The Ink That Brands Us: A Colorado Ink Novel

by Terra Deason

  “Awe!” June cooed. “That is the sweetest thing ever!”

  I scooted my chair back and stood, glaring down at them.

  “You guys are awful and I am leaving.”

  They both looked up at me, grinning from ear to ear and I knew once I left Saw would give her the one oh one of Jensen and probably the rest of the guys at the shop. Without another parting glance I turned on my heel and made my way to the parking lot, to get my Tahoe.

  On the way, I thought about what Saw had said and I knew she was right. I wasn’t just going to change for work. I wanted to look good for Jensen because I wanted him to notice me, Sometimes when he looked at me it made my heart race and my breath catch.

  Shaking my head, I climbed into my Tahoe. If I get my heartbroken again, it would be my own fault.

  When I pulled into the parking lot of Colorado Ink, I only had five minutes to spare and from the looks of the parking lot, it wouldn’t have mattered. It was more than likely going to be a very slow night, but it was also Wednesday, so that was to be expected. We normally only had appointments on Wednesday.

  Jensen and Derek were seated behind my desk when I walked through the door.

  “Hello boys,” I greeted them as I set my things on the floor beside my usual chair.

  Derek winked at me, then returned his attention back to Jensen, who sounded rather pissed off.

  “Bloody wanker gave me a week to get my things out. How the bloody hell am I supposed to find another apartment in a week?” From the sounds of it, he was having roommate troubles.

  “I don’t know brother, but you know my couch is always open,” Derek said, standing.

  “Thanks, mate,” Jensen said, nodding at him.

  “Just let me know, man. You’re welcome anytime,” Derek told him before heading down the hall to his studio.

  I should’ve stayed out of it and minded my own business, but you know me. Plus, Jensen was making this sad face and I couldn’t stand it.

  “You could rent my spare room.” It spilled out of me before I could think it through. I regretted it immediately, but it was too late to take it back. “I mean, it’s not much. You’ve seen how little my apartment is. You’re probably used to bigger accommodations. It’s okay if you would rather not. It’s a stupid idea.”

  I was babbling, trying to hide my embarrassment. The way he was staring at me was making me anxious, so I turned away from him. I took in a quiet, but calming breath hoping to slow down my heart beat. I could feel his eyes on me and it wasn’t helping my anxiety.

  “That would be quite perfect, luv.” His voice was low and held a bit of emotion.

  I turned to find him smiling at me, and my heart stuttered.

  “Really?” I hadn’t expected him to accept if I was being honest.

  “How much for rent and bills?” He asked, getting to his feet.

  Oh God. We were really doing this.

  “Um, well I’m not sure. I’ve never had a roommate before. I suppose we could split everything down the middle.” That sounded fair right?

  “That’s excellent, luv.” He wrapped his arms around me, taking me by surprise.

  “Oh!” I breathed,putting my arms around him, too.

  “Thanks, luv. You’re truly amazing.” He whispered it in my ear, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

  “You’re welcome,” I said, breathlessly.

  I tried and failed to hide how his arms being around me was affecting me. I pulled back, stepping away before things could get anymore awkward. He didn’t seem put off. He smiled at me, then turned on his heel and made his way to his studio.

  I sagged into my chair and put my head into my hands, taking deep breaths hoping to calm my nerves. It couldn’t be all that bad living with Jensen. He was a pretty good guy and so what if I had a semi crush on him?

  I reached into my bag, digging through it until I found my phone. I send a quick, panic text message to Saw.

  Me: So, I did something totally crazy.

  I tossed my phone onto the desk and started on my afternoon paperwork, hoping to occupy my mind until Saw replied. I knew she was in class and wouldn’t get back to me for a while. Unfortunately for me, it was a slow day and I would be doing a lot of staring at me phone and silently freaking out that Jensen was now my new roommate.

  Two agonizing hours later, my phone dinged.

  Saw: What?!

  Me: I offered to rent my spare room out… to Jensen.

