The Ink That Brands Us: A Colorado Ink Novel

by Terra Deason

  “Are you going home for Thanksgiving?” June asked as we waited for our food.

  “Yes! After my last visit they might come get me if I didn’t.” I had called my mom after Jensen and I had resolved things. She was over the moon with the news and couldn’t wait to meet him, but I think most of all she was just happy that I wasn’t a mess anymore.

  “Is Jensen going too?”

  “I haven’t asked him. I’m afraid it might be a bit soon.” To be truthful, I was scared to ask. I didn’t want to freak him out by asking him to meet my parents when our relationship was so new. On the other hand I was equally scared he would be offended if I didn’t ask him.

  The waitress sat out food down and refilled our drinks before disappearing again. I turned to Saw and raised an eyebrow at her. She knew him the longest. Maybe she could shed some light on what I should do and should expect.

  “What?” she asked, picking up her burger.

  “Do you think I should ask him to come?” I asked.

  She chewed and swallowed. “I don’t know, babe. Your relationship is moving a warp speed, so I don’t really see if being a problem. But you know Jensen he’s a ball of surprised.”

  “True and he likes when I’m open with him. I’ll just ask him. I mean the worst he can do is say no and I’m okay with that.”

  “That’s your best bet,” she nodded. I looked to June, and she smiled encouragingly at me.

  Saw and I headed straight for the shop after lunch since I opted out of going to change like I normally do. I didn’t look half bad today and I knew Mack didn’t care as look as I continued to do my job. He was a pretty laid back employer.

  There were quite a few people waiting in the reception area when Saw and I walked into the shop. My eyes narrowed on the leggy blonde leaning against my desk, chatting up Jensen. She was clearly flirting with him.

  Marching behind the counter I plopped down on Jensen’s lap and wrapped my arms around his neck. I leaned in and gave him a long kiss before turning to glare at the girl.

  “Oh! I’m sorry. Am I interrupting?” I smiled at her brightly, but I knew she could see the warning underneath.

  Saw walked past us not bothering to hide her laughter as she made her way down the hallway. The girl looked confused for a moment and I could tell she was trying to figure out how a plain girl like me landed a guy like Jensen. I hated to tell her, but it was an answer I didn’t think we’d either get.

  She stared down her nose at us for a moment longer, then shrugged. She winked at Jensen and headed out the door. Jensen’s arms tightened around me when I made to stand up to go after her. The tramp.

  When his arms didn’t move from around me, I turned my glare on him. “Seriously?”

  “I’m sorry, luv. I was doing my best to ignore her.” I rolled my eyes and climbed to my feet.

  “I got this,” I snapped. “Get to work.” It was mean, I know, but I was too mad to care. The sad thing was I wasn’t mad at him but mad that she was more his type than I was and she knew it.

  He climbed to his feet I sat in my chair, turning to face my computer but was turned back around. Jensen smiled down at me and I glared back. I was in no mood for his charming self.

  “You’re quite adorable when you’re jealous,” he chuckled. “You know I love you, right?” His expression was more serious now and it cooled my temper.

  “I know. It’s just I can’t help but notice she’s more your type than I could ever hope to be. I worry that one day you’ll realize that too.” God, that sounded pathetic.

  He squatted down so he was eye level with me. “After all we shared, you really believe that?” His question shamed me more. “You’re amazing, luv. You have to know that.” I leaned forward to rest my forehead against his.

  “I’m sorry,” I sighed. “I’m a bit of a basket case today.”

  He cupped my cheek with his hand and leaned in to kiss me. When he pulled back he looked me in the eyes. “Never apologize for telling me what you’re feeling.” He gave me one last kiss, then went to his studio.

  My face flushed when I turned to see all the polite stares. Of course, we had an audience. That was just so my luck. I looked back down to my computer trying to figure out where Jensen had left off. It looked like he was about to schedule an appointment for blondie, but never put anything in.

  Good. Now I wouldn’t have to deal with her a second time.

