s the guys in the shop, and hearing that they’re all there watching me make out with sexy-as-sin Xander is kind of killing my buzz. A small chuckle erupts from me as he slows the kiss, his hands moving toward my back again. I gradually pull away, standing upright a little more as I take a breath while gazing into his hooded eyes, completely breathless.
There’s something about him, something I can’t quite put my finger on.
I’m totally into him, but this mystery thing might just drive me nuts.
He licks his lips, clears his throat, and glances past me to the shop. “We have an audience.”
I grimace. “Yeah… those fuckers need to go watch some porn or something.”
He puts on a more serious face. “Tomi, can I have your phone?”
My brows furrow, but I shrug, pulling it out and unlocking it. Xander takes charge then starts programming his details. “There. Now you have my number.”
The corners of my mouth turn up. “Leaving it to me to make the next move, huh?”
Xander reaches out to grab my hand, his thumb caressing over the back of my skin. “I know you feel this. So call or text or GIF me. Whatever you want, just make contact.”
I try to hold my smirk. “GIF you?”
He rolls his eyes, his hand pulling back, then he whacks me hard on my ass. I jump slightly, letting out a small squeal.
My eyes widen as I glare at him. “Oh, the nerve. You wait, Just Xander, I’m gonna blow your mind.”
“I’m counting on it.” He winks at me as I turn and head toward the shop. Everyone at the window watches us.
As I step to the door, I groan at them, then slowly turn back to Xander. As he revs his engine, I watch him pull on his helmet, dip his head, and then takes off into the San Francisco traffic like some bad boy made especially for me in my dreams.
Only this isn’t a dream—my bad boy is in real living Technicolor.
Holy shit.