Nicole Hartmann

“You gotta lose the fly to catch the trout, Babe.” In her twenty seven years of existence, at least ten of them spent dating, that had to be bar none the worst breakup line she’d ever heard. You had to give the guy a little credit though…apparently he’d been reading up on his ‘take a chance’ speeches for the middle school basketball team that he coached. “…like you’re not even listening.” Harper Day had to mentally shake herself to get her scattered brain to focus on each cheesy line her boyfriend (correction, ex boyfriend) was trying to give her an excuse for why the last year hadn’t went perfectly. Didn’t she know it. Looking over his tall, lanky frame it was no wonder she had drank that Kool-Aid from the start. Sam was hot, in the basketball player type way. He had blonde curly hair and was always clean shaven. He was your typical calorie counting, weight lift benching, protein shake drinking junkie and referred to his body as a ‘temple’. “I am listening, Sam. I just don’t have any witty come backs.” She started to put her work back into her bag. She had better things to do. “Well, aren’t you even going to fight for this? For us?” Harper looked over his face, the surprise clearly visible. “Hey, you made your choice. I’m not going to beg you to stay.” She shoved her laptop into the tan leather bag that served as her briefcase. “Just leave your key under the mat after you’ve cleared out.” “See, this is exactly what I’m talking about. Typical Harper Day. One woman show. Doesn’t need anybody, and certainly can’t rely on anyone. Jesus, who broke you?” Harper swallowed a humorless laugh. The truth one, no one had specifically broken her. It was just from a long run of users, abusers, cheaters, liars, and over scumbags that she’d been dating for the last decade. Just when she thought she’d found the last decent guy in the city, she’d find out why he hadn’t been with anyone. Sam’s particular fault was that he needed constant reassurance that she belonged to him. He was possessive, jealous, and very aggressive. It was no wonder he had done so well in competitive sports. He just didn’t belong with a girl as independent as Harper. Every time she went to a movie with the girls, or back to her hometown, he would call all of her friends and demand to know who she was really with. Truth be told, she was planning on breaking it off with him at the end of the week when she had some time off. All Sam had done was speed up the process. And take all the guilt off her shoulders. She slung her bag over her shoulder, tossed her phone into her purse and slipped on her flats. She walked towards the door, stopping when her hand reached the knob. “I am sorry, Sam, but I do think this is the best decision for both of us in the long run. We knew it was never going to work.” She gave him a smile, picked up the banana on the edge of the counter and walked into the garage. Shutting herself into her car, she took a moment to breathe a sigh of relief. Finally. A free woman. Now she’d have a few weeks to herself until the temptation got too much to handle and she’d enter into yet another doomed-to-fail relationship. She pushed the button on the opener and cruised out of the garage and on about her day. Just one more stop to make. Tanner Slade pulled smoothly into his usual parking spot and shifted into neutral. He yanked the brake out of habit, threw the keys into the cup holder, grabbed his cell and headed into work. He didn’t really think of it as work. It’s not like it paid the bills or kept the lights on, but he had always suffered from claustrophobia only working at a desk job. He wanted to get out, see the people, and draw some cool stuff. That was why he’d gotten a second job here at the Blue Mantis. Frequent visitor, he’d finally been asked if he just wanted to start working here a couple years back. Best decision I ever made, he thought to himself, jingling the keys in the lock. The owner rarely even came in anymore, and Tanner only worked a select number of hours. Usually only super early on Saturdays. None of the other artists even wanted that time slot. You didn’t get a lot of walk-in traffic at 7AM on a weekend. He didn’t mind. It gave him more time to work on the drawings he needed to finish for the other artists. He was working on one of those drawings when he saw a car flash by the store window and park on the opposite side of the street. A white Cadillac CTS-V. He whistled low under his breath. Nice wheels. He didn’t see many of those in this neighborhood. Usually his black and chrome Ford truck was the nicest ride in these parts. He made a bet with himself – either a gangster wannabe or a stuck up white girl. There really was no other option as far as he was concerned. The door opened and out swung a pair of beige and cream shoes and long shapely legs and he had his answer. He shook his head inwardly. Shame. He took a deep drink of his coffee, leaning back in his chair. Setting the cup down, he reclined as far as the crappy desk chair would go and crossed his arms behind his head. He heard the doorbell tinkle indicating a new customer and took a deep breath in preparation for Malibu