Page 26 of Screwed
Callie opened the door to Cash the next afternoon. It was only three o’clock, and he was early. Her heart quivered as she saw him on her doorstep, looking gorgeous in a pair of boots, faded jeans, and a soft T-shirt. Why was she suddenly noticing how good-looking he was every time she saw him? “Hi! Come in. I’m not quite ready to go.”
He eyed her as he walked into the house. “You look fine like that.”
“Pfffft. You know I can’t go out looking like this.” She touched a hand to her messy bun.
“So I should come back in two hours, then?”
That wasn’t the first time he’d teased her about being high-maintenance. She lifted her chin. “Okay, you know what? Iwillgo out like this. No makeup, hair a mess, wearing cut-off sweat shorts…sure, why not? My mama would have a fit if she saw me, but we’re not likely to run into her at Joe’s Tattoo Parlor—”
A bark of laughter escaped him.
“On top of which, she’s going to have a fit anyway when she sees the tattoo.”
“She’s not going to see much of it, where you’re planning to put it. Or is that the idea…hide it from Mama? Maybe you’re not such a badass after all.”
“Ha. Actually, I’ve changed my mind about where I’m going to get the tattoo.”
“Oh yeah?” His gaze flicked to her boobs, then back up right away. Her skin heated everywhere.
“Yes. I’m going to get it on my finger.” She pointed to her right middle finger just above the knuckle. “Here.”
He nodded and reached for her hand. When he closed his strong, tanned fingers around hers, her belly fluttered. “How big?”
“Just tiny.” She drew her left index finger over the spot.
“That’ll actually look real pretty,” he said slowly.
“Thank you.” She paused, looking down as he continued to hold her hand. “I’m going to put off the piercing, though.”
He dropped her hand, and his gaze snapped up to hers. “Piercing?”
“Yes. Maybe an eyebrow piercing. Or a little diamond stud in one nostril.”
“The piercing would be less permanent than the tattoo. Just sayin’. If you change your mind, you can take out the little ring or whatever and let it heal up.” He fixed his gaze on her. “The tattoo is permanent.”
“I know.” Again, she firmed her jaw. “That’s why I want one. I want a permanent reminder that I’m stronger because of adversity.” Then she beamed at him. “Hey, be glad I’m not getting a tattoo that says ‘Marriage—the leading cause of divorce.’”
He shook his head, smiling. “Thank fuck for that.”
“Or, ‘I’m only upset I’m not a widow.’”
His smile became pained. “Callie.”
“Hey. You have to keep a sense of humor. Right?”
“Right.” He paused. “You know this is gonna hurt, yeah?”
She clucked. “Seriously? You think a little prick is going to hurt more than a big prick?”
His lips twitched, and he looked at his boots. “Good one.”
“Sorry. I know he’s still your friend and partner.”
“Hey, I’ve called him worse names in my head. Actually, to his face, too.”
Her eyes widened. “You have?”
“Hell yeah.”
