“Wow, that’s quite the story. What position did you play?”
“I was a forward. Do you know anything about hockey?”
“A little. I’ve been to a couple games and seen a few on TV. I don’t understand all the rules, but I’ve at least seen a few games.”
“Impressive. I can teach you anything you want to know about the game,” I tell her, as I finish up the feather, moving on to the wording. “How are you holding up? Still good?”
“Yes, it’s not as painful as I thought it might be. A few places have been more tender than others, but overall, it’s not that bad.”
“Good, let me know if that changes. I should be done shortly.”
“How did you injure yourself?” she asks.
“I broke my back in a skydiving accident. I’ve always been a daredevil, always seeking out the most adventurous things I could find to do, and I finally found one that got the better of me.”
“Oh wow!”
“Yeah, I had to have surgery and now have a metal plate in my back. My doctors highly advised that I not return to hockey, as the wrong hit could cause more damage. I was devastated, to say the least, and very angry about that, at first. I felt like my entire life had been ripped from my hands, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.”
“That would be hard to handle.”
“It took me awhile to not be mad at the world. But with time, lots of PT, and therapy, I’ve moved on, and realized my doctors that wouldn’t sign off on me returning to the game, were just looking out for me.”
We continue small talk as I finish up. I set my gun down, grabbing a clean cloth to wipe down her fresh ink. I grab the mirror and hold it up so that she can see the reflection.
I watch Cam’s face, the emotions as she sees the tattoo on her skin for the first time. Tears fill her eyes and before I know what I’m doing, I’ve set the mirror down and pulled her into my arms. I guide Cam’s head onto my chest and run a hand over her hair, whispering softly in her ear. “Shhh, it’s okay. Everything’s going to be just fine.”
I hold her as she lets her tears fall. Cam’s fisting my shirt as her tears soak into the fabric. A few minutes later, she takes some calming breaths and the tears dry up.
“I’m so sorry about that. The emotions just overtook me.”
“Nothing to apologize for, I’ve got you,” I tell her, before fully releasing her from my arms. “Would you like me to take a picture of it before I wrap it up for the night?”
“Yes, please, if you don’t mind. I promised Lilly that I’d send her a picture of it once it was done.”
Cam hands me her phone and I snap the pictures for her, then I cover her tattoo and pull out the aftercare instruction sheet to give her. “You’ll want to leave this covered for about four to six hours. After that, keep it uncovered. When you wash, do so gently, and pat it dry. You’ll need to apply a thin layer of salve to it daily, until it fully heals. Do your best not to scratch at it, as that can cause scarring on it.”
“Thanks, Ethan. It’s perfect,” she tells me again, slipping her shirt over her head.
I finish cleaning up my station, before turning back to Cam.
“$250, correct?” she asks, reaching into her purse and pulling out her wallet.
“Yes,” I reply, and she hands me the cash.
“Thank you again, Ethan. It turned out so much better than I could have ever dreamed of.”
“Anytime. Now that your tattoo is finished, have any fun plans for the rest of the evening?”
“If you consider a marathon on TV and a pint of ice cream as fun plans, then yes,” she says, laughing.
“Care to go grab a drink with me somewhere?”
She ponders my invite for a few moments before answering. “Sure, I’d love to.”
“Let me just close up, and we can head out.”
“Anything I can help you do?”
“Nope, I just need to turn out all the lights and lock up. I’ll take out my trash when we leave, as we’ll need to go out the back door, so I can set the shop’s alarm system.”
I head out to the reception area and lock up the front, turning off all the lights before heading back to my area. I grab my stuff and escort Cam to the back door. After setting the alarm, I lock up the shop and quickly stop at the dumpster to drop the bag of trash off before we head toward the bars.
Almost as an afterthought, I reach for Cam’s hand, which she gives to me freely, and I link our fingers together. “What kind of place are you in the mood for tonight?”
“I’m up for anything, really. I haven’t been to many of the places down here yet.”
“Let’s head to The Tap House. It’s a little more laidback there, compared to the other places down in this area.”
“Sounds good to me. Lead the way,” she says, smiling.
We walk, hand in hand, down the busy sidewalk. This area of town seems to always be bustling with people most nights each week. It’s a Thursday night, around 9:15, and it could rival some places on a Friday or Saturday night. Walking with Cam like this just feels right. She fits nicely at my side, and I want to get to know everything there is to know about her.
We walk into the bar, and I scope out a small booth along the back wall. We head to it, and Cam takes a seat. “Can I get you something from the bar?” I ask.
“I’m good with something on tap. I prefer lighter beers.”
“I’ll be right back,” I tell her as I step away from the table and walk to the bar. I see my buddy Nick, working behind the bar, and get his attention.
“Hey, man,” Nick greets me, reaching out his fist for me to bump with my own. “What can I get you tonight?”
“I’ll take two beers; whatever blonde you recommend.”
Nick grabs two beer glasses and fills them up, setting them down in front of me. I pass him the cash and head back to Cam. I set the beers down on the table and slide in next to her.
