by Nicole James
JAMESON
A Brothers Ink Story
~~~
Nicole James
JAMESON
~Brothers Ink~
Book 1
By
Nicole James
Published by Nicole James
Copyright 2016 Nicole James
All Rights Reserved
Cover Art by Viola Estrella
Photography by Lane Dorsey
Model: Josh Mario John
ISBN#: 9781536897456
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Epilogue
Preview of MAXWELL
Prologue
Jameson made his way down Main Street in Grand Junction, Colorado. It was a warm summer day. He paused on the corner, waiting for the light to change. His eyes skated over the postings on a pole, landing on one flyer in particular.
He did a double take.
What the hell?
He yanked it off the pole, his eyes scanning the details, and then he strode angrily down the street.
Chapter One
One week earlier—
A magazine was slapped down on the desk.
“That’s who we need for the gala. Grand Junction’s new golden boy.”
Ava Hightower’s eyes scanned the photo, and then flashed up to her assistant. As helpful as Stephanie was trying to be, there was no way in hell that was happening.
“You’re joking, right?”
“Joking? Uh, no. Look at the man. He’s gorgeous.”
Ava’s eyes again took in this month’s issue of Colorado Life Magazine’s cover boy. Jameson O’Rourke: owner of Brothers Ink, the tattoo shop that had become the bane of her existence.
The photo was of him in a chair, the back twisted around so that he straddled it, his crossed, full-sleeved arms resting on the curved wood. The colorful ink ran up both forearms, silver rings on his hands, his blond hair long, and his eyes a vibrant blue, staring straight into the camera.
Straight into her soul, it seemed.
Now where had that thought come from?
She swallowed. Okay, she could admit he had his appeal—for a certain type of woman she supposed. But that certainly wasn’t her. Not by a long shot.
She was a businesswoman who owned a prosperous employment agency specializing in temporary positions. She’d worked hard to make Hightower Staffing a success. She was also on the city council, a recent position that had put her butting heads with the arrogant Mr. O’Rourke at her very first meeting.
He’d tried to pass a resolution to obtain designated motorcycle parking for several spots in front of his business. She’d made sure the resolution was defeated and, in the process, made a permanent enemy of the newly crowned “King of Ink.”
She dropped her head. Why, oh why had she chosen that to be her first battle? The man was the town’s new hero. A rising superstar in the tattoo world, he’d been on the cover of several national magazines and even had a reality show about his shop and work.
She’d heard they’d followed him on his annual mecca to Sturgis last summer and filmed him. She’d also heard it had only lasted one season, probably because he was impossible. At least, that’s the first impression she’d formed of the man.
She could still remember how he’d looked at her from across the room when she’d protested his plan to claim the three spots in front of his store. Like he had a right to three spots for goodness sake. She could only imagine the domino effect that would have had—every business in town would want their own designated spots and that would be a nightmare. Not to mention it flew in the face of her sense of freedom and fair play. Citizens should have the right to park in any public spot on Main Street. No one should be able to “lay claim” to any of them.
Stephanie—her assistant and sister—of course didn’t know about her interaction with Mr. O’Rourke.
“We need a draw, Ava. A big one. If you could get Grand Junction’s most eligible bachelor for the auction, we’d sell out. Guaranteed. It would be the most successful gala we’ve ever had. Hell, women would drive from miles around for this. And you wouldn’t have to worry about it being in the red like last year. ”
Last year. As if Ava needed a reminder of what a fiasco that had been. They’d barely sold any tickets, and the donations had been dismal. The charity was so worthy and dear to her heart, she not only felt like she’d let herself down, but the charity and her late youngest sister.
Ava shoved the magazine back at Stephanie. “He’d never do it.”
“Why do you say that? You haven’t asked him.”
“And I’m not going to.”
“But why?”
“Never mind why.”
“The gala would sell out. You know it would. If we had him, you wouldn’t have to worry for the next couple of months. The tickets would sell themselves. You have to do it, Ava. We’ve rented the ballroom and everything. If we can’t sell tickets again this year…”
Ava rubbed her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache coming on. “All right. I’ll talk to him if I get a chance.”
“If you get a chance? The flyers go to the printer tomorrow. And you’re leaving town for that conference. You need to talk to him a.s.a.p.”
“I said I’d do it, Steffy. Now leave me alone so I can make these calls, please.”
Stephanie threw her hands up. “Fine. I’ll go rework the flyer with his name and picture.”
“Don’t you dare! He hasn’t agreed to participate yet.”
“He will. It’s for a good cause. How can he refuse?” Stephanie tossed over her shoulder as she exited.