  I stared at my phone, waiting and when ten minutes had passed and she still hadn’t replied I tossed my phone onto the desk in a huff. Some friend she was; abandoning me when I needed her the most.

  I snatched my phone back up and sent her another text.

  Me: Saw!! I need you to tell me I’m not crazy and that this wasn't a horrible idea! Where are you?!

  “All right, luv?”

  I jerked my head up to find Jensen standing in front my desk, staring down at me. I hadn’t even heard him come down the hall.

  “Oh, um, yeah,” I lied, laying my phone onto the desk.

  He studied me for a minute, then nodded, but made no move to leave. He stood there watching me as if he was waiting for me to say something. Normally I would have babbled on, but this time I took care to clamp my mouth shut and look away. I grabbed a few of my school books, hoping he would think I was busy and would leave me alone.

  No such luck.

  He continued to stand there and after a few minutes I looked up.

  “Is there something you needed?” I was going for politeness, but when his brow furrowed, I feared it may have came out more rude.

  “Are you sure you want to rent me your room?” He asked.

  My eyes widen in surprise; I hadn’t been expecting that at all.

  “What? Of course I’m sure. You’re my friend and you need a place to stay. Why wouldn’t I want to help you?” I was proud of myself for how sincere I sounded. I mean it was mostly true because I wanted to help him, but was I sure about him living with me? No. Not at all.

  “Sometimes I feel like I make you uncomfortable, so I wasn’t sure if you even liked me. It surprised me that you even offered.” His confession took me by surprise and without thinking first, I tried to make a joke.

  “Well, you have seen me naked.” It was supposed to be funny, but the delivery was all wrong and I ended up turning bright red. He leveled me with a heated stare, like he was recalling the moment vividly.

  I cleared my throat and tried to salvage the situation the best I could.

  “Yes Jensen, I like you and you don’t make me uncomfortable. I’ve never met anyone like you and I’m still trying to figure you out.” I smiled up at him, letting him see the truth in my eyes. Well, the half truth. I didn’t lie when I said he didn’t make me uncomfortable, but he made me feel something and I was still trying to figure that out.

  He didn’t say anything. Instead he walked around the desk and sat in the chair beside me. He opened his mouth to say something, but my phone rang interrupting him.

  “Oh! Sorry,” I said, picking it up.

  I almost dropped it when I released who it was from.

  Josh: We need to talk..

  Ten

  That asshole had the nerve to text me after months of silence. Anger boiled inside me and tears pricked at my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I gripped my phone so tightly it was in danger of breaking and I almost wished it would. I wouldn’t have to deal with that drama if I didn’t have a phone.

  A hand rested on my shoulder, startling me back into reality. I turned to find Jensen staring at me, concern in his eyes.

  “Bad news?” He leaned closer, his hand leaving my shoulder reaching to take my hand, but I pulled away.

  I stood abruptly, my chin trembling as I backed away.

  “Excuse me.”

  I bolted for the bathroom, looking the door once I was safely inside. Rushing to the sink, I turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on my face hoping it would hold back the tears
. I refused to let one little message get me down. Josh wasn’t worth it.

  A few minutes later there was a soft knock on the door.

  “Freya? It’s Saw, can I come in?”

  I glanced at the door, unsure. I was a hot mess and wasn’t sure if I wanted to be alone or not, but she was my friend and isn’t that what friends were for? To help you in times of need such as this. I wasn’t sure; I’d never had a friend before.

  She knocked again.

  “Sweetie?”

  With a sigh, I stood and walked to the door. Once it was unlocked, she opened it just a fraction and stepped in, locking it behind her. She looked up at me, concern in her eyes.

  “Today is not my day,” I chuckled dryly.

  I sat down on the toilet, putting my head in my hands.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” She walked over to squat down in front of me.

  I looked up and shrugged.

  “I think maybe it was just anxiety overload. First I offer Jensen my spare room, then Josh texts me.”

