Anonymous

I could only nod, staring at his hands touching mine. He pulled away to put gloves on bringing a cart over. I watched him prep everything for his gun, having a canister of ink and everything. It was interesting to observe. He opened a single wipe and grabbed my finger, cleaning it. The look on his face was so serious as he concentrated.

That was kind of a turn on too.

He coughed into his shoulder, glancing at me. "Sorry," he whispered. I could only shake my head. He tossed the wipe into a trash can nearby, clearing his throat as he grabbed a marker. "Mind if I just draw it on?" he gestured to my hand. I shook my head again, biting my lip slightly as he grabbed my hand.

Why his touch alone was enough to make my body tingle like this was a mystery to me.

He was gentle, drawing a simple design to match the photo. He showed it to me and I smiled. "Yeah that's nice," I muttered. He nodded and then got his equipment fully together. I watched him, seeing him focus on his work. There was something so fascinating about it, the look on his face as he started. I winced at the stinging at first, but settled in soon enough.

"So easy!" Katie gushed and I glanced over seeing her look at her finger before glancing at me. Derrick went to get something, probably to wrap her finger up, as she came over here. Too soon the tattoo was done and I looked over liking how simple and cute the design was. It was just a simple flower with a vine-like stem. But it made me so happy to look at.

He finished cleaning it, wrapping it up before grabbing my hand and giving my finger a gentle kiss. I swallowed hard, my heart racing as his eyes met mine. "Hope it wasn't too painful," he teased and I sighed, laughing once as I pulled away and stood up.

"It looks so cute!" Katie gushed as Derrick hurried over, treating her finger and wrapping her up.

"Robin can we lock up for lunch, just at least for a half hour so Derrick and everyone can eat?" Trent called out, looking over at her as he pulled his gloves off.

"Sure!" she went down the stairs and I glanced at Katie. She went over to the counter to pay, but before she could Trent smirked.

"It's on the house," he insisted, Katie looking shocked but also incredibly amused.

"Thanks Trent. And it was nice to meet you," she added. He smiled, glancing at me.

"Can I walk you out?" he offered quietly. I crossed my arms loosely, nodding as my words were still pretty lost on me. Katie hurried off first, Trent sighing with a smile as he gestured for me to follow. Robin came up as we walked down. We walked to the parking lot, Katie sliding in and starting her car as I hesitated by her trunk.

"So um, what are we doing here?" I asked softly, his hands sliding into his pockets as he shrugged. I noticed the few tattoos on his arms and hesitated. "Do you um, do you want to stop what we've been doing now that we know each other?" I muttered finally.

"Actually I wanted to ask you the opposite," he admitted quietly, my heart aching. "I've been thinking about it recently," he continued glancing down before he made an interesting face. His hands grabbed my waist and I gasped as I stumbled into his hold.

He went to kiss me and I froze, my hands pushing on his chest gently.

"Um, can I think about it?" I choked out sheepishly. His face wrinkled in confusion as he studied me. Then a weird smile settled on his lips as he sighed and let his head drop forward.

"Sure, think it over 213," he let me go, walking off. He glanced back at me once, shaking his head as he swung his arms. His walk looked a little strained, his arms swung together a few times in the front. Was he mad? I hurried to sit down in Katie's car, my heart racing as I realized I basically just rejected him.

"Why did you stop him from kissing you?!" she demanded, my heart sinking as I looked at her.

"I don't know. I really don't," I admitted, stunned with myself. I looked at the shop wanting to go back in there and talk to him. Katie probably sensed that and sighed heavily.

"Look, you'll be home tonight. He'll be home. Talk to him then ok, don't go in there now and make his day any harder," she grumbled. I nodded slowly, staring at the building as we pulled out. Katie was giving me a pep talk the whole way back to my place. "Tell me tomorrow how you two made up, ok?" she demanded and I smirked, feeling so stupid.

"Thanks," I gave her a hug and she rubbed my back before letting me get out. I walked up the stairs slowly, hating how lousy I felt with myself. He put himself out there, telling me he wanted more from us. The look on his face seemed so hurt.

"You're so stupid Lynds!" I grumbled throwing myself onto my bed. I rolled around in self-pity, hating how stupid I felt. After a few hours of that I decided to write him a note. I grabbed a piece of paper, eagerly writing down a note.

Let's talk. And not on our balconies but face to face. I'll order Chinese and we can make a night of it. Lights on, my place. Just knock on my door if you're down.

