Tatted Cowboy (14 page)

“Did you like your
massage?
”

“Fuck yeah, I did.  I’ll be having one of those daily, if that’s what they entail.”

She shakes her head, grinning and walks into the bathroom to clean up.  I do an ab-curl up and grab some paper towel to clean myself up with and then tuck myself back into my jeans.  I find my shirt on the floor and tug the singlet over my head, not bothering with the over-shirt.

“You good?” I ask, as Laura comes into the room again.

“Yeah,” she answers, biting her lip again. 
That fucking lip
.

Rather than telling her not to bite it
again
, I lean in and grab it between my teeth, sucking the plump flesh into my mouth.

She moans and melts into me.  “Fuck, that was even better than I imagined.”  I kiss her deeply, only pulling back when she starts to lose her breath.

“You’ve got the power to ruin me,” she whispers.  I feel my brows almost reach my hairline in shock.  She can’t be serious.  Surely she knows it is she who holds all the power here. 

I fell for her the first time I saw her at the pub, when she ran into me.  Her cheeks pink and her hand over her eyes in embarrassment that she’d just caught two people fucking.  I couldn’t help my attraction.  It was overwhelming.  And, she thinks
I’ve
got the power.

“Think you’ve got that all wrong, baby,” I reply gently.

She shakes her head, dismissing my comment.  I grab her chin, forcing her to look me in the eyes.  “Trust me, sweetheart,” I beseech.  “
You’ve
got the power here. I’m trying my hardest to hold back, to give in to the slow pace vibe you’re throwing off, but I’m struggling.  And when a man is struggling, baby that means the woman is holding all the power. 
She’s
in control.  And the man is just holding on to dear life, praying the ride he’s on will go the way he desperately needs it to go.  He’s fighting the urge to take the reins and steer her in the direction he
knows
she wants to go in.  But, he’s sitting back, letting her guide it her own way, because that’s what
she
needs.  So you see, sweetheart, you’re in control.  Because, I’m that man.  And, you’re that woman.”

“I … uh, I don’t know what to say,” she splutters.

I lean down and place my lips on hers, which are parted in shock.  Her wide eyes drift shut as I run my tongue through her mouth.

“Holy crap,” she whispers when I pull back. 

“What are you doing tonight?” I ask when she’s gathered her bearings once again.

“I’ve got to clean up here, disinfect the table,” she pauses to give me a pointed to look, to which I grin.  “Then, nothing,” she ends with a shrug.

“Right.  I’ll help you clean up, then we’re going on a date.”  Tonight, we’re going to get to know each other.  No more of this basic shit she’s been feeding me.  Tonight, I’m going to start breaking apart those fucking walls.

“That sounds good.  Where are we going?”

I think quickly.  Definitely not The Cow and Calf – not that there’s anything wrong with Dory’s food, but tonight calls for something special.  “Rose Garden in Darwin.  You like Chinese?” I ask, praying she does.

She nods, a smile tipping her fucking kissable lips.  “I like Chinese.”

“Good.  I gotta go do a few things, then I’ll be back at yours to pick you up.  Six o’clock all right with you?”

“Sounds good.”

“Good, baby. Now, let’s get this bench Spray ‘n’ Wiped,” I grin.

“I got this.  You go do what you got to do.” She places her hands flat on my pecs and rolls up on her toes to place her lips to my mouth.

“Six,” I confirm once more.

“Six,” she nods.

I head back to Premier Ink to shower, change and call Zeke to see if he is still arriving tomorrow, all the while hoping six o’clock hurries up and arrives.

LAURA

At five minutes ‘til six, the doorbell rings.  Giving my fingers a quick flick through my hair to fluff it up, I race down the hallway and pull it open.  Luke, standing there in all his glory, makes my breath catch in my throat.  His jeans look newer than the ones he had on earlier, but still worn.  I’m a little sad to see the shirt he has on is long sleeve and covers his tattoos, but the vibrant green colour brings out the deep blue of his eyes.

“Hey,” I manage, after I’ve finished checking him out.

“Wow,” he replies, his eyes travelling up and down my body, slowly undressing me.
Eye fucking me
.  A shiver of the good kind runs up my spine.  “You look amazing, Laura.”

“Thank you,” I say, ducking my head, suddenly feeling a little shy.  I chose a simple white lace, knee-length dress with a thick, brown belt slung low around my hips. My brown high-top cowgirl boots finish off my outfit.  I left my hair down, tousled.  My makeup is minimal, but slightly heavier around the eyes.

His fingers grab my chin gently and he lifts up, forcing me to meet his eyes.  Eyes that are blazing hot with desire.  My stomach clenches and all of a sudden, I don’t want to eat Chinese food. I want to eat Luke Stewart.

“I lied just now when I said you looked amazing.” My heart stutters at his confession.  “What I should’ve said, was you look absolutely
fucking
amazing.  And, if we don’t leave right now, we won’t be going anywhere,” he growls.

So hot!

