“It’s my shop. I closed early. After what my mother has just said to me I’m not in the mood to bake. I’m not in the mood for anything.”
He saw she held the book he’d given her yesterday, the one with all of his designs inside.
“You think the only way I can get a man is if he has to want something from you in order for me to be with them?”
“June, I’m looking out for you.”
“No. If you were looking out for me you wouldn’t force me to go on dates with men I don’t like. If you were looking for me you’d accept the man in my life and leave it alone. You’re wrong about him, Dad. You and Mom are wrong about a lot of things.”
She clutched the folder to her chest like it was a lifeline.
“I love you.”
“I love you as well, but I don’t think Grandpa had much of a say in who you were seeing.” June stared down at the floor as silence settled in the room. “Just go, Dad.”
Elliot stared at his daughter looking lost.
“I’ll take care of her,” Trey said.
The older man glared at him, which Trey ignored. The only person he cared about impressing was June.
Her father left the shop, and June finally looked up at him.
“You’ve really closed the bakery?” he asked.
“Mom walked in as I was getting ready to do the next lot of breads and cupcakes. I lost all the inspiration and fun out of it.” She shrugged.
“What did your mom say?” he asked, taking a step toward her.
“You don’t want to know.” June lifted the book. “I can’t pick a design. They’re all beautiful. I was hoping you’d pick what you wanted to do and that you’d do it today?”
“I’d be honored to mark your skin.”
June nodded, tucking some hair behind her ear.
“Also, erm, I’ve organized a hotel in Hawaii. We don’t have to leave the room, but I was wondering if you’d like to go away with me. Get away from all the chaos and the mess that is here.”
“Are you running away?” He held the folder close, staring at her.
“I wish I could run away from it all and never return. I’m not allowed to do that. I’m sticking around for good. I’m not going anywhere apart from away on a short, very short, vacation,” she said.
“Then, June Armstrong, I’d love to go away with you,” he said.
She smiled. It was her first real smile since he’d let her this morning.
“So, erm, what are you going to do?” she asked.
“About what?”
He couldn’t look away from her. She laughed. “About my ink. What are you going to do about my ink?”
Shaking his head, he opened the folder and pointed at a picture. He knew before he’d given her the book the tattoo he was going to do. Instead of just assuming that is the one she’d want, he’d given her the option of picking.
“I designed this one for you,” he said, pointing to the ink with the butterflies surrounded by the deep red roses.
“It’s beautiful.”
Locking the door, Trey pulled the blinds down, giving them both much needed privacy.
“Step this way,” he said, pointing through the door.
She did as he asked, and he pushed the curtains closed on the glass and turned the light on for him to work.
“Are you okay with doing this?” she asked.
“I’m more than okay.”
“What does my father have to do with this building?”
He patted the chair and she sat down. “I’m going to need for you to turn onto your stomach, baby.”
She did as he asked, and he worked her trousers down and her shirt up.
“Your father owns the building. He’s the reason I can do what I love. I pay the rent every month and some of the profit from what I do.”
“Are you worried I’m going to change all that?”
“No. I’m good at what I do. Elliot is a great guy. I’m sure he won’t make this personal.”
Trey hoped he was right about him. If not, he was well and truly fucked.
****
Staring down at the floor, June tried to think of something comforting to say. “I won’t let him ruin this for you.”
“June, stop worrying about everything. You’re a grown woman. It’s not like I messed with you underage or anything. We’re grown adults seeing where this thing between us goes.”
“Is that what we’re doing? I mean, we didn’t get to discuss it last night.” She nibbled her lip, wishing she could find a switch in her brain that told her to stop speaking.
“I think it’s safe to say we’re not just fucking anymore, June. Your parents know about us, and it will only be a matter of time before everyone else does.” He kissed her shoulder. “I don’t have a problem with everyone knowing. What about you?”