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“I had a cancelation, so it’s perfect timing. What did you want to get? Do you have a picture or something?”

“No, I don’t have a picture. But could you draw it if I describe it to you?”

“Is that a real question? Not to sound cocky or anything, but these make magic happen.” She wiggled her fingers, staring directly into Shannon’s eyes with a presumptuous smile.

Shanny appeared hot and bothered by Toni's attention, and it was nice to see her in better spirits from earlier. Even if she wasn’t getting a tattoo, it seemed like she was getting something from this visit.

“Well, why don’t you start talking? I’ll sketch, and then you can review it, and we can make changes as we go?” Toni said, finally focusing on me.

“So, can you draw anything?” Shannon asked as she batted her eyelashes in Toni’s direction like a smitten kitten.

Now, I had to hold back my shock. I’d never seen her this way before, but it seemed to be exactly what she needed.

Toni took a step closer and placed her hand on the small of Shannon’s back before she said in a low voice, “I like to think I can do everything. Stick around afterward, and I’d happily show you some of my best work.”

I was pretty sure I saw Shannon’s knees buckle. Apparently, I was a good wingwoman without even trying. But it was time to get down to business, and they could continue ogling each other later.

“Well… do you want me to start now?” I urged their flirt session along.

“You got it.” Toni winked. “Do you mind waiting in the lobby?” She nodded to Shannon.

“Oh, sure.” Shannon appeared hurt.

“I’m sorry, babe. But there is no way I can get work done with you around.” Toni’s compliment put the blush right back on Shannon’s cheeks.

“You’re a sweet talker.” Shanny fluttered, then gave me a quick hug and a longing glance at Toni before heading to the couch.

While Shannon was out of earshot, Toni leaned in. “What’s her story?”

“You’d be stupid not to get to know her.” I wasn’t super close with Toni, but she seemed like a good person, and if she could make Shanny love-struck, I wanted them to have a chance.

“There’s something different about her. She gives me goosies.”

I laughed because they both had it bad. Toni didn’t look like the type to say “goosies.” But sometimes people bring out different sides of us.

“But let’s get down to business, yeah?” Toni shook her arms out and grabbed her sketchpad.

I did my best to describe my vision and hoped to make it a reality. Toni took in everything I said, and she also had some cool ideas to add. Once she sketched it out, I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

This image was calling out to me for some reason, and I was ready to memorialize it on my body forever.

Chapter Fifteen

Blake - Wednesday

Upon reaching the car, Steph had a smile on her face, which made me optimistic that she was in a forgiving mood.

“Hey, babe. You look happy.” I squeezed her hand as I sat in the driver’s seat.

Steph shrugged but just stared at her phone.

“Have you picked a place to eat?”

“I’m in the mood for sushi.” She didn’t look at me as she responded. Sushi was one of my least favorite foods, so it seemed deliberate.

I had hoped her prior concern might have lessened her anger, but I was wrong. I didn’t want to make any waves, so I agreed.

“Sushi is good with me. Have you decided what you want to do afterward? I’ll take you anywhere.”