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“I can tell,” Sienna told her, laughing. “It reaches your eyes.” She paused for a beat. “You have very pretty eyes, by the way.”

Morgan blushed but thanked her. She also noticed Chloë give Sienna a bit of a nudge and wondered what that was about.

“So, the first victim is here, huh?”

This came from another woman who emerged from a hidden area in the back of the parlor. Morgan gave up all attempts at being subtle. She allowed her eyes to blatantly check out this newcomer because she was, quite frankly, one of the most striking women Morgan had ever seen.

It wasn’t that she was exceptionally pretty; Vanessa from that coffeeshop last night was exceptionally pretty, Morgan thought. It was that this woman’s whole look gave her such an unavoidable presence. It started with the gelled hair styled much like that women’s soccer player Morgan was seeing everywhere nowadays. Megan…somebody. It continued with the button-down men’s shirt with rolled up sleeves, the pinstriped slacks and the brown oxford shoes that definitely came from the men’s side of the shoe store. All of this on a slim but athletic frame.

Morgan couldn’t help notice that although the woman was dressed in this very masculine manner, she wasn’t hiding her femininity. The clothes were all fitted to her curves and her shirt was unbuttoned enough to flash some cleavage. Moreover, though her makeup was minimal, she had nonetheless given herself smoky eyes before leaving her home.

“I’m Lexx,” the woman said, heading straight for Morgan. “This is my shop.”

“Then I guess I’d better be on my best behavior,” Morgan said, slightly panicking inside as soon as she said it because of how flirtatious that had sounded.

Lexx raised an eyebrow.

“Though the alternative can be fun too,” Lexx said.

Morgan wondered if there had ever been a day in her entire life when she had blushed as much as in this one.

“I’m Morgan Banks, by the way,” she said, remembering she still hadn’t properly introduced herself to Lexx.

“Morgan wants a tattoo also,” Chloë said.

“But not tonight!” Morgan hastily added. “Someday. When I’ve decided what to get.”

Lexx gestured around the shop.

“Well, as you can see, we have plenty of ideas to inspire you.” Lexx checked her watch and turned to Sienna. “Alright, Miss Sienna-with-the-brand-new-license, it’s coming up on seven o’clock. What’s the very first thing I taught you about doing tats?”

“Start on time,” Sienna answered promptly.

“Right,” Lexx confirmed. “I’m assuming you’ve done your prep work and all you have to do is get Chloë in the chair?”

“Yes, Lexx.”

“Then get to it. I’ll be by in a second.”

Chloë and Sienna headed towards one of the workstations, their arms still around each other, Morgan couldn’t help but noticing.

“Sorry,” Lexx began, “but I gotta make sure the noob doesn’t start slacking now that she’s earned her license.”

“Oh, don’t apologize! I’m a high school teacher and I very much admired your technique handling that young woman.”

Jesus!

Why was everything she was saying tonight sounding like an invitation for the woman listening to take her home and keep her up all night doing…whatever it is lesbians do?

And Lexx certainly noticed. Morgan felt herself blushing—yet again—when Lexx gave a little chuckle at her last comment and held Morgan’s eyes with her own. Fortunately, whether out of politeness or gallantry, Lexx didn’t press the matter. Instead, she escorted Morgan over to the waiting area and sat with her, spending a few minutes showing her more tattoo designs that were compiled in a three-ring

binder.

“And you drew all these?” Morgan asked Lexx, who was sitting right up against her.

“I did indeed,” Lexx confirmed.

“My god, you are talented!” Morgan effused. It wasn’t just that the artwork was great, it was that it was done in so many different styles.