Barbie. Even that breath didn’t do him enough good to keep his temperature from rising or his heartbeat pounding when he got a good look at her. She was no pink-clad blonde with big hair and pursed lips. She was wearing tight fitting blue jeans that were ripped and looked to be well broken in. She had on a cream bracelet that encircled a slim but muscular forearm. She was wearing a blue and cream patterned loose-fitting tank that tied behind her neck and a fitted blazer with the sleeves pushed up. No, it wasn’t blue. He knew this, his ex-girlfriend was always harping on him to get it right. It was aqua, not just any blue. She had a gold pendant hanging down into the curve of cleavage that he so desperately wanted to stare at but knew he better not. His gaze traveled up her matching dangly earrings to her full red lips. She was wearing dark eye shadow and her eyes were an alarming shade of blue. Those eyes, he knew he’d be dreaming about them tonight. Framed by long, thick curly lashes, they stared right into his soul. She had shaped eyebrows, highlighting the perfectly sculpted features. She tossed her thick mane of wavy mahogany hair and he knew she was close to throwing a tantrum if he didn’t greet her properly. “Starbucks is next door.” Harper had to keep from gaping. She told herself it was because of his insulting welcome but really it was just because of…him. Men like him were built for sin, she was positive of it. He was sent down just to tempt her. She couldn’t see below his waist because it was covered by the desk but she could guarantee he was wearing jeans that looked like they were made for him. He had on a Zed tee shirt that looked like he’d had it for years and it was practically molded onto his broad chest and beefy shoulders. First thing she had noticed about him was his sleeves. He had interloping tattoos from his wrist all the way up and disappearing into the sleeves of his tee shirt. They were so mingled that she couldn’t actually pick out any one of them. They all started small and seemed to drift right into the next one. His jaw was sculpted and his cheek bones cut. He had more than a five o’clock shadow at this early morning hour. His mouth was full and she knew his kisses would be to die for. His eyes never looked away from her so now she gave him back what she had just received. She knew it was not subtle, but she let him watch her as she lazily perused his facial features and body. His eyes were a deep brown and she could sense the heat in them. His hair was carefully tousled, giving the hint that someone had run their hands through it very recently. She threw up a silent prayer that it had been him and not some idiot trophy wife that he had married. Quick check at his hand proved no ring. But when had that ever meant anything, she reminded herself. She’d fallen victim to it at least twice, assuming that if a guy was married he’s actually wear the damn ring. “Thanks for random fact Saturday, but I’m not looking for Starbucks. Do you do walk-ins?” She asked, shifting her purse to her other arm. “Depends on the time, day and artist. I, for example, don’t have any set clients until….” He checked the appointment book in front of him, “11AM. We do have a minimum charge though, no matter the size. It’s $70.” He looked at her like he expected her to throw a hissy fit and walk right back out. “Yeah, that’s fine. Most places do. Do you draw or just do premade?” She walked over the slatted brackets, flipping through some of the pictures. It was more curiosity than anything. She already knew what she wanted. “Both. I’m one of four artists that we have, but most people end up bringing in whatever they want. If it’s clear art, I make you sign off on the original artist’s release.” She heard the squeak of the chair and knew he had gotten up behind her. She resisted the urge to turn around, the not knowing almost hotter than actually knowing when he would be in her vicinity. She smelled him before she actually heard him. She recognized the cologne, but it smelled different on him than it had one of her previous ex-boyfriends. It smelled much more…dangerous. He smelled wonderful, and sinful, all at the same time. “What do you want?” She heard him murmur just behind her ear. She had to suppress a shiver, his voice sliding over her silkily. She rapidly tried to gather her wits. This was just a guy. In a tattoo shop. Nothing to get her panties in a twist over. And on top of that, he’d insulted her. Clearly he didn’t think her the tattoo type. Grudgingly, she admitted to herself she probably didn’t look the type, and that was usually just fine with her. It was just something about him that made her want to shove that in his face and be angry with him. She turned towards him. “I already know what I want.” His eyes widened and his pupils dilated. She bit back a smug smile. No way to fake that. Pure lust in its most primitive form. “I mean, I already have my tattoo picked out. It’s here.” Tanner tried not to snatch the piece of paper from her hand but made sure their fingers did not touch. He glanced down at it, seeing her handwritten message. Inner artist that he was, he couldn’t help but think