Body, Ink, and Soul (5 page)

''Why the hell are you blushing, Phoenix?'' Bekka asked, which resulted in making my cheeks burn even hotter.

''Shut up! I'm not blushing!'' I had to stop thinking about him, if I couldn't get my reactions under control.

''Yes, you are...'' they chorused in unison.

''Oh, come on! Give me a break!” I laughed. “I was thinking about Tristan, that's all.'' I hid my face behind my hand, feeling ridiculous. This wasn't me, I wasn't the type of girl who would normally go so crazy over a guy.

They let me off the hook when they realized how embarrassed I was, and we settled back into enjoying the afternoon. The sun was beginning to set and the air was cooling down when we finally decided we really needed to buy some groceries. We couldn’t keep going to restaurants for every meal and had put off the shopping expedition for long enough.

With a cart loaded with goodies, ranging from sweets for Rebekka to salty stuff for Val, we declared the shopping trip a success. We bought plenty of snacks – none of them healthy – and tons of frozen meals. I actually loved to cook, but life kept me too busy most days to indulge my passion. I bought the ingredients for my chocolate chip cookie recipe, they were to die for and I hoped to find time to make some soon.

We returned home and while we were putting away the groceries, the conversation returned to my date with Tristan, which only rejuvenated my friend’s giddiness over me finally liking a guy. Bekka and Val felt the need to give me a makeover before work, choosing my attire, including a short black leather skirt. This wasn’t what I generally liked to wear, but when those two were conspiring against me, I always lost. They kept assuring me that I needed to explore my girly side, even though I protested there was nothing special happening at the bar tonight. It was just a regular night at Black Shakers and I didn’t expect to see Tristan again so soon. This plan of theirs seemed a little ridiculous but because I’m an easygoing kind of girl, I let them have their fun. Bekka worked her magic, transforming me into a new, sexier version of myself. By the time I was ready to leave, my eyes were dark and smoky and my lips bloody red. I looked vampish, in the very best way.

There was one thing I put my foot down about—wearing high heels. I’d gone along with this ‘Barbie Doll’ makeover scheme for the most part, but they weren’t taking away my comfortable shoes when I had to be on my feet all night. In lieu of heels, I opted for black Mary Janes. I worked behind a bar anyway, so I argued that nobody was going to notice my shoes, right? I had to draw a line somewhere.

T
yler was waiting for us when we arrived at the club. He was expecting a crowd again tonight and wanted to ensure we were prepared. While he welcomed Val and me with a smile; he welcomed Bekka with a hand placed low against the small of her back. She was wearing skinny-legged black pants with a cropped version of the bar’s t-shirt. Bekka had a unique way of changing a boring shirt into something amazingly fashionable. From where I was standing, I could almost hear her heartbeat pounding and she blushed when Tyler whispered something in her ear. She chuckled shyly and he smirked at her in return.

As soon as he left us, Val and I rushed to her, both curious to find out what he’d said to her.

''What did he say?'' I questioned, with a giggle.

''He said I'm dangerously beautiful tonight.'' She tried to hide her happiness, but it was an epic failure. ''Girls, I think I'm going to die!''

''Bekka, he gave you the opening. Now is your chance, go for it!'' Val encouraged.

''I will... as soon as there are more people around. And maybe after a few shots,'' she laughed.

We all laughed and took our places at our stations, working to get everything ready for tonight. While I was busying myself with preparations, it occurred to me that I hadn’t heard from Tristan today. I wasn't really supposed since, we weren’t seeing each other officially, but I had still hoped he would text or call. My spirits dampened at the thought.