  Her eyes narrowed and wrapped an arm around me.

  “Screw that douche canoe. He’s not worth the worry.” She growled, rubbing my back.

  “I agree, so I’m plan to ignore him. Maybe he’ll get the hint.” It was as good a plan as any and I really didn’t know if I cared to hear what he had to say.

  “As for Jensen, he’s going to be living with you?” She looked like she wanted to laugh, but was holding it back.

  “It’s going to be a complete mess. How am I supposed to live with him when I’m harboring some seriously unknown feeling for him?”

  “Maybe it will be good for you. It will give you the opportunity to figure out these feelings, plus sometimes I suspect you aren’t the only one hiding your feelings.” Her face was serious now, but I rolled my eyes not buying into it.

  “Not likely. I’m too awkward and plain. Not to mention mess right now.”

  This time it was her who rolled her eyes.

  “You just don’t see yourself clearly, Freya, but Jensen; he sees you.”

  I sighed, exasperated.

  “What happened to you telling me to stay away from him? You said he was nothing but heartbreak and if you can recall, I just had my heart broken, I don’t want to go through that again. Not anytime soon.”

  “He’s been different since you’ve been around,” she stated. We were both standing now, she leaned against the wall. “Think about it. It’s been weeks since some random hoochie has stopped by for him. Weeks! It used to be a daily occurrence and now it’s zero. Why do you think that is, Freya?”

  I threw my hands in the air and paced the room.

  “How should I know? I doubt it has anything to do with me.”

  “I think it does and I think him living with you will work out and if not, then you can always kick him out.” She pushed off the wall and headed for the door. “Now come on. We have work to do.”

  “I can’t go out there. I made a fool of myself in front of Jensen and I don’t want to face him just yet,” I confessed, looking at the door in fear.

  “When I walked in he was pacing the floor, freaking out thinking something was wrong. He’s worried about you. They all are.” Her hand was on the knob. “It will be fine.”

  She pulled the door open and all the guys were on the other side, staring us in concern.

  “She’s fine,” Saw informed them.

  They all looked to me causing a blush to creep up my neck.

  “I’m fine,” I reassured them.

  They all nodded and headed back to their rooms, but Jensen remained, his eyes still on me. I could tell he wasn’t convinced that I was fine, and I knew it would be a little harder to reassure him.

  I looked to Saw, and she gave me a wink before disappearing down the hall. I forced a small smile as I approached Jensen.

  “I’m fine, really,” I said, trying to sound reassuring.

  “I don’t believe that, luv.” He crossed his arms over his chest, glaring down at me. “I saw you face.”

  “It was an overreaction; it was nothing.” I went to pass him, but his hand shot out, stopping me.

  He gave me a disbelieving look and I knew he wouldn’t leave me alone until he got answers. I threw my hands up in defeat. “Fine! It was my ex, okay?! He broke up with me when I moved here and we hadn’t talked in months. His sudden text caught me off guard. Like I said, it was nothing.”

  I had looked away as I spoke, but chanced a peek up at him. His face had softened and I could see the pity there and I hated it. He opened his mouth to say something, but I shook my head, turning towards my desk.

  “Don’t. I’m fine. I was more angry than anything. Sometimes I cry when I get angry; it's an embarrassing habit.”

  My back was to him as I sat at my desk. I was too embarrassed to look at him again. Grabbing my books, I settled on packing up my homework. There was no way I would be able to focus on it now. Hopefully I’d be able to find something work related to occupy my time until my shift ended.

  Jensen hadn’t said anything since I turned my back on him, so I peeked over my shoulder to check on him, but he was gone. I shook my head, turning back to my desk.

  Just as I found something to work on, footsteps sounded down the hall and I turned to find Jensen walking toward me. I braced myself for whatever he was planning to say, but he took me by surprise when he smiled at me.