I pushed my balcony door open, noticing the string wasn't on my side. I frowned, glancing at the wall. I did my best to toss it over, hearing the gentle flutter of the paper on the concrete. I smiled, proud of myself for taking the first step. Now it was just waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting.

My stomach growled after I finished watching a movie and I realized it was already so late. I looked at my phone, shocked at the time. Did he not come home yet? Or did he not see my letter? Maybe he did though, and just didn't want to talk to me. I looked over to my balcony and my heart sunk when I saw that familiar plume of smoke.

So he was home, had seen my letter, and just didn't want to talk to me.

Damn.

I felt so embarrassed and ashamed. I turned him down and then had the audacity to invite him over like he wasn't hurt. Of course he probably needed his time and space. I just wasn't sure how much space he needed. Or time for that matter.

So I decided to wait for his response. If it was a knock on my door, or a letter attached to the string from his balcony, I'd let him respond in his own time.

But what I didn't expect was for nearly three weeks to go by without so much as a peep from him. I went on my balcony but we never crossed paths and it was getting colder at night so I couldn't stay out there longer waiting around for him to just happen to smoke or eat the same time I was there. That and he never sent a letter over.

Was it really over?

I called Katie finally at my wit's end with the whole situation.

"Schedule a tattoo appointment with him," she insisted and I scoffed. "And keep it. Let him give you another tattoo. I know you like those tattoos that shape under your tits. Like tattooed body jewelry. It'd look so hot on you too," she pressed. I hesitated, nibbling on my lip as I thought about it.

"O-ok I'll do it," I mumbled, taking a deep breath. A weird squeal of excitement was muffled. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"And go alone!" she insisted, making me hesitate. "I can't be there, it has to just be you two!" she continued making me even more uncertain.

"Fine! Ok fine," I grumbled. She hung up and I felt my hands shake as I called the tattoo place.

"Hello, thank you for calling Ink Monkeys how can I help you?" it was that girl, Robin.

"H-hi, I was calling to see if Trent had any openings coming up?" I asked nervously, gnawing on my finger as I glared at my wall.

"Trent isn't taking clients right now," she admitted and I was floored. "His schedule opens back up in September," she explained and I nibbled on my finger, my forehead wrinkling.

"H-he promised me I could make an appointment this week," I lied through my teeth, but I felt desperate.

"He never told me anyone would get a special appointment," she insisted and I hesitated, not sure how to prove I was someone close to him. Or at least justify the appointment.

"Y-yeah when he went to take care of his dad after his knee surgery I kept an eye on his apartment and got his mail," that lie was believable enough, right? There was a moment of silence and then a heavy sigh.

"I'm going to ring his neck for not telling me. He should be in tomorrow. I'll let him know a close friend wanted to come in. Does that work for you?" she demanded, sounding irked. I nodded furiously, pushing my hair back, feeling a bit surprised.

"Yes that's perfect, thanks!" she gave me a time to be there and then I heard the phone click and a hushed dial tone. I collapsed into my mattress, staring up at the ceiling as my heart raced.

I just had to make it to tomorrow without losing my damn mind. That was easier said than done. I found myself pacing all over my apartment, going on the balcony to get some fresh air, and hiding back in my room as a million thoughts swarmed my head.

Why did I let Katie talk me into this?!

Even trying to sleep I was restless and uncomfortable, tossing around unable to stop my mind.

When it was time, I got dressed opting to go braless. In fact I wanted to not look like I was trying at all. So I put on a pair of my old sweatpants and one of the loose workout tank tops I had lying around. I pulled on a bulky zip up, zipping it halfway so it hung off my shoulder.

I settled for a messy bun that looked cute but nonchalant. I fixed my bangs, putting in the feather earrings Katie made for me. She said I couldn't bring her, but I wanted her with me in spirit. I slid into my sandals, grabbing my keys and heading out.

The GPS brought me closer and closer, my nerves in overdrive. I was practically shaking as I pulled in to park. I took a few deep breaths, collecting myself to go inside. The walk up those damn stairs was my undoing. Every creak had my nerves electrified. Robin smiled at me, looking confused and a bit shocked.

"Welcome back! Do you have an appointment?" she asked and I nodded slowly, glancing at the parlor seeing a few artists in but not seeing Trent.

"Um, I uh, I requested the appointment with Trent," I muttered and she smiled.