“Thank you,” Cam says, reaching for one of the beers. She brings it to her lips and takes a drink.
“You’re welcome,” I tell her, watching the movement as she swallows before taking a drink myself. “Are you ready to start your new job on Monday?”
“Oh yes, I’m excited to get started. I’ve heard such great things about this agency.”
“What exactly will you do for them?”
“I’m helping families obtain services their kids need. Sometimes that’s aiding with IEP services through the schools, sometimes it’s additional speech therapy outside of school, or occupational or physical therapy services. My main focus is the services within the schools and helping fight for the students’ needs when they have a 504 or IEP in place. Some schools balk at having to provide the services that students need. It’s my job to help the families fight back and obtain those services.”
“Wow, impressive. It sounds like what you do is very important. I can’t believe that schools would try and deny services to kids that need them.”
“Oh, it happens all the time. Services like these cost the districts extra money, and most districts are always trying to find places they can cut the budget.”
“That’s really shitty. I’m glad they have someone like you to help them fight.”
“Me, too,” she says, before taking another drink of her beer. I continue to watch her every move, finding myself captivated by the movement in her neck as she swallows. I’ve never found someone swallowing beer to be so erotic and sexy, but fuck, does watching her turn me on. I find myself wanting to slide my lips along the column of her neck, bite my way across her collarbone, and descend further down her body.
Chapter Five
Cam
Sitting here with Ethan, enjoying our beers, and talking like we’re old friends has me realizing just how much I’ve shut out of my life since Ben’s death. I haven’t even tried dating anyone, and while I don’t regret that decision, I am ready to put that part of my life behind me.
When he reached for my hand on the
walk over here, it felt natural. The feel of his calloused fingers intertwined with mine sent a chill through my body, and a sense of peace over me. It also made me realize just how much a man’s touch can zip through me, warming me in all the right places. Places that haven’t been warmed in way too long, leaving me with a lustful feeling.
I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is about Ethan that just feels right, but I’m not about to question or fight it. It’s obvious that he’s as attracted to me as I am to him, so I’m content with just seeing where things go, if they even go anywhere.
We continue to talk and get to know each other over another round of beers. As I set my empty glass down, I yawn. It’s getting kind of late, and as much as I love sitting here with Ethan, I’m ready to head home and get into some pajamas.
“Let’s get out of here,” Ethan tells me, as I yawn again.
Laughing, I reach for my purse and slide out of the booth after he does. “My busy days are catching up with me. I’m looking forward to having the rest of my time off be relaxing, now that I’m done unpacking.”
“Well, let’s get you home then. Wouldn’t want you turning into a pumpkin,” he teases.
Ethan grabs my hand again as he leads us out of the bar and onto the sidewalk. “Where is your place?”
“Just a couple blocks that way,” I tell him, pointing in the direction of my apartment.
“I’ll walk you home,” he says, starting down the street.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I insist. I want to make sure you make it home safe,” Ethan tells me, letting go of my hand and tucking me into his side as we walk slowly down the sidewalk.
We fall into step, along with a comfortable silence, for a few moments.
“Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?” Ethan asks, as we turn onto my street.
“I’d really like that,” I reply, looking up at him.
We arrive at my building, but I’m not ready to tell him goodbye just yet. From the way he keeps me close, I don’t think he’s ready either.
“Would you like to come in for a bit?” I ask, pulling out my keys.
“Yes, I’d like that, if you aren’t too tired,” he replies, his voice gravelly, which sends a bolt of electricity straight to my core.
Fuck, he makes me horny.
I turn my focus onto unlocking the door to the lobby of my building, and not the heat that’s seeping into my body from the contact from our skin. He’s pressed himself against my back and placed both of his large hands on my hips; I can feel the hardness of his cock against my lower back. Feeling the effect I have on his body is doing things to mine that I haven’t felt in a very long time.
We make it up to my apartment and inside, but the moment my door closes behind us, the electricity between us snaps. Ethan spins us, backing me up against the wall in the hall, just inside my door. His lips hover over mine for a few agonizing seconds before he crushes them together.
I moan into his mouth, opening almost instantly as his tongue swipes along my lips. One of his hands cups my face, holding me where he wants, while the other stays on my hip, keeping our bodies close. I run my hands up his solid chest, along his shoulders, and behind his neck until I sink my fingers into his hair, tugging lightly.
Ethan has complete control over this kiss and his dominance has me so turned on, I feel as if I could combust.
He pulls back, breaking our kiss, and places his forehead against mine.
“What are you doing to me?” he whispers.
“I could ask the same of you,” I reply, my voice just as low.
Ethan lingers, his lips a whisper away from my own, as our eyes are locked on each other, both searching for something within the other. He must see what he’s looking for, as he captures my mouth again in a kiss I feel down to my toes.
We stay pressed against the wall, his body trapping mine, as we explore each other between the deepening kiss and our roaming hands, for what feels like forever, until Ethan pulls back, looking at me with a hunger in his eyes I’ve never seen.