that her handwriting fit her perfectly. It was looped and feminine but not sloppy or overly graphic. He was surprised by what she had written. Either she was from Oregon or she was deeper than he thought. He knew it was the state motto, but they were a long way away from Oregon. Looking deeper into her eyes and seeing her steady gaze return his, he knew this was something that meant something to her. She flies by her own wings. Yeah, he could see that. He couldn’t quite pick it out, but there was something that made her different than when she had first walked in. She wasn’t empty headed or ditzy. He had to admit to himself that he had definitely been wrong about her. “You want it this size?” He asked, surprised at his gruff tone. He tried again after she nodded. “Placement?” He saw her think about it for a second. Apparently that hadn’t been as easy to choose. “I’m actually not sure where I want it. Any ideas?” He swore he’d never seen someone look so innocent and seductive at the same time. He swallowed, letting his eyes roam over her body once more. Was she really going to let him do this? “Depends,” he started. “Do you want it easily covered – for work or whatever?” “Yes.” She responded firmly. “It definitely has to be able to be covered.” “What kind of work do you do?” The question blurted out. He hadn’t even been intending to get personal with her. She was hot. This was just a casual flirtation. Wasn’t it? “I’m a marketing director at a magazine downtown. They’d probably be fine with some ink, but it’s one of those unspoken rules. I want to be taken seriously.” She looked down at his arms, covered in tattoos. “Not that you wouldn’t be taken seriously. Just…I…” He laughed, letting her out of her awkward position. “I completely understand. It’s not for everyone. No judgment.” She smiled back at him and he fought the impact of it. Looking like she did, just standing there was enough to put any guy back on his feet. When she smiled, he was mesmerized. She had straight white teeth and a little dimple that appeared in the corner of her mouth when she smiled. It was addictive. He instantly wanted to see it more. “Well there are the typical places. Something this size can fit most places. I’d avoid anywhere you’re ticklish if you have a lower pain tolerance. Here.” He reached out his hand for her jacket. She gave it up easily, shrugging out of the colored blazer. He was careful to not wrinkle it, hanging it up on the peg by the door. Harper felt his gaze more than saw it. She felt practically naked beneath it, and then couldn’t stop the thought that she wanted to be naked beneath it. She stood there in her loose fitting tank and let the heat of his look caress over her. “You’re beautiful.” Not it was her turn to be stunned when he made the statement quietly. No embarrassment, no empty flattery. It was simply a declaration, and she wasn’t sure she’d ever heard something so meaningful. “Thank you.” She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Enough of this, she admonished herself. A casual fun thing, that was fine. She could get on board with that. He was smoking hot. Good for a little fun, and boy, did she need a little fun in her life right now. But, it was just this once. No emotions, no sticky situations. With his tattoos and his current place of employment, she knew a bad boy when she saw one. “I’m Harper.” She stuck out a hand and gave him her megawatt business smile. “Tanner.” He grasped her hand firmly and she felt his roughhewn hand engulf hers. Yup, definitely a man. She heard the tinkle of the bell just off to her left. A tiny waif of a girl strolled in, her hair covered by a dark beanie and the rest of her clothed all in black. Tanner pulled his hand back quickly and gave the girl a quick greeting. When she took her place behind the cash register, Harper figured she was probably the second shift coming in. “Kara, we’re headed into the back. Probably a three grade, so no interruptions. Don’t make any appointments until after 10.” He motioned towards the hallway covered in photos of various people through the years with their new tattoos. She tucked her purse under her arm and headed down the hallway. About halfway down he directed her towards the last door on the left. She walked in and knew that this was his place. It was covered in art ranging from skeletons to fairies and everything in between. She fingered one of the drawings. He had an unusual skill. Even the most garish ones almost had a beauty to them. He had crisp lines and clean colors. Nothing was overdone or silly. “These are amazing,” she told him, motioning to her favorite on the wall. The woman looked almost like a doll with big blue eyes and china-like features. He ducked his head in acknowledgement and continued to put out the sterilized tools and gun. She set her purse on the visitor’s chair and kicked off her shoes. “So…did you decide where you want it?” She laughed in response. They really hadn’t gotten very far deciding where she actually wanted the tattoo. “Nope. As an artist, don’t you prefer an empty canvas?” She asked, suggestively. One of the glass jars dropped from his fingertips and clanged onto