  “Way to stake your claim,” Derek laughed from behind me. Before I could turn to look up at him he took a seat beside me. I still had to look at him. He was a freaking giant.

  I arched an eyebrow at him.

  “It was hilarious,” he chuckled again. “Jensen thought so too.”

  “Well, I’m glad I could provide the entertainment for the day,” I grumbled, rolling my eyes.

  “It wasn’t necessary though. He’s serious about you.” I must’ve looked suspicious because he went on. “It’s true. I’ve been his friend since he moved here and he’s never been serious with anymore. Not a single woman, then you walk through that door and turn his world upside down.”

  My chest tightened at the rush of emotion I felt. It pleased me and pained me at the same time. I was pleased that he felt that for me, but sad that it was because of the death of his wife he had shied away from love.

  “Thank you,” I mumbled, my words thick with emotion. “I’m serious about him too.”

  “I know,” He smiled, then reached out to ruffle my hair. “Anyone could see that, goofy.” I stuck my tongue out at him as he stood and headed back to his studio. Smiling to myself went back to work.

  Twenty-Seven

  Thanksgiving break was here and the empty campus was evidence. Walking towards my Tahoe I was one of only a dozen people still here. Everyone else had left for the holiday weekend. Most likely visiting family.

  My flight would depart early the next morning and to my dismay, I would go alone. When I had finally worked up the courage to ask Jensen if he would like to come he looked a little freaked. It was understandable since he hadn’t seen him own family in sometime. I let him off the hook, and he seemed relieved.

  It was going to be a long four days without him.

  The wind seemed to cut through me and I tightened my jacket around me. Winter was my least favorite season. I wasn’t built to withstand the cold and I was already counting down the days until warmer weather. I missed my summer dresses.

  Saw and June were waiting for me as I reached my Tahoe. They were huddled together and they both looked less than pleased with my lateness.

  “Thank Christ!” Saw swore. “I can’t feel my friggin’ toes.”

  “Sorry, sorry,” I said, popping the locks on my Tahoe. “The lecture ran over which is ridiculous because there were only a few students in attendance.”

  “This place is a ghost town. I swear we’re the last few people left.” June chuckled, looking around.

  “Nah, I saw like two other people on my way across campus,” I joked.

  “Poker night!” Saw shouted, startling both June and me. I wiped my head around to stare at her as she shoved her phone back into her pocket. “The guys are in! What do you say?”

  “Well you know I’ll be there,” I chuckled.

  We both looked to June.

  “Hell yes! I am off for the break and am free tonight! I’ll be there!” She was bouncing excitedly on her toes.

  “Yay!” Saw and I shouted together.

  “Do I need to bring anything?” June asked, rubbing her hands together.

  “Your favorite booze and snacks,” Saw answered walking over to her car and June headed towards hers.

  “Got it! I’ll see you guys later.” June waved and climbed into her car.

  Work was busy and before I knew it we were closing up shop. Jensen lounged in the waiting area while I finished up last night paperwork. I loved that he waited for me. He was always patient about it. Never rushing me or looking restless. He watched me with a sexy smile on his face and when I
looked up at him, he always winked at me.

  Saw was never as courteous.

  “Hurry the hell up!” She called as she breezed past my desk. “We won’t wait all night for you!” She turned and winked at me as she walked out the door.

  “All done,” I said, logging off the computer.

  Jensen was beside me, picking up my bags before I could even stand up.

  “Thanks,” I said, reaching up to kiss him.

  I took the deposits to Mack in his office and said goodbye. When I returned to the waiting area, Jensen was standing by the door.

  My lip turned up at the sight of him. “In a hurry?”

  “A bit.” A grin spread across his face. “I’m afraid we must cut poker night short.”

  “Oh?” I walked over to him and exited the shop as he held the door for me.

  “Yes. We have some very important… things to attend to.” His voice had dropped to a low tone and I turned to look at him.

