offer was on the table but I never expected it to be made.
“Take your time and think about it,” he said. “It was just an idea. You won’t hurt my feelings if you say no.” His voice turned melancholy at the end like he’d be devastated if I turned him down.
“You’re sure about this?”
“Why would I ask if I weren’t?”
“It’s just…you said you don’t do relationships or commitment and now—”
“It’s different with you.” His voice came out as a whisper. “I know what it’s like to live without you and it’s pretty shitty. I know living with you will make me a pussy. But I’ll be a happy pussy. This is what I want. I didn’t ask you on the spur of the moment. I saw an opportunity and went for it.” He shrugged. “I don’t have any doubts, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
My heart rate slowed down and the feeling returned to my fingers. I looked down at him, feeling joy radiating through every inch of my skin. I’d love to see Ash walk through my front door every day then kiss me. I’d love to share my bed with him. I’d love to be something more even if it was a little fast. “Yes.”
His eyes widened in excitement. “Yeah?”
I nodded.
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” There wasn’t a doubt in my mind. “I know it’s quick. But sometimes you just know.”
He gripped my hips then abruptly stood up, carrying me with him. “Now we really need those handcuffs to celebrate…”
***
We stood in front of his new shop. The windows were shiny from lack of any grime, and the sign over the store was bold and noticeable from a few blocks away. All the equipment was inside and ready to go, and the furniture was brand new and smelled like leather.
I handed Ash the large scissors. “Cut the ribbon.” I tied a small piece in front of the door earlier, even though he said it was lame and unnecessary.
“They do that with schools and hospitals,” Ash argued. “Not tattoo shops.”
“Shut up and just cut it.” We’d argue all day if I didn’t tell him off.
He smirked like he was amused then grabbed the scissors. Then he cut the ribbon and watched it fall to the ground.
I clapped in excitement. “Yay!”
He chuckled then grabbed the trash from the ground. “We’re officially open for business.”
I moved into his side and hugged him tightly. “So proud of you.”
His arm circled my waist and he held me close. He kissed my forehead. “Thanks, cream queen. I appreciate it.”
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. “Now let’s get this show on the road.”
We entered the shop then got to work. Ash had a few employees ready to go. Music played over the speakers, and the shop had a laid back feel to it. I stood behind the desk with Ash and watched the people walk by. I didn’t expect the first day of business to be booming with customers but I knew a few would come in.
A man and a woman holding hands walked by the window then entered through the door. They were middle aged and familiar.
“Wow, it looks so nice now that it’s finished.” Ash’s mom walked inside and looked around.
Ash stilled when he realized she was there. “Oh…hey.” He clearly hadn’t expected them to show up.
“Very nice, son.” His dad eyed the red couches in the lobby. “Very…vibrant.” He wasn’t completely impressed with the shop but at least he was trying.
“Thanks.” Ash wasn’t his usual self. His smartass behavior was gone. “Thanks for stopping by.”
His mom and dad hugged and greeted me. “Thanks so much for supporting Ash while he does this,” his mother said.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” My place was by his side and nowhere else.
His mom squeezed his shoulder in an affectionate way. “You did great, honey. Your father and I are really impressed.”
I kept my emotions in check even though they were about to come spilling out. Seeing Ash loved and accepted for who he was was exactly what I wanted. He was a great guy and deserved the admiration.
“Thanks.” He smiled at his parents. “It means a lot that you came down.”
“Maybe I should get some ink,” his dad said in a teasing way.
“You’d rock it, Dad,” Ash said with a laugh. “The chicks would dig it.”
“No one is getting a tattoo,” his mother said in irritation.
Ash pulled me into his side and put his arm around my waist. “Mom and Dad, we have something we’d