Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
“This better be good, O’Brien.”
He chuckles and squeezes my waist as he keeps his arm around me. We’re about a block and a half away from the gym when he turns into a shop that has the windows covered.
Dylan waves for Ciarán to head inside ahead of us. My brother bounces through the doorway with a huge smile on his face. I walk in next and stop in my tracks.
“Dylan?” I call out as I stumble back and bump into his chest. “What have you done?”
“I told you to trust me and give me time. This is my gift to you.”
“A freaking tattoo shop? Are you kidding me?”
“Not kidding at all. This place is all yours. I placed the deed in your name.”
I look around with my mouth open. There is a huge sign on the wall that reads C&D Irish Ink. There’s black-and-white art on the black and gray walls that have graffiti painted on them.
The reception area is sleek and welcoming, with a cute waiting area off to the right of it. A pretty dark-skinned woman with bright brown eyes steps forward and offers me her hand. I take it and shake it, not knowing what else to do.
“This is Kary. She will run the place for now. You will be her apprentice.”
“Congratulations. It’s so nice to meet you. I signed on for two years to get this place up and running for you and help out with getting you your hours and license.
“I’ll get you through the paperwork and exam. Any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them for you. I’ve managed three shops in the last ten years. One in Chicago, another in LA, and Dylan poached me from right here in Brooklyn,” she says.
“I … I …wow.” I turn to look at Dylan with my brows knit. “A hole-ass tattoo shop. Really?
“Like, when, how? You did this right under my nose. This is only like two blocks from the gym. How didn’t I know about this?”
“Because he threatened us all with bodily harm. Not to mention the man is crazy about ya and worked us all into the ground to get this done for ya,” Taegan sings as she and Daliah appear with a cake in their hands that has the shop’s name and Congratulations on it. “Congrats, love.”
“Congratulations,” Daliah gushes as she bounces on her toes.
“Oh my God. Thank you. Kary, I’m so sorry. It’s nice to meet you. I didn’t mean to be so rude. I’m a bit in shock at the moment.”
“Girl, you’re fine. I wish I had a man this in love with me. Come on back and I’ll show you the suites.”
“Suites?”
“This place is so cool, Cee. Wait until you see it all,” Ciarán croons.
“Wait a minute, you knew about this?”
His cheeks start to glow, and he looks away, turning his gaze anywhere but toward me. I fold my arms across my chest as I look at everyone around me. They were all in on this.
It hits me what this all means and tears fill my eyes. I love working at the gym now that there’s no drama. I feel like it has helped Dylan and me grow closer. However, this.
I used to dream of being a tattoo artist. For Dylan to create a place of my own for me where I can learn and grow means more than he could ever know.
I’ve been looking into the idea and have found a whole culture and community of ex-fighters who are now tattoo artists. This is something I’ve been thinking can become a real thing. However, this man has gone above and beyond to ensure it is a real thing without a doubt.
As the shock wears off, I run into his arms and wrap myself around him. He places his hands on my butt as he buries his face in my neck. I don’t think I can love him more than I do right now.
“Thank you,” I breathe. “Thank you so much. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby. Do you like it?”
“I love it. Why C&D Irish Ink?”
He releases a laugh. “Ciarán thought I should name it after you and me. Taegan chimed in and said I should add my nickname since she calls you Tiny Irish behind your back.”
“Ciara and Dylan Irish Ink. It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”
“Come on. Let’s show you to your suite so I can tell you what I want you to ink for me as your first client.”
I look him in his eyes and beam at him. “You’re going to allow me to put ink on you?”
“I’m your blank canvas. Do as you want with me. I’ll even let you touch up my gloves.”
“That piece is amazing. I don’t think I’m ready to touch that one.”
He pecks my lips. “When you’re ready.” He winks at me and starts to walk farther into the shop with me still wrapped around him.