“I should probably go,” he finally rasps out.
“Or you could stay.” I hold his gaze.
The hunger in his eyes intensifies as he takes in what I’ve just suggested. I don’t know where the nerve to offer something so bold came from, but I can’t pass up the opportunity. I feel something when I’m around him that I can’t let pass without seeing what it is.
“Are you sure?” he finally asks.
I shake my head yes and lead him further into my apartment.
“Can I get you anything to drink? I’ve got beer, water, or soda.”
“I’ll take a beer.”
I leave him in my living room and retreat to the kitchen to grab us both a beer, popping the tops off before heading back out to join him.
I take a drink, hoping the alcohol will continue to give me courage to move forward with him tonight. I haven’t had a man’s touch since Ben got sick. But tonight, for the first time, my body feels alive. He makes me feel like a desired woman, and I’m more than ready to explore that feeling again.
Chapter Six
Ethan
I watch Cam from across her living room as she grabs us both a beer. I was slightly shocked at her offer to stay tonight. I know she says she’s ready to move on, but I don’t want to push her if she’s not ready. I’m watching her, specifically to see if that confidence she showed me against the wall falters at all. I’m not here to push her into anything she might regret in the morning.
I take a long pull from the bottle she hands me before setting it down on one of her end tables. I grab her hand, pulling her tight against me again. “Tell me what’s on your mind. I can almost hear you thinking.”
A shiver runs through her body, and she lays her head against my chest, taking a moment before she answers.
“Since Ben died, I’ve never felt the want or need to find someone new. I haven’t even gone out on a date. I know that I can’t stay single forever, as I’ve become so lonely lately. I promised myself that part of this move was a new start. New town, new job, new apartment, and eventually, a new relationship. I just feel so drawn to you. I can’t explain it. I feel fully alive for the first time in years when I’m around you, and I can’t explain why.”
Her honesty hits me hard in the chest, and I can feel my heartbeat kick up speed.
“You make me feel something I’ve never felt before, either. I’ve never really been one to look for a relationship. When I was playing, my schedule was always so crazy that I didn’t really have the time to put into one. Now, I might rethink that idea,” I tell her, my words sincere, as I tip her head up, so I can see her face. I gaze at her stunning features for a moment before dropping my lips to hers.
“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do tonight. I’ll be happy just to hold you in my arms while you sleep, if you’re still okay with me staying.”
Cam doesn’t answer me with words, but with her actions. She lifts up to kiss me again, and then grabs my hand, leading me toward her bedroom. Once inside, she slips her shirt off over her head, exposing her beautiful skin to me again. The same skin, only hours earlier, I had my hands on while I inked it. When I touched her before, I had the barrier from my gloves between us. This time, nothing will be between my hands and her skin.
I watch as she shimmies out of her jeans, leaving her standing in front of me in nothing but a bra and panties. The beauty of her body, curves that drive me fucking wild, has my blood pumping, the sound swirling in my ears.
“Are you going to just stand there or are you going to join me?” she asks. I realize I’ve just been staring at her for longer than would be considered polite.
I immediately reach back and grab the collar of my t-shirt, removing it over my head in one swift motion. It falls to the floor as I drop a hand to the button and zipper of my jeans and discard them just as quickly. In nothing but my black boxer briefs, I close the space between us with ease and
wrap my arms around her body. I grip her ass, cupping it, and lift her up. Cam wraps her legs around my waist as she places her lips against mine.
As the kiss heats up, I take the few steps to bring us to the edge of the bed. I slowly lower her to the surface, successfully laying her down without breaking the contact between our lips. I grind my hips into hers, swallowing her groan.
I kiss away from her lips, down the column of her neck and onto her chest, until I reach the top of her bra. I swiftly flick the clasp at the front, releasing the bra and exposing her full mounds. The dusty color of her pert nipples is like a target and I lick one, then the other, watching as they harden even more from my touch. I suck one into my mouth, while rolling the other between my fingertips, and the moans of desire falling from Cam’s lips urge me on. Bringing her pleasure has become my mission and I don’t plan to fail that mission tonight.
After lavishing both breasts, I continue to kiss my way down her body, leaving love bites from the underside of her breasts down to her hip bones, careful to avoid her new ink on my way. I kiss along the top edge of her panties before slipping my fingers into the band at her sides. I look up at her to make sure she’s still on board with this. The lust filling her eyes fuels the fire within me and I slowly lower her panties. Once I have them removed, I take a moment to just look at her. I drop my briefs to the floor, releasing my dick, which stands at attention, and suck in a breath when Cam wraps a hand around my length.
“Fuck!” I groan out.
Cam gives me a sexy smirk as she strokes my shaft, squeezing just right each time. Precum leaks from the tip, helping to lubricate her hand. I’m no virgin, by any stretch, but I feel like a fucking sixteen-year-old ready to blow his load as soon as I’m inside of her. I reach down and put my hand over hers, stopping her so I don’t embarrass myself tonight.
Happily Ever Alpha: Until You (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 3