"Oh right! We spoke on the phone. He's in the office I'll let him know you're here," she gestured to his chair and I swallowed the lump in my throat, walking over to sit down. I eased my zip-up off, tossing my shit on the chair next to me. I settled back, crossing my arms as I tried not to fidget too much.

Trent came out, smiling as he talked with Robin. She waved at me and I smiled, my eyes shifting to see Trent's expression. He was hard to read, just smiling slightly. It felt purely professional.

"When Robin told me my neighbor booked an appointment I thought it was a joke," he mumbled quietly, my heart sinking.

"But you took the appointment anyway," I muttered. His eyes narrowed slightly as his smile faltered.

"I didn't want to seem like an ass in front of my employees," he corrected and I pouted slightly, feeling bad that I put him in this position.

"I, I didn't know what else to do. You didn't respond," I whispered pathetically, his face wrinkling in confusion as he sat down in his wheely chair.

"Respond to what Lyndsey? You're the one who ghosted me," he grumbled and I shook my head, sitting up and clutching the arm of the chair. He seemed shocked as I leaned toward him.

"That day I got this done," I held my finger up and he sighed, hanging his head. "I got home and wrote you a note. I asked you to come over for a real date, face to face. No anonymity. No lights off. I offered to order Chinese food," I insisted. He looked baffled and frustrated.

"Don't lie, I would have seen a note. I was on my porch that night!" he snipped and I nodded.

"I know I saw you smoking and thought you saw the note and decided not to talk to me again after I said what I did," I was frantically muttering, hushed since I knew this was technically his work. I didn't want to make a huge scene but this felt like now or never.

He was baffled.

"And each day I didn't get a letter back, didn't hear a knock on my door," I shook my head, slumping back as I rubbed my face. "It killed me. I wanted to give you space, to not push you. I said what I did, but that's because I'm stupid!" I huffed, shaking my head as I dropped my arms and studied him.

He was staring at his hands in his lap, looking confused and speechless.

"But I, I called Katie yesterday telling her I couldn't hold out anymore. That I had to talk to you. It's been eating away at me!" I confessed, his eyes meeting mine as his head lifted up slightly. "So she told me to not be a damn chicken and just force you to see me," I muttered, feeling ashamed as I shrugged.

"So you wanted to get a tattoo? Not another piercing or something simple like that?" he snipped and I flinched before sighing.

"I didn't know if you did the piercings here or not," I felt so ashamed of myself. He actually laughed once, making me feel a bit better.

"You really thought this through huh?" he demanded. The look on his face as he studied me had me on edge. I nibbled on my lip, hugging myself as I waited for him to say something, anything. "So what tattoo did you want?" he mumbled then and I took a deep breath.

"I want something like this," I pulled a picture up on my phone and his eyes bulged slightly.

"You sure?" he whispered, seeming shocked. "But you haven't gotten a big tattoo. Ever," he insisted, probably checking in on my mental state.

"Well the idea was if you rejected me at least I'd have a beautiful piece of art from you to last me a lifetime. That and the idea of your hands on my body for at least another two hours was an added bonus," I added in that last part, my face hot as he actually bit his lip with a cute chuckle.

"You really know all the damn things to say to drive a man mad," he muttered, shaking his head as he turned to get a clean pair of gloves on. He pushed on a pedal with his foot, the chair collapsing automatically. I relaxed into it, shifting slightly on my back. "Robin can you get the nipple covers for me?" he called out, my face hot as he basically announced to the store I was getting tattoos around my tits.

"Jesus, say it louder will ya?" I grumbled, hating how devious he looked as he shrugged.

"We've had crazier things happen in this shop," that didn't make me feel better. Robin came over and I took a deep breath about to push my shirt up when he grabbed it and folded it up for me. Robin put the pasties on my nipples, smiling.

"What are you getting?" she was curious and I pulled my phone up, showing her.

"Something like this. I wanted him to freestyle it though, see what looked best on my body?" I offered, glancing at Trent who smiled, his eyes locked on my chest.

"That'll look gorgeous," Robin agreed, walking off then. Trent took his time cleaning and prepping my whole ribcage and under boobs, my heart racing. I closed my eyes, trying to relax as his hands touched all over me. Even with gloves on his touch made my body ache.

"Are you uncomfortable?" he asked and I exhaled, rolling my eyes as I rubbed my face.