It was after 11pm when I noticed the stranger from the night before coming in the door. He nodded in Tyler’s direction, both of his hands pushed into the pockets of his jeans. My attention diverted to his low waist jeans, which sat perfectly on his slim waist. God! Why were his jeans making me weak at the knees? My stranger was hot, there was no doubt about it. I watched him walk across the bar, my gaze trained on him like I’d been hypnotized. He was wearing a red, short sleeved t-shirt with ‘The Doors’ emblazoned across the chest, giving me a good view of the ink on his arms. A lot of ink, actually. He had me so curious. I wanted to take a closer look at the intricate markings on his skin. I’d never known someone with so many tattoos and they captured my attention, wanting to know the story behind them. Tyler joined him straight away and they started talking. I was obsessed by the designs marked on his skin, but he was too far away to see them properly, and I was too busy with customers.

I kept glancing across at him and I hated myself for being so interested. He was obviously a bad boy and I couldn’t trust myself around him. I shouldn’t let him affect me, but my pulse raced, my hands were moist and I hated knowing my body was responding to him. I was attracted to him in a crazy, unexplainable way, but I feared that around him, I would forget everything my mother had taught me. She would want me with someone like Tristan, he had the perfect profile; studious and respectable. I had Tristan, sort of, and he was everything I wanted and needed. Right?

I took a deep breath and tried to talk some sense into myself. I had spoken to Mr. Mysterious once - it didn’t mean anything. His tattoos were the only reason I was staring – I was obviously just curious.

Yeah, right.

I looked up from pouring drinks and he smiled at me, but I didn’t return his smile, deliberately forcing myself not to even though I wanted to. There was no way, I was going to connect with him because I knew I would lose every ounce of self-control I had. The sense that he was staring at me was uncomfortable. I couldn’t be sure he was, because I purposely avoided meeting his gaze, but I was almost certain he was looking my way.

I shook my troubling thoughts away, smiling for the customers and giving them their drinks. It was very busy, the music was great and Bekka, Val and I were having a good time. I really couldn’t ask for more - life was pretty much perfect.

I had to slip out to the backroom to collect a fresh bottle of vodka when the supplies at my station grew low. These college boys definitely loved their vodka. When I got back to the bar, I almost dropped the bottle on the floor in shock. The image before my eyes couldn’t be real, and I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t in the midst of a nightmare. Not only was Tristan sitting at the bar, but one seat over from him was the tattooed stranger who made my pulse race. My cheeks flamed and my chest tightened, as I considered what the hell I was supposed to do.

''Tristan! I’m so happy to see you,'' I said, taking a deep breath as I approached the bar. I covered his hand with mine and gave him a quick hug over the bar, standing on my tiptoes. I knew it was probably an over-the-top gesture for our fledgling relationship, but I wanted to make sure ink boy knew that if I smiled tonight, it wasn’t going to be for him. Why I chose to handle things this way, I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that I wanted to keep him away because it was the only way I could ensure I wouldn’t fall for him.

''Phoenix, you look beautiful tonight,'' Tristan complimented, returning my warm smile.

''Thanks! It was my friends’ idea, '' I admitted, as I pointed across at Bekka and Val. ''I was hoping I would hear from you today.''

''I was in the area... ''

''Do you want something to drink?''

''Only if I can buy one for you,'' he replied. His smile made me crazy.

''Shots?''

He threw his head back and laughed. “Sounds good. Tequila?''

I quickly prepared everything we needed - salt, lime and the four shots of Tequila. I felt eyes on me the entire time – watching every move I made, and I knew they weren't Tristan's. They were his – ink boy’s – and he hadn't said a word, just watched me intently. It was making me nervous and on edge. I didn't want to look at him because I didn't know what to expect. He seemed to perpetually keep me feeling off kilter. I wasn’t sure if it was him who was making me so nervous, or if it was my own reaction to him which bothered me.

I ran the lime over the back of my hand and sprinkled the salt over it. I took the shot with determination and bit into the lime. It was at that precise moment, when I looked at ink boy. It was only a quick glance his way, and when he caught my eye, he winked at me. I almost choked on the damn lime.