Ava stared down at the cover and muttered, “Easily.”
***
Ava was grabbing up her bag and heading out the door when Stephanie’s voice had her stopping in her tracks.
“Don’t forget to stop by Brothers Ink on your way to the airport.”
“I know, Steffy. I’ll give him the pitch, but I doubt he’s going to do it.”
“Of course he will.”
Ava rolled her eyes and hurried out the door, Stephanie’s words ringing in her ear.
She drove the couple of blocks to Brothers Ink, and after parking three spots down, she looked up at the building. She had to give the man credit. As tattoo shops went, it was an upscale place—more on the side of art gallery than seedy storefront.
As she sat in her car, she heard the roar of engines and saw several motorcycles pull up and back into a spot, their rear tires to the curb. The leather-clad men dismounted and headed inside the shop.
That sealed the deal and gave her the excuse sh
e needed to abandon this ridiculous idea in the first place. There was no way in hell she was walking in there now. Not with a bunch of scary bikers inside. She backed out and pulled away, heading toward the airport. Stephanie would just have to get over it. She’d tell her the man turned her down; which probably would have been the case anyway.
Maybe if she was lucky, she could silence her phone and tell Stephanie she’d had no signal at the airport. Then she could deal with Stephanie’s disappointment next week when she returned. By then the flyers would have had to go to the printer to meet the Friday deadline, and Stephanie would have to take the mockup they’d already designed.
The Bachelor Auction’s headlining bachelor will just have to be Dr. Ashton again, the bald plastic surgeon with the overbite. Oh God, they’d never sell tickets.
***
Stephanie finished up her work and shut down her computer. As she was gathering up her purse and things, she noticed the release form sitting on Ava’s desk—the one she was supposed to have Jameson O’Rourke sign when she’d talked to him. Damn it. Without the signed consent, they couldn’t get him in the flyer that had to be to the printer by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. If Jameson was their headliner, he needed to be in all the promotional materials.
She blew out a breath. She’d just have to run by his shop and get his signature herself. Glancing at her watch, she figured she had just enough time to stop by there before she had to be across town.
***
Stephanie entered the shop, a bell tinkling above her and drawing the attention of one of the tattoo artists who was bent over a customer at the moment.
“Be with you in a second, darlin’.” He returned to his work, and she took the time to look around, her eyes going to the art on the walls and then to the larger wall displaying photographs of some of the artists’ tattoos. The work was stunning. The colors vivid, the designs amazing, and they all reflected the renowned talent the shop had become known for.
Stephanie bit her lip, studying them. She’d thought more than once about getting a tattoo herself, but she’d never been able to decide on what.
“What can I do for you, pretty lady?”
She turned to find a man at the counter, his palms resting on the top. He was a big man with muscular arms, his tattoos revealed by a tight, short-sleeved shirt that strained over his pecs.
He had the prettiest brown eyes and a killer smile hiding behind several days’ growth of dark beard. His hair was shorn close to his skull, and the look worked for him. Really worked for him.
She couldn’t help but return his smile as she turned from the wall of art.
His eyes followed where she’d been looking.
“See something you like? I’d be glad to do the work myself.”
She grinned. “Maybe someday.”
His smile widened. “No time like the present, angel.”
She watched as he leaned on his elbows, bringing him closer to her.
“I, um, I just needed to drop this release off for Mr. O’Rourke to sign.”
He took the document, his eyes scanning over it. “There are four Mr. O’Rourke’s here. Which one are you after? Please say it’s me.” His eyes met hers as he gave her that killer smile again.
She grinned in return. “Sorry. I’m looking for Jameson O’Rourke.”
He nodded. “Why am I not surprised?” He scanned the document again. “What is this release for?”
“The charity gala. My boss stopped by earlier and talked to him about it. She forgot this.” She nodded to the form he held. “It’s the release he needs to sign for us to put him in the promotional material as our headlining bachelor.”
“Headlining bachelor?”
“It’s an auction.”
His grin got even bigger. “You sayin’ you’re going to auction off Jameson?”
“Well, for a date. It’s all in fun and for a good cause. It’s a black tie affair. Very respectable.”
“I see. So, you’re sayin’ women are gonna bid on him?”
“That’s the idea. The money we raise all goes to the charity.”
“He gotta stand up on a stage for this, like some kind of beauty pageant contestant?”
“Um, yes, something like that.”
“Just tell me one thing. There gonna be a runway he’s gotta walk down?”
“Well, yes, actually there is.”
He started laughing.
She frowned. “Is something funny? Do you think raising money for a charity is a big joke?”