  His eyes were dark as he watched me walk towards my car. Something tightened low in my stomach and I very much wanted to cut poker night early. Hell, we could skip poker night all together if he was going to keep looking at me like that.

  When we reached my car, I turned on him and threw my arms around him looking into his eyes.

  “Important business, you say. What sort?” I reached up on my tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth. He dropped my bags on the ground and his arms went around me pulling me into him.

  “The secret sort,” he murmured into my neck before planting butterfly kisses there. “You will have to be patient and wait.”

  “You’re the patient one in this relationship.” I breathed in sharply as he nipped my ear, then pressed myself into him and smiled when he answered with his own groan.

  “If you’re going to neck at least do it in the car.” We jumped apart like two caught teenagers as Mack walked passed up to his own car. He chuckled at our expressions. “I’m overjoyed for the two of you.”

  “Thanks mate,” Jensen said, smiling at our boss. I was still too embarrassed to form words or at least a coherent thought.

  Only when Mack climbed into his car and drove away did I find my voice.

  “Well, that was embarrassing.” If I could see my face right now, I imagine I looked like a ripe tomato.

  “Ah, well there’s nothing like being caught snogging.” I snickered at the word and reached up to kiss him again.

  “All right big guy, lets get home.” I leaned down and picked up my bags. Tossing them in the back, I turned to grin at Jensen. “Race you home!” I didn’t wait to see if he reacted. I sprinted around my Tahoe and jumped in the driver’s seat.

  I pulled into the parking lot, Jensen tight on my tail. As a last minute decision I left my things in the car and ran for the building. He was hot on my heels growling the whole way which cause me to fall into a fit of giggles. My show caught on the top step and I fell forward with a shriek. I felt Jensen’s hand grab for me but it was too late. I landed hard on my side, then rolled onto my back. Giggles burst out of me as the shock of hitting the ground wore off.

  “Ow!”

  “Are you okay, luv?” Jensen knelt beside me and his worried expression only made me laugh harder.

  Once I could find my breath, I sighed and pushed to a sitting position. “I’ve had worse falls.”

  I heard a door open and turned to find Saw rushing towards me. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m good,” I groaned, climbing to my feet.

  “Are you sure?” Jensen asked, looking me over for confirmation.

  “Yes,” I giggled again. “I won by the way.”

  “I suppose you did,” he smiled. “No more running up the stairs though.”

  I pretended to pout as we walked into Saw’s apartment. “But it was fun!”

  “What’s fun?” Derek called from the couch where he was lounging.

  “Apparently falling up the stairs,” Jensen replied, looking amused.

  “That sounds like no fun,” Derek chuckled.

  “Whatevs.” I waved them all off and turned to Saw. “Where’s June?”

  “She’s running late. She had something come up,” Saw told me, then turned to the guys. “Let’s get this party started!”

  An hour later Jensen had rushed me out the door. I think we had both been to eager too be alone to have any real fun playing poker. It only took one had and a sneaky encounter in the kitchen for both of us to decide that we wanted to be home.

  We barely made it through the door before his mouth was on mine and he was scooping me up in his arms. I pulled my shirt off as he carried me down the hall not wasting anytime. He trailed kisses down my neck and chest and arched against him, panting. He pulled my bra aside and capture one of my nipples between his lips.

  He sucked on it hard and I let out a deep moan, tangling my fingers in his hair. When he released me, I bent my head down to kiss him hungrily. He broke off abruptly when he tossed me onto the bed. I settled into the center and looked at him with heavy eyes.

  He was slowly removing his shirt, taking the time to unbuckle his belt, then slowly letting his jeans hit the floor. The show he was putting on was sexy as hell and I could feel myself becoming damp. I tugged at my leggings and panties with less grace than he had shown. I wanted him to badly too take my time.

  Once I was naked, he stared at me from the end of the bed like he was looking at his most prized possession.

  “You are simply stunning, Freya.” His voice was husky. I bit my lip and rubbed my legs together in anticipation. God. This man could probably make me come with just his words and the sound of that sexy voice.