I turned my gaze quickly to Tristan. He was leaning over the bar, giving me a ‘come hither’ look. I went up on my tiptoes to get closer to him, thinking he wanted to say something. He surprised me though, when he cupped my cheeks between his hands and started kissing me. It was a soft, gentle kiss – one of those kisses which make your entire body melt into a warm puddle. It was so incredible, I nearly forgot where I was. When he released my face, I lowered back down to my side of the bar, trying to centre my head on the job at hand. I loved the kiss, but it felt wrong to be kissing someone while I was on the clock. We took the second shots, and this time I only had eyes for Tristan. I tried to control myself, but the heat in his eyes made him completely irresistible. I looked around and couldn't see Tyler nearby. With a smile, I perched on my tiptoes again and met Tristan halfway for another soft kiss. I couldn’t help myself – he was too delicious to resist. After I caught my breath, I realized Bekka and Val were both staring at me in disbelief.

It wasn't like me to act so brazenly, particularly at work, but I wished they weren't so obvious about their surprise. Their staring was only drawing more attention to my station.

''Wow... thanks, Nix. Did you ever get your schedule? I was wondering when your next day off would be.''

My face lit up and my heart raced again. This had to be a good sign. ''I’m not sure yet about the schedule, but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.''

He ran his finger down the side of my cheek, his eyes never leaving mine. My breath hitched.

''My friend's waiting in the car, Nix. I just had to see you, but I better go. Call me.''

''I will.''

He smiled at me as he walked out. I was left with the tattooed stranger and I really didn't want to deal with him. I took a deep breath and turned to him with the best professional smile I could manage.

''Can I get you anything tonight?'' I asked, trying not to blush. I realized the double meaning of the words as soon as they left my mouth, which only increased the red in my cheeks.

''A sm....''

''Don't ask me for a smile. I'm here to get you something to drink. A beer perhaps?'' I cut him off before he could say it. I had to keep this on the up-and-up; I couldn’t get pulled into games with this guy.

''Princess, don’t be rude.'' His voice was low and husky and made me break out in chills. I had never reacted so carnally to someone’s voice alone before, and it scared me.

''Don't call me that, please. I'm anything but a princess.''

''You sure look like one to me. But, if you prefer, I can come up with another nickname.''

I gave him a beer even though he hadn’t asked for anything. I guess it was my treat. If he had something to drink, maybe he would talk less.

''Phoenix or Nix would be fine," I said, as I wiped down the bar. I was trying to keep this exchange as professional as possible.

''I'm Levi.''

''If I was polite, I would say nice to meet you. However, I’m not convinced that knowing you is a good thing,'' I replied. I sounded like a real bitch. What was wrong with me?

''Wow. What have I ever done to you?'' The look on his face told me I’d hurt him, but he was right - he hadn't done anything to me. I just didn't know how to deal with the attention he was giving me, or the attraction I felt toward him. Around him, my insides turned into fire, my brain was unable to think and my heart was begging for more. The way he looked at me, mixed with the smile and the tattoos – the combination was more than I could process. I could feel the attraction; I could barely control my pulse or my eyes when he was around. He was like a vortex and I was trying to avoid getting sucked in.

''I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have said that," I managed, throwing the towel behind the bar. I took a nervous breath and raised my eyes to meet his. I decided to just go the honest route. “I get very nervous around you, I don’t know why, but I really should get back to work now.''

He didn't say a word, but he stayed there - sitting by the bar all night looking sexy as hell while he drank his beer from the bottle. The way he rocked his head to every song he liked and sang the lyrics loud enough for me to hear, made me realise that behind the tattoos was a simple guy who appreciated a night at the club. He smiled each time I did a little performance with Bekka and Val. It was evident that he enjoyed watching us, which only made my nerves worse. We had learned a few tricks from Tyler, one being where we would throw bottles in the air and catch them while preparing a round of shots. We were all synchronized and the guys in the club loved it. Levi seemed to love it, too. He laughed and applauded. I hated to admit it, but I liked watching him laugh. There was something about his smile - it was both pure and honest. I hated to admit it, but my night was better because of him.