I want to stay in.
  The words almost leave my lips, but then, I really want some Mongolian Lamb for dinner.  I bite my lip in contemplation, causing him to growl again and push me into the wall, his erection pressing against my stomach.  My panties dampen.

Stay in and eat Luke.

Go out, eat Chinese food, then come home and eat Luke…

I open my mouth to make a choice, but before I can, he speaks.

“Come on,” he says, making the decision for me.  Taking my hand he leads me out to his ute.

Two hours later we arrive at Rose Garden Chinese Restaurant.  My stomach is growling and I’m craving egg rolls with my lamb.

Luke climbs out and then comes around my side to open my door for me.  Taking my hand, he leans down and places a soft kiss on my lips.  “Ready?” he asks.

“Yep.”  I give him a smile and he beeps the locks on the ute, tucking the keys into his pocket as we walk inside.

“Good evening, welcome to Rose Garden.  Just two?” the young Chinese waitress with a thick accent asks us upon entering.

“Thanks,” Luke nods.

“Follow me, I seat you somewhere cozy.” She lets out a little giggle and leads the way to the back of the restaurant.

“Here you go. Nice and quiet.  Now, I get you drink?”

“I’ll have a white wine, please.”

“Beer for me, please,” Luke answers.

“Okay. Won’t be long. I come get your order in a minute, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you.”

She bustles away, returning seconds later with our drinks.

“How are things going at Premier Ink?” I ask Luke when the waitress leaves.

“Good.” He brings his beer to his lips and I watch the thick cords of his throat flex as he swallows.

Damn.

“Zeke should be here tomorrow.  You’ll get to meet him.  Hopefully that will free up some of my time.” He raises his eyebrows playfully, making me laugh.

“Best sound in the world,” I hear him mutter.

“Are you excited to see Zeke? How long has it been since you last saw him?”

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.  It’s been years.  He left the day after Mum’s funeral, and that’s been five years. Haven’t seen him since then .”

“Wow,” I gasp, shocked.

“Speak on the phone often enough, but it will be good to actually lay my eyes on him.”

“I’m sure you guys will have heaps to catch up on.”

“Yeah.” He laughs once, humourlessly.  “Zeke’s not a real big talker.”  He runs his fingers roughly through the stubble on his jaw.  “He used to be a good kid, growing up he always had his head screwed on.  Mum’s death fucked with him big time, though.  I only hope he’s either lost the chip on his shoulder, or he reins in his attitude while he’s at work.  Or, I’ll start losing customers.”

Why invite him to come and work for you then?

He must see the question written all over my face, because he answers without me asking.  “It’s time for him to come home, sweetheart.  He’s been rogue long enough.  He seems solid on the phone – or more so than he was when he left.  No matter what, it’s time for him to come home.”

“I can understand that.  I hope it works out. For both of you,” I stress.  “Losing someone we love can break us in ways that make us believe we’re irreparable,” I share softly.

He studies me for a moment, his beautiful blue eyes sharp as they look over my face.

“Yeah,” he agrees, his voice as soft as mine.

Our moment is interrupted by the waitress returning.  “I take your order now?”

I smile, shaking my head and then turn my attention to the waitress.  Luke and I both order and then continue small talk until our meal arrives.

“I think we should get to know each other better,” Luke states when we’ve finished eating.

“Okay,” I reply, drawing the word out.

“Tell me something about you.  Something no one else knows.  A secret, a fear, a dream…”

I think for a moment.  I could tell him about Gus.  Now would be the perfect time.  But, he said something no one else knows.  I know that’s just semantics and I’m using every possible excuse to delay the inevitable, but it makes me sick to my stomach to imagine him looking at me the same way Frank did.

“I…”
Tell him about Gus!
My mind screams.  “I eat Gran’s mushroom soup whenever she makes it, even though I can’t stand mushrooms,” I finally blurt.  “She thinks I love it, so she makes it for me every winter,” I explain further with a grimace.

I look across the table to see Luke’s body shaking with silent laughter.

“Baby.” He shakes his head.  “Why not just tell her you hate it?”

“The first time she made it, I was thirteen.  I was staying here with her for the school holidays, and the Pine Creek Fair was on.  Of course, Gran entered the cooking section every year, and the year before, Gran’s archrival, Josie, had won the Soup Section.  Gran was determined to win at all costs, so she jazzed up a timeless mushroom soup recipe that was passed down to her from her own Gran.  She asked me to taste it, and I didn’t want to let her down, so I ate it.  I told her it was the best soup I’d ever eaten in my life.  So, from then on, she made a point to make it for me if I was visiting during winter.  I can’t tell her now that I’ve hated it all along. She’ll be crushed.”

Luke has the biggest grin on his face as he listens to me recount my story.

“Did she win at least?”

“Yeah,” I sigh, rolling my eyes.  “She won all right.  She’s never let any of the family – or Josie – forget it.  Okay, your turn.”

“Hmm, well, I don’t have any food secrets,” he teases.  “I guess, my biggest dream is to expand my business. I’d love to open another Premier Ink shop here in Darwin.  A few years ago, I thought it would be cool to have one of those tattoo shows on television.  But, now, not so much.  I’d definitely like to expand, though.”