"It's just been a minute since, um, since anyone's touched me," I muttered as his hand ran up under my breasts. He actually laughed lightly, making me hate myself more.

"Tell me about it," he teased. I didn't know if I wanted to smile, laugh, or frown. "But try and stay still," he mumbled. I took a deep breath, relaxing as I closed my eyes. And then soon enough I felt him leaning over me. His hands and arms brushing across my abdomen as he drew the design out. He'd let his hand rest on my tits as he drew under them. It almost seemed like he was pulling them up, but I knew there wasn't much to maneuver. It seemed pointless.

Did he just want to touch them?

That thought stirred something deep in me. After a while he pulled away and I exhaled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "Check it out," he nudged my hip and I eased up off the table, walking over to a long mirror on the one wall. I pulled my shirt up, shocked at how intricate the piece looked. It wasn't too big and shaped my body perfectly.

"Wow, it's beautiful," I whispered, glancing at him in the reflection. He was leaning on the half wall, his arms crossed as he admired me. The look on his face made my stomach knot.

"Come on, it's just a lot of linework but it's going to take a while," he nodded his head toward his table and I nodded walking back over. As I got comfortable he eased my shirt back up, my body tingling as the air kissed my skin. He sat down, pulling the cart over.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. I felt his hand pressing against my stomach gently.

"Ready?" it sounded like he was mocking me. "I'm told I have a very light hand, don't be so nervous," he chuckled and I sighed, smiling as I got comfy.

"I'm ready," I muttered. And then I heard his gun turn on, feeling the sting and breathing into it. He did have a fairly light touch, almost ticklish but in a comforting way. I felt like I could fall asleep after some time, his light breathing and gentle pressing on my body having a weird effect on me.

"Do you want water or something?" his voice pulled me out of my hypnosis and I opened my eyes slowly, seeing him still concentrating but his eyes occasionally darting to meet mine.

"No I'm good," I mumbled. He nodded once, turning back to my body. There was something really sensual in the way he was attentively studying me. I don't know why, but I was loving it. My stomach was even twisting up and burning. I saw him bite his lip slightly, his forehead wrinkling and I had to close my eyes before I stared at him for the rest of the session.

Finally he pulled away entirely, rolling away. I heard him grab something and I looked to see him getting stuff to clean and treat my skin. He wiped the tattoo down, smiling at me. "I think it looks gorgeous, if I do say so myself," he mumbled and I couldn't help but blush and smile, getting up. He let me walk over to the mirror. I hesitated before holding my shirt up.

"Oh gosh!" I gasped, shocked to see the design fully lined. It looked like henna work, or some really gorgeous body jewelry hanging under my breasts. It shaped my chest amazingly, adding to the curves I had there.

"Let's cover you up," he chuckled and I nodded slowly, still amazed as I turned away. He got me all covered up, bringing me over to the counter. "Give her a discount Robin, please?" he handed me my zip up and wallet and I bit my lip, smiling as I took it. I turned to her, ringing out.

"It looked amazing. I checked in on it when he was nearly done. I think you were asleep though," she teased and I giggled.

"He has a light touch," I admitted and she nodded.

"He did this for me," she pointed to her neck and I smiled. "I was worried about the pain but it was a breeze," she beamed. I went to leave when he came back out from the office.

"Can I walk you out again?" he asked and I nodded, still feeling a bit in a daze. We walked down to my car, déjà vu hitting me. We got to the trunk of my car and I hesitated.

"Do you um, do you want to hang out tonight?" I asked quietly and he crossed his arms, smiling as he shrugged.

"Can I think about it?" he teased and I sighed, hanging my head in shame. He laughed happily, his arm wrapping around my waist. Our faces were so close, my heart racing as he held me. "You have some fucking timing Lyndsey," he muttered and I pouted. "I'm leaving tomorrow morning to go visit my dad for two weeks," he sighed.

"Oh, wow, that is some timing," I agreed quietly, staring into his amazingly crystal blue eyes. He smirked, his hand pressing against my back as he leaned closer.

"So I'll have to call it an early night. We can do dinner, but nothing else," he whispered, our noses brushing. I felt myself tremble at the thought of more, making him laugh once. "Can I kiss you now?" he muttered, our lips almost touching. I pulled him against me, loving his soft groan as our lips touched. We held each other, kissing tenderly. This kiss was different, unfamiliar. Usually we were devouring each other.