the tray. “Of course.” He said it slowly, carefully. Almost as if he couldn’t believe this was really happening. She wondered if maybe guys getting hit on in the tattoo parlor didn’t happen as often as movies made it seem like they did. She supposed it was a business just like any other. Guys probably thought she got laid in her office all the time, but really she hadn’t ever done it. It was her place of work. She didn’t usually get all hot and bothered there doing her job. “Since it has to be covered,” he mentioned, “maybe it would be best uncovering some of the places you might potentially want a tattoo.” Tanner tried not to pressure her but was so hoping she’d take him up on her offer. He wanted to see her, had to see her. Not even in a frat boy kind of way, but as an artist. She was the type of beautiful one didn’t come across often and when you did, you better appreciate it. He was more than willing to appreciate her. He’d appreciate her all morning if she’d let him! “I was thinking…” She walked closer to him and he breathed in the scent of her. It wasn’t a perfume he as familiar with and he couldn’t help thinking it was just the smell of her. It smelled fruity and flowery but wasn’t overpowering. He tried to commit the smell to memory. She stopped until she was less than a foot away from him. She reached back the veil of her hair and turned her head, exposing her smooth neck. She tapped her finger just behind her ear. “Maybe here?” He reached out, not able to hold back from touching her any longer. He cupped her hand, letting his thumb rest on the spot she had pointed out. “Nice, but painful. And you can see it if you wear your hair up.” She dipped her head in agreement. “Good point.” He withdrew his hand, letting her hair drift forward to caress her face once more. He decided to get in the game. To hell with any complications. This was just a one-time thing. “What about…here?” His fingers stroked the edge of her collarbone. “Too high. You’ll see it unless I’m wearing a high-neck shirt.” She had a valid point. And was that…an invitation? God he hoped so. He fingered the line of her collarbone down to her throat. “Not enough room.” “Then let’s think somewhere else. Ankle?” She suggested. He gave her a wolfish grin. “I’d have to see it to make any kind of judgment call, ma’am.” She laughed. “Deal. But while I’m doing that, how far up do your tattoos go?” He tilted his head inquisitively. “Why does that matter?” “It doesn’t really. I’m just curious. In case I was ever thinking of getting sleeves I’m wondering how you stop them. Or are they everywhere?” She couldn’t stop looking down the length of his body and wondering what other tattoos were hidden from her. “Can’t argue with that logic.” He reached for the corner of his shirt and tugged it over his head. Harper was having a hard time swallowing. She was expecting him to be hot, but this was different. The tattoos did run up his entire arm, ending at the top of both shoulders in a wave-like design that suited him perfectly. She could see the side of another tattoo that reached from the top of his chest to somewhere on his back. He had a nipple ring on his left pec but nothing inked on his belly. He had the outlines of a six pack and he clearly did some kind of manual labor or working out to keep them that way. He had an abstract design that curved up over his hip and trailed off into the line of his jeans. She didn’t even realize she had taken that last step forward until she was practically touching him, her fingertip tracing the curve of the tattoo on his right shoulder. She felt his body shudder and knew the feeling. He ran his hand along the thin halter string of her shirt. Her eyes flicked up to his, dark pools of heat. His hand pressed the back of her neck and he leaned down to her. He paused a moment before their lips touched, giving her the chance to back away. She pressed up on her tiptoes and came the rest of the way. Heat blazed as their lips met for the first time. Harper had never felt a kiss as intense as this one. She didn’t remember taking a breath or pausing, but feeling his lips slanted over hers, the pressure from his tongue, she knew she’d never feel another one like this again either. His tongue thrust into her mouth, hers parried with his in the ultimate lover’s game. He placed his hands just below her butt and lifted her up against him. Turning, he let her rest against the wall, her legs encircling his torso. He continued the onslaught to her mouth, teasing and tormenting her until his arms were the only thing keeping her upright. She felt his fingers loosening the string keeping her top up and for a moment had the thought that maybe this wasn’t the best place to be doing this. It was instantly gone when she felt his mouth trail down to the side of her neck. She let out a gasp as his teeth playfully nipped her tender skin. He untied the string deftly and her shirt caught for a moment on her breasts before dropped to her waist. He stopped for a brief moment, long enough to stare hotly at her naked chest before placing an open mouthed kiss on the top of the uncovered globe. Tanner tried to burn the memory of her into