“I’ve not got a problem. I guess I’m just a little afraid in case they say you’re using me for money or something.”
She yelped as he slapped her ass. “I’m not using you, and I don’t ever want to hear of you thinking those words, do you understand me?”
“No need to get bossy.”
Her words earned her another slap.
June giggled as he cursed her. “Sorry, I can’t help it.”
“We’re together. We’re not going to let people get between us at all.”
Trey started working on her tattoo. She loved hearing the buzz of the needle and the feel of it against her skin. There was something addictive to the noise. The mirror across from her showed June his concentration. He was working hard to get her ink just right.
“You’re really good at this,” she said.
“I worked hard. I didn’t want a high education or to be some fancy lawyer. This is what I love to do.”
“You’re an artist.”
She had gone to college and in the evenings trained as a baker. “Being in a stressful job is no fun.”
“Were your parents happy with your decision?” he asked.
“To become a baker? No, they hated it. They both felt I was destined for something more fun than baking. I love it though. I work through new recipes at night when I’m alone. The hours can suck sometimes, but it’s nice to take the day off. It’s only Saturday, and it’s always slow.”
“How did Molly take the news?”
“I’m paying her to have the day off. She deserves to have some fun with those kids.” Blowing her hair out of her eyes, she watched him change something and then went back working.
“Dale’s not going to let up on her,” he said.
“What?”
“Dale is going to be there for her whether Molly likes it or not. He loves those kids, and I believe him when he tells me something.”
“I’m not judging anyone, Trey. It’s between the two of them.”
She was silent thinking about everything Molly must have gone through.
“You’re thinking too hard,” he said.
“I just wondered how she did it without completely freaking out. I couldn’t have done it. Two kids with no Dad in the question. It’s tough.”
He murmured in agreement. “She didn’t trust Dale’s reputation, and he did some things to her that sucked. I don’t know what he did, but it must have been bad. I get it, and even he gets it. Times change, and people need to learn to move on.”
“Have you moved on?” she asked.
“From my high school days?”
She nodded.
“Yeah, I’ve moved on. I’m not the same person I was back then. I spent a lot of time angry at my parents and shit. It’s not who I am now.”
Falling silent again, June listened to him work. The buzzing of the needle nearly made her fall asleep.
“I made a lot of mistakes in high school. A lot I can’t take back. One of those mistakes was the way I treated you, June.”
Looking up at the mirror she saw him staring back at her.
“Could you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?” he asked.
This was it. He’d been her bully in high school, but now he was her lover. Trey was opening up, asking for her forgiveness.
Taking a deep breath, June nodded. “It’s all forgiven.”
She spoke the words and felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. His hand settled on her hip, holding her in place.
“I promise you, June, you won’t regret it.”
“I hope not.”
What was happening here?
“Finish my tattoo, stud,” she said, blowing the hair out of her eyes.
He worked her tattoo for the next hour. Trey worked efficiently without a glitch. There was a point where she thought she’d fallen asleep.
Trey kissed her shoulder, waking her up. “It’s done, baby,” he said.
Opening her eyes, she rubbed the sleep from them. “You’ve finished?”
“Yeah. I love it, but I’m a little biased.”
Sitting up, she stared at him feeling a numbing in her back. “I’ll be close to you so I’ll deal with your aftercare. Come and look.”
He got her to stand in front of the mirror and held another mirror to her back. “I’m afraid that jeans, trousers, and skirts are out of the question. I suggest dresses. Nice, short dresses.”
She got her first look at the tattoo on her back and loved it.
“Trey, it’s gorgeous.”
“It’s one of my best,” he said.
“I love it.” Turning toward him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Is kissing out of the equation?”
Trey took hold of her hand and placed it between his thighs. She felt the hard, thick length of his arousal.