He immediately tried to squelch his laughter. “No, ma’am, not at all. I’m sure Jameson would love to help out.”
“Could you just see that he gets it? The flyers have to go to the printer by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow so the sooner I can get that back, the better.”
“Where we gotta drop this off?”
“I can come back and pick it up.”
“Oh no, no. I’ll make sure we bring it by tomorrow morning.”
“Okay.” She pulled a card out of her purse and handed it to him. “Here’s the address. Hightower Staffing Services.”
He glanced at it, and she noted the grin that formed on his face when he saw her name on the card. “What time do you open up, Stephanie?”
“Nine.”
“I’ll deliver it personally.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“Sure I can’t interest you in a tattoo?”
“Maybe next time.”
He nodded. “See you tomorrow, then.”
Chapter Two
Ava set her purse and briefcase down on her desk. She was exhausted from her trip. The conference had been educational, but she was glad to be back. She was a bit of a control freak and hated to be away from the office, especially for an entire week.
Her eyes fell on the brightly colored flyer they’d designed for the charity gala, and her mouth fell open. She picked it up, studying it. Dear God, this had better be a joke.
There was a picture of Jameson O’Rourke, and in big block letters it proclaimed him the headlining bachelor for the auction.
“Stephanie!”
Her sister stuck her head around the doorframe. “How was your trip?”
“Never mind that. What is this?” She held up the paper.
“Our flyer. Great, huh?”
“Please tell me this is just a mockup. Please tell me this is not the flyer you sent to the printer.”
“Of course it is. Why? Don’t you like it?”
Ava put her head in her hands, moaning, “Oh, my God.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Jameson O’Rourke is on it!”
“I know. Isn’t it great?”
“Why is Jameson on it?” she practically shrieked.
“Because he’s the star of the show, silly.”
“No, he’s not, Steffy!”
“What do you mean he’s not? I thought you’d asked him.”
She hung her head. “Oh, dear God. Please tell me you didn’t start distributing these yet.”
“Umm. They’re up all over town, Ava.”
“Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.”
“What is wrong with you?”
The front door boomed open, and Ava looked up and through her office door to see the man in question storming in. He spotted her, strode through the empty front office, bee-lining straight for her. He stopped on the other side of her desk.
Her eyes swept over him. Dear Lord, he was so much more attractive in person than he was in those pictures, and that was saying something. Yes, she’d met him once before, but that was across a room, not leaning over her looking ready to grab her by the throat.
“They tell me you’re the one responsible for this benefit bullshit thing. That true?”
She nodded, at a loss for words.
He held up a piece of paper clenched in his fist. “You want to explain how my name got on this flyer?”
The man was gorgeous and intimidating. She’d never been attracted to men with tattoos, and he w
as covered. Even with all that, there was no denying the man’s appeal. He had it in spades, but he was also pissed—pissed at her. And that made him scary as hell.
Holy crap. She took a step back.
His eyes narrowed, waiting for her to speak.
“I’m so sorry. It was a misunderstanding,” she began to explain.
“No, it wasn’t,” Stephanie insisted.
They both swung their gazes to her.
“Come again?” Jameson growled.
“You agreed to do it. I have your signed consent form.”
“How is that possible, seeing as I never fucking signed one?”
Stephanie took a step back under the man’s forceful gaze. “Your brother dropped it off. I have it right here.” She dug it out of a folder she was holding.
He grabbed it out of her hand and looked at the signature.
“I didn’t sign this.”
“That’s your signature.”
“No, it’s not! Who did you say gave you this?”
“Your brother.”
“I’ve got three. Which fucking one?”
“There’s no need to snap at her,” Ava intervened.
“I didn’t catch his name. The one with the tattoos.”
“That doesn’t narrow it down any.”
“He was built.”
Jameson dipped his head, his eyes drilling into hers, clearly still not satisfied with her answer.
“Big guy, shorn hair, dark beard.”
Jameson blew out a breath.
“Apparently we have a winner,” Ava muttered under her breath.
His eyes snapped to hers. “Maxwell.”
“So you’re saying he signed your name to this form. Why would he do that?” Ava watched him run a frustrated hand through his hair.
“Probably thought it was funny. He’s probably laughing his ass off right about now.”
“You’ll do it, won’t you?” Stephanie asked.
He arched a brow. “Let you auction me off like a prize stud? Hell, no.”
“Don’t think of it like that. Think of it as going on a date for charity.”
“If you think for one minute I’m going to get up on a stage and let women place bids on me, you’ve lost your goddamned mind.”