his brain. Something to keep him warm on cold nights, or to keep him company when he was old and married with bratty little kids. She was perfect. Smooth and soft in all the right places. She tasted of strawberries and it fit her somehow. His tongue latched onto one of her nipples and her back arched in response. Teasing it to a hard peak, she moaned when his teeth grazed its stiffness. He felt her nails dig into his back and he couldn’t stop his hips from rotating into her. They let out simultaneous groans, agonizingly turned on and desperate to feel each other. He slid her shirt up and over her head, letting it drop to the ground, forgotten. When he stood back and let the dim light hit her, he was surprised to see a script of looping words tattooed onto her lower belly that he hadn’t seen until her shirt was fully removed. They formed a ring around her body, a couple lines thick. They were each separated by a dot. All quotes or phrases. He could pick out a few but some were in Latin or different languages. “What do they say?” He asked, surprised at how hoarse his voice came out. She took a breath. This was definitely not something she had meant to share with anyone. Definitely not today, in this place. “It’s…they’re…it’s silly really.” “Looks like you went to a lot of work, or someone did. Doesn’t seem silly to me.” He rubbed his finger across one of the sentences. “I’ve just kind of…acquired…them over the years. Every time something happens that I want to remember, good or bad. They’re both inspirations and warnings. I wanted the tattoo today to continue on the tradition.” Her voice was soft, her eyes searching. Almost as if she was concerned what he would think of her. “I know this one. Quod me netrit me destruit. It means ‘What nourishes me also destroys me’. I always liked it. Never got it inked on me though. Where do you come up with these?” He couldn’t seem to stop touching her, his light touch giving her goose bumps. “Anywhere and everywhere. They’re not original. Some of them I’ve read or heard. Sometimes I’ve seen them on someone else.” She pressed the heel of her hand into his shoulder. “Where did you get your ideas from? Pictures must be harder than words.” He laughed. “Nah, they’re all the same. It’s just as difficult to come up with a picture than it is a sentence. Mine are…just…weird things I’ve drawn over the years. I never really had a plan of where to start, where to stop, what to include. They just happened.” She placed her forehead on his chest for a moment, collecting her thoughts. “Well, I like them. They fit you.” He grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. “Same. Yours fit you. I wouldn’t want to change them even if I could.” She let her thumbs hook into his jeans. “But….” He placed a kiss on the inside of her wrist. “But what?” “But I would like to see the rest of these. Empty canvas and all that.” She had a twinkle in her eye and he couldn’t deny her request. He unbuckled his jeans slowly, enjoying the way the smile died off her face as more of his clothes came off. He stepped out of his jeans, sliding them to join her shirt out of the way. Left only in black boxer briefs, he stood, waiting for her approval. “Jesus,” she breathed. He was gorgeous with clothes but without, he was beautiful. He could be a statue. “Your turn,” he demanded. He started to let her unbutton her jeans, but thought better of it. He wanted to touch her, feel her body as he uncovered it. He slid the small zipper down, exposing black lace. He inwardly groaned. Of course her panties would be as sexy as she was. He pushed down on the faded jeans, her hips wiggling to help him. Her pants joined his until they were both clad only in black underwear. He tugged her towards him, their bodies sliding together, skin on skin. One hand behind her head, the other slung low on her hip, he kissed her again. This time, sparks flew and Harper had no idea how long it went on for. He lifted her up and onto the medical style chair in the middle of the room. Pulling on the band of her panties, she lifted her rear up so he could slide them off her. After he tossed them into the corner, she gave him a come-hither smile and tugged down one corner of his boxer briefs. He shucked them off quicker than she could blink. His hands landed on her waist, scooting her closer so that he stood between her spread legs. His left hand traced the crease of her hip before caressing her exposed clit. She gasped when his thumb started to massage circles against her already aroused nub. Her legs began to shake and she let her head tip back. When he slid a finger inside her, her body clenched around it. She convulsed as the orgasm passed through her body. Tanner tried to restrain himself, watching her in the throes of passion. He tried to ignore the pulsating of his erection, focused only on giving her pleasure right now. When her body became limp, only then did he allow himself to rub his member against her slippery warmth. She moaned at the delicious friction it caused. Unable to hold back, he started to slide into her. He tried to take it slow, to let her body adjust to his length, but her legs locked around him and