Spotlight: Proper Ink by Zeia Jameson
/Luca Cipriani knows art.
Specifically, tattoos.
Patience, focus, and attention to detail are crucial.
He's consumed with it all.
For the past three years, Luca has been building his reputation as the master of ink in Savannah, Georgia.
It wasn't his original plan, but sometimes, lives twist and plans change.
Kerry Frazier knows entertainment.
Specifically, event planning.
Locations, guest lists, and the hottest trends keep clients begging for more.
She's living the dream.
Even though Kerry’s job is exhilarating and rewarding, it’s also never ending.
So a night on the town for herself is just what she needs.
Luca never expected someone like Kerry to waltz into his shop. And blatantly flirt with him, no less.
He never imagined flirting would lead to more.
One secret night.
That was all it was supposed to be.
Until one night turned into two. Three.
Luca doesn't do feelings.
Kerry can't do complicated.
What happens when you're drawn to someone who is bound to break your heart?
Excerpt
“Wait,” I say. I lean back and look over my shoulder, surveying the two customers still in the waiting area. I stand from my stool and pull Kerry to Padraig’s space behind the curtain. I’d be scared to go back here, except Stella has been back here and she wasn’t permanently scarred.
“What is this?” Kerry asks.
“Padraig’s room. I don’t know what’s back here. Don’t look at anything. Just kiss me, please.”
I grab her face with both hands and kiss her hard. She kisses me back, and our hands roam everywhere over each other. I breathe in the scent of her hair, and I rustle it by running both my hands up her neck and to the back of her head. I pull her to me as close as I can and press her against the wall to get even closer. I brace one hand against the wall to keep us upright, and I search for and grab her hand with the other. I twine our fingers together and raise them up, resting them on the wall above our heads. Her breathing quickens. I can feel her chest heave against mine. I press myself against her, and she groans.
“Hellooo, Luca,” she says, which causes me to laugh against her mouth.
“God, you’re so hot,” she says to me.
I have to stop before I have her naked in Padraig’s room. I kiss her twice more and press my forehead against hers.
“You have no idea what you do to me,” I say, nearly out of breath.
“I think I may have a clue,” she says, also breathless.
“Go do your thing. I’ll see you back here in a little while.”
She nods and looks up into my eyes. “Okay.”
We stand there, motionless, for a moment. Kerry closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She places her hand on my cheek. “I think I kind of like you, Luca.”
I smile into her hand. “I kind of like you too. I know.”
“I’ll be back soon.”
“I can’t wait.”
I use my hand on the wall to push myself away from her. Her hand slides from my face as she continues to look me in the eyes.
“See you when I get back,” she says. She slides out from underneath me, her hand gliding the length of my outstretched arm as she slips through the curtained opening. When our hands meet, I grab hers in mine and let her pull me with her until I’m out from behind the curtain too. I let go and watch her walk toward the door. She turns and looks back at me twice before exiting the shop. I continue to watch her, and she gives me one more glance through the window before she disappears from sight. I’m grinning as wide as my face will allow.
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About Zeia Jameson
Zeia Jameson's passion for writing compels her to get into the zone and type until her fingers go numb. When not submerged within her own stories, she enjoys curling up in her large reading chair, snuggling underneath a blanket, and feeding her addictions of coffee and reading. She is fond of humor and laughter and believes these are elements that keep the world sane and spinning.
Zeia lives in Georgia with her husband and daughter, where they spend most of their time exploring recipes, bingeing on Netflix, and traveling as much as possible.
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