  He crawled across the bed towards me, kissing and licking his way up my legs. He didn’t stop until his mouth was on mine. I arched against him causing my center to grind against his. He groaned into my mouth and I took the time to break away and kiss his neck.

  “Jensen,” I whispered. My head was spinning with my need for him.

  I pushed him to his back and climbed on top of him. He gave a low chuckle that turned into a hiss when I wrapped my hand around his straining cock. Lifting myself up, I seated myself on top of it sheathing it to the hilt.

  “Bloody hell!” He hissed, grabbing my ass tightly.

  It was my turn to chuckle, then moan. “That’s what I intend to do.”

  I ground into him slowly at first working my way up to a frantic rhythm, but he wasn’t having it. Before I knew what happened, he had me on my back and was pounding into me like he was on a mission.

  I screamed and moaned his name over and over until he had me coming. He buried his face into the crook of my neck following me over the edge. He bent down and kissed me softly.

  “I love you, Freya.” His voice was breathless.

  “I love you.”

  When he rolled off me, I climbed from the bed and when I stood something wet slide down my thigh. I stared down at it momentary confused. When my brain finally registered what had happened, I looked to give Jensen a panicky look.

  “What?” He said, sitting up on his elbows.

  “We forgot a condom.” My voice cracked as the panic leaked through.

  He looked down at his bare dick for confirmation. “I knew it felt different.” Was all he said before looking back to me. Was he serious? That was it? I’m over here having a mini heart attack and all he could say was ‘it felt different’?

  He must have noticed the look on my face because he climbed off the bed and came to stand in front of me.

  “I’m clean, luv. We have to have regular checks at the shop.” His calm demeanor was anything but reassuring. STD’s weren’t the only unwanted gift unprotected sex could give and I wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment.

  “There are other risks besides STD’s!” I snapped. My panic made my voice sharper.

  “Don't fret, luv. It’ll be awhile before we know anything for sure and we’ll deal with it then. There’s no need to worry right now.” He was trying to be rea
ssuring, and it was nice but it was only adding to my panic.

  “So says you,” I mumbled and headed for the shower.

  As soon as the plane landed on the tarmac, I took my phone out of airplane mode and send quick messages to my friends letting them all know I landed safely. Then I dialed my mom. She was surprised I had made it at all. She hasn’t let the last time go.

  Little did she know, I almost didn’t make it this time. Jensen and I both slept through the alarm and we woke up an hour before my flight was due to leave. By the time I had made it to the airport, they were doing final boarding calls for my flight. It was a close call.

  After they finally let us off the plane, I hurried to find my parents. I only brought a carry-on so I wouldn't have to search through baggage claims. It always took forever and sometimes they lost your bag. I didn't want to take that chance.

  My parents were waiting by the entrance door. My father holding a sign with my name written on it. They were so lame, but I loved it. I ran to them, throwing my arms around them once I reached them.

  “I missed you guys!” I exclaimed.

  My mom pulled back to look at me. “We missed you too, Honey. You look so much better this time. Much happier.”

  “I am happy,” I smiled.

  My dad coughed obviously not wanting to get into boy talk. “How’s school?”

  “It’s going great. My classes are awesome!” I was a little proud of how well I was doing.

  “Good. I’m glad you’re still focussing on your studies,” He said very fatherly.

  “How’s your friends? It’s a shame they couldn’t come back with you. They were lovely.” My mom looked almost sad.

  I chuckled. “They’re great.”

  “How’s your guy?” She asked, nudging my shoulder as we walked to the car. I could’ve sworn I heard my dad grown.

  “He’s fantastic.” A grin spread across my face at the thought of Jensen.

  “Why didn’t he come home with you?” She frowned, then her brows went up. “Oh! Did he go home to England?”

  “No. We just decided that it was a little soon. I’m hoping he’ll come home for Christmas with me though.” She seemed satisfied with my answer. For now.