her nails dug into his back. He couldn’t help thrusting fully into her. She let out a breathy scream and he tried to catch it in his mouth. He pressed his lips against hers, feeling her mouth lock around his. He loved the way she tasted. He started to keep up a steady rhythm and her body started to clench around his again. She started to let out soft moans and he knew she was close. He let his palm rest on her breast, teasing the nipple with first his hand and then his mouth. When he bit down softly, he felt his nails rake up the length of his back. She started to tremble and he gave another half dozen thrusts before he lost control. The world exploded into a ball of stars. He felt his body give way to pleasure, felt her do the same. What felt like hours later, he picked up his head from its resting place on her shoulder. He withdrew from her, wiping her gently with a hand towel from the counter. She shivered when he grazed her sensitive clit. He gave her a wicked grin and she laughed. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned. He helped her off the chair and back into her clothes. “I just realized we never got your ink done,” he said apologetically. “That’s alright…” she started, helping him with his clothes. “I know where to find you Saturday mornings, right?” He stopped her motions with a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t think I’m going to push you for sex every time. Well, unless you want me to.” She gave him a sweet smile. “I know. But I was going to get this tattoo because I just got out of something negative. Now it doesn’t feel so negative, you know?” He nodded. Yes, he definitely knew. He hadn’t felt so not negative in a long time. He felt pretty damn great. “But you can still come next Saturday,” he winked at her. “I think we both knew this was just a one-time thing. I have a habit of not being in the best kind of relationships and I already know this probably wouldn’t be any different.” She grabbed her purse from the chair. “It was really fun, and I’ll be back some other time.” He nodded again, feeling helpless. He didn’t want her to leave but there wasn’t any logical reason to stay. He knew there was more than just chemistry between them, but if she didn’t feel it, how could he convince her? “Hey wait, I didn’t get your last name,” he asked just as she was opening the door to leave the back room. “No,” she smiled. “You didn’t.” She walked out of the door and a few seconds later he heard female voices and then the telltale ding of the front door chime. He slowly put his supplies away, thinking over what had just happened and how to find her again. Two weeks later, Tanner walked into his fulltime job for Rogers, Meyer, and Littman. He was a senior partner there – a corporate attorney moonlighting as a tattoo artist for kicks and giggles. He sipped on his cup of coffee, waiting for his managing partner to let him know what new client he’d be taking on. Twenty minutes after that, he was on his way to a growing corporation downtown that was considering a hostile takeover of another company a couple cities over. He hailed a cab down to their home office. Walking inside, he noted the modern yet realist furnishings. Someone had good taste. Giving the attractive woman at the front desk his name, he was ushered into a conference room on the second floor. The CEO introduced himself to Tanner and they had a seat. “I’m sorry about this, but would you mind waiting just a few minutes? I generally don’t take these meetings.” Richard Vega was a distinguished-looking older man, maybe mid-fifties. He was dressed well but not on the forefront of fashion. Tanner had assumed this meeting would be with him alone, but it would appear Richard had other thoughts. “My marketing director generally handles everything for me. It was her idea for his takeover.” Richard gave him a look. “She’s the risk-taker, not me. I don’t have the stomach for it, but she always pulls it off in the end. God knows how!” Tanner gave him a sympathetic laugh. “I suppose that’s probably what my boss would say about me too. We have a similar relationship. He enjoys being…comfortable. I enjoy making things a little more interesting.” “Good…good. Sounds like you two will hit it off just fine.” Richard clapped him on the shoulder. “Ah, I think I hear her voice now.” Tanner looked through the clear glass partition of the conference room, saw the back of a dark haired woman. He gaze admiringly down her red tailored dress. She had tall heels on and from what he could see she was lithe and fit. Maybe this’ll be a fun one after all, he mused. Richard walked towards the door and tried to grab her attention from what she was speaking to her colleague about in the hallway. “Harper, I’d like you to meet Tanner Slade. Tanner this is…my goodness, Harper. What’s the matter? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost!” Harper stared at the suited man in the conference room. Apparently that one-time-thing was about to change. When he smiled at her knowingly, her heart beat tripled. She tried to calm herself but couldn’t stop the thought that kept coursing through her head. This is not over. Thank god.