  “Gather your things, luv. I’m taking you to dinner.” I must have made a face because he just rolled his eyes and pushed past me, collecting my belongings. “The shop is dead and it’s only a few hours until closing. Mack is cool with it, so let be off.” He handed me my bag and without thinking I took it, slinging it over my shoulder.

  We were almost to the door when my brain started working again. I grabbed Jensen’s shoulder, stopping him.

  “Why?” I asked, bewildered.

  “Why what, luv?” He asked, arching an eyebrow at me.

  “What are we going to dinner?”

  “Because I’m hungry and Saw mentioned that you hadn’t eaten today. I know you’re hungry.” He had a point, I was starving.

  “That’s all thought, right? Just because we’re hungry?” I wasn’t sure what I was asking or why I was asking it.

  “Only because we’re hungry,” he insisted.

  “Oh. Okay then,” I sighed. “Let’s go then.”

  He gave me one last look, then we proceeded to the parking lot. I started to my own car when a hand slipped into my, stopping me.

  “We’ll take my car, then return for yours later.”

  I shrugged, then let him pull me towards his car. My mind still numb from the fact that he hadn’t let my hand go and how nice it felt. When we stopped in front of his car and I let my hand fall from his. Reaching it to run along the glossy black paint.

  “Is this a sixties model?” I asked, turning to look at him.

  “Sixty-seven. You know what it is?” I tried not to be offended by the surprise that colored his tone.

  “Of course! I love old cars and this one happens to be one of my favorite models. Yours is in fantastic condition.” I walked to the passenger side door and climbed in. I couldn’t help but run my hands along the leather interior, looking around at the incredible restoration. Whoever had done it, was very skilled. It was flawless.

  I looked over to find Jensen staring at me with an odd expression.

  “What?” I asked smiling.

  “It’s just refreshing to find a girl that likes cars. Especially older ones,” he told me.

  He started the car and when it roared to life I was pretty sure I had died and went to classic car heaven. A grin spread across my face and I looked to Jensen.

  “I think I’m in love with your car,” I informed him.

  “Lucky car,” he smirked.

  “It’s looks and sounds amazing,” I told him. “It must’ve cost you a pretty penny to have it restored.”

  “Actually, I restored it myself, though it w
asn’t cheap,” he chuckled, rubbing his hands along the steering wheel affectionately.

  “You refurbished this yourself?” My eyes went wide. I was in shock because I didn’t peg his as mechanic.

  “Yea,” he said, looking smug. “Tattooing is my passion, but in my spare time I love to work on cars.”

  This guy couldn’t be real. Since I’d meet him he had been nothing less than a gentleman, though he loved to tease me. He was crazy talented and knew it, but wasn’t over the top arrogant about it. He took pride in his work and that was awesome.

  I continued to stare at him in awe with a silly smile on my face.

  “What?” he smiled, pulling out of the parking lot and into traffic.

  “Nothing. It’s just… I think you’re kind of awesome.” I told him, looking away.

  “Thanks,” he laughed.

  I turned my attention to the road and realized that we were headed out of town.

  “Um, where are we going?” I asked, looking at him again.

  “To my favorite pizza place,” he told me.

  “Okay,” I said, settling back getting comfortable. I was starving so I hoped we would get there soon.

  Eleven

  Jensen drove us to the next town over to a place called Marcello’s Pizzeria. I loved pizza, so this place was perfect, but I just didn't understand why we had to drive almost half an hour out of the way to get it.

  When we were parked and stepping out of the car, I looked to Jensen.

  “So, this better be some earth shattering pizza. I’m dying of starvation and there’s like fifty pizza places in town.”

  He smirked at me and led me inside.

  “It’s the best place to get pizza,” he assured me. “Trust me, you won’t be the same once you’ve had pizza from Marcello’s.”

  We set ourselves in a booth at the back of the restaurant. We hardly had time to get comfortable when the waitress arrived, placing menus down in front of us before taking our drink orders.

  “So, are we sharing a pizza or do you want to order separate,” I asked, looking over my menu at him.