“That’s a great dream, and totally achievable, too.  You should go for it,” I encourage.

He shrugs.  “Maybe one day.  What about you, did you always dream of having your own salon?”

“Oh, no.” I shake my head, emphatically.  “Not until I moved back here and saw the vacant shop. Until then, it hadn’t entered my mind.  I’ve always worked as a beauty therapist, though.  When I saw the shop front, it wouldn’t leave my mind. I could see my vision clear as day,” I say wistfully.

“Meant to be.”

“Yep,” I agree.

He reaches across the table and takes my hand.  My eyes hold his, mesmerized.  I swallow past the lump that’s suddenly formed in my throat, to ask the question that’s been weighing on my mind this past week.  “What are we doing?” I croak out.

“Sitting in a Chinese restaurant.” He quirks an eyebrow.

“Ha ha!” I roll my eyes.  “You know what I mean.”

“You said you were with me,” he says simply with a shrug.

“Yeah, about that … what does that even mean?”

“It means you’re
with
me.  You’re my woman. We’re getting to know each other.  We’re sleeping in the same bed at night.  You’re with me.”

“Okay, so is this like … do you … uh,” I swallow.  “Do you want a relationship?”

He looks across the table at me and suddenly I feel incredible foolish. 

“Sweetheart.” He pauses.  “I’m thirty-five years old.  I’ve spent years dicking around and now I’m ready to settle down.  I live in a small town where the single ladies seem to be plucked right out of the air before they even hit the ground on their fall from Heaven.  Suffice to say, I’m not fucking around when it comes to you.  You said you were with me, and that means exactly what it sounds like.  Now, do you get me?”

“Um…” I stall, my walls crumbling along with each second that passes silently between us.

He gives me a pointed look.

We only get one life, Laura, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.  Denying ourselves things that make us happy is not a good way to spend our time on earth.

With my mum’s words playing in my ears, I finally nod slightly.  “Okay.”

“Good.  Now, let’s get home. I want dessert.”

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing as he sits across the table from me, a smug grin on his face.

In that moment, even though it is a little wrong, I can’t help but compare Frank and Luke.  If I had to describe Frank as a lover, I would say he was … leisurely and inconsistent.  Generally, the only speed he liked to make love, was slow, with no real rhythm.  He rarely took the time to take care of me, and unless I asked him for foreplay, I never got it.  Oral sex was a no-no for Frank, unless of course, he was on the receiving end.  He would tell me vaginas were disgusting and it would make him sick if he had to lick me there.  Frank did go down on me twice during our relationship, and both times were not a good experience for either of us.  Frank was sloppy and his tongue held no rhythm.  And, playing in my mind the entire time was what he would always say to me when I asked him to lick me:

“It’s nothing against you, babe.  It’s all pussies.  They’re so … unclean.”

Since being with Luke though, who
loves
to go down on me, I’ve realized what I was missing all these years.  Oral sex is the bomb!  Suddenly, I can’t wait to get home for Luke to enjoy dessert either, because god knows, I’m going to enjoy it, too.

***

My eyes open wearily when the car door opens, a cool gust of breeze blowing in.

“Sorry,” I say, wiping my eyes.  I must have fallen asleep on the ride home, and seeing as I can’t remember even leaving the Darwin city limits, I’m betting it was soon as we left the restaurant.  “I must have been tired. I don’t usually sleep on car trips.”

“No worries, babe.”  His hands go around me and he lifts me, bridal style, out of the car.

“I can walk, honey. I’m wide awake,” I say with a laugh.

“Yeah, but I like having you in my arms.” He gives me a squeeze and walks up the steps.  “Keys?”

“In my pocket.”  I manoeuvre myself in his arms and dig into my pocket to get the keys. 

He carries me into the kitchen and sits me on the bench.  Standing between my parted legs, he slides my body forward towards him, leaving little room between us.  We’re so close that every time I take a breath in, my breasts rub against his chest, causing my nipples to pebble.

“You still tired?”

“No,” I reply quickly.  Too quickly. 
Way to appear eager, Laura!
Geez. I want to roll my eyes at myself.

The bastard chuckles!

“Actually, I am pretty tired,” I snap, throwing some sass at him.

“Oh, baby,” he breaths, leaning in close.  “The tired you’re feeling right now, is going to be nothing compared to the tired you’ll be feeling when I’m done with you.”

My breath catches in my throat, my eyes widen, my lips part and my panties dampen.

Goddamn this man has a way with words
.

Once again, my body is drawn to him, craving the feeling he elicits.

“I’m gonna make you forget how to breathe, how to think, how to function.  Your whole world is gonna disappear until the only thing you’re feeling is me.  I’m going to consume you.  I’m gonna do all that with my tongue and fingers.”  He pauses to lift my index finger to his lips and place a wet kiss on the tip. “So, you can only imagine what it’s gonna feel like when I finally sink my cock inside that beautiful pussy of yours.”