The Ink That Brands Us ✔️

Chapter Eight

"Awe! You guys are so cute!"

My eyes snapped open, and I blinked up at Saw, who was beaming down at me. I sat up, stretching and looked to Jensen.

He hadn't moved an inch since I had sat down and I had apparently fallen asleep and was using his thigh as a pillow.

I gave him an awkward smile.

"Sorry about that. I hadn't realized I was still tired."

"Not to worry, luv. We had a late night, and you were all curled up looking uncomfortable. You hardly stirred when I moved you."

    Why was he so adorable?!

    "How long was I out?" I asked, standing.

    "Round an hour," he shrugged.

    "You've been sitting like that for an hour?" I asked, my eyes widening. "That couldn't have been very comfortable."

    "I assure you I've never been more comfortable." His response caused my stomach to tighten, and the feeling confused me.

I looked away, unable to meet his gaze.

    "Wait! What do you mean you guys were up late?" Saw asked, a grin spreading across her face.

    "Not like that," I said, rolling my eyes. "We had a sleepover. Like a normal movie and popcorn kind of sleepover.

    She looked disappointed as she glanced from me and Jensen.

    "Fine," she said, then grabbed my hands and hauled me to my feet. "Well now that you're awake, get your ass in gear. We have work in an hour."

    "I need to start locking my door," I said, narrowing my eyes at Saw. "I have a rude neighbor who barges in whenever she pleases."

    She grinned at me as I stepped past her and swatted me on the behind. I giggled, skipping down the hallway and into my room.

    Showering in record time, I was out in ten minutes. I towel dried quickly, tossing the towel into the hamper as I walked into my room. I froze mid-step when the door swung open and Jensen walked in.

    A gasp escaped me as I tried to cover myself, but it was too late. Jensen had gotten an eye full of my birthday suit. We stared at each other, neither of us moving. Jensen's eyes roamed my naked body, taking in every inch of my glistening skin. When his eyes reached mine, they were pure, burning heat, causing my stomach to do that weird tightening again.

Something deep inside me burned for him.

Coming to my senses, I backed towards the hamper, snatching my towel out. I had to cover up, so he would quit staring at me like that. I was close to doing something really stupid like screaming "damn the consequences" and jumping him.

Once I had covered up, I spoke.

"Jensen?"

He was still staring at me, but it was like he was lost in thought and was no longer seeing me anymore.

"Hm," He said, shaking his head as if to clear it.

"Did you need something?"

I couldn't see my face, but I imagined it was as red as a tomato. I had always been self-conscious, and I wasn't sure if I looked good naked, but the way Jensen had looked at me, well it was enough to boost anyone's self-esteem.

That look would be burned inside my head forever.

"Saw wanted me to, ah, ask you to hurry along," he told me.

"Okay," I responded. "Tell her to give me ten minutes."

He nodded. but didn't move to leave.

The way he was looking at me, made me feel like I was naked all over again. No one had ever looked at me this way, not even Josh. Jensen wanted me. It was written plainly on his face and I wanted nothing more than to walk over to him and drop my towel because I wanted him, too.

I was playing with fire and I knew if I went to him there would be no turning back. No matter how much I tried to deny it, I was feeling something for him and I couldn't afford to feel this way. He had the potential to be my complete undoing and I couldn't let that happen. Not when I had just gotten here and was finding my place.

His name was a whisper on my lips and I swore it made his eyes darken.

"Yes, luv?" His voice was low and husky, making his accent thicker.

A shiver ran down my spine and my lips parted. He took a step towards me and his eyes seemed to lose focus.

"I need to get dressed," I breathed.

He met my eyes, and it was like he seemed to realize where he was at.

He glanced around, then spun on his heel and left without another word. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and went to set on the bed. I didn't know what had just happened, but it had me weak in the knees.

I threw on whatever clothes I could find and pulled my hair into a messy bun before calling it done and running out of my room and into the living room where Saw was waiting for me.

She looked up when I entered.

"I'm ready," I said, breathlessly.

She peered up at me, her brow furrowing. I couldn't meet her eyes and I knew my face was reddening.

"What did you say to Jensen?" She asked, getting to her feet. "He ran out of here like hell was chasing him."

"Oh," I shrugged trying to be casual. "Nothing."

She arched an eyebrow at me, unconvinced.

I rubbed the back of my neck, not meeting her eyes.

"He may or may not have walked in on me naked," I confessed.

Her laughed pierced the air as she doubled over, putting her hands on her knees for support.

I narrowed my eyes at her, reaching out to shove her over. She landed in a heap on the couch.

"It's not funny!" I insisted.

"Hey!" She giggled, wiping at her eyes. "God, I bet that was hella awkward."

"You have no idea," I grumbled. "Come on, we're going to be late."

I headed for the door not waiting for her. By the time I had my bag and keys, she was standing beside me. She kept looking at me and smirking. I rolled my eyes at her and walked out the door with her following behind me.

"You guys looked adorable all cuddled up on the couch together," she noted when we were almost to the shop.

"Whatever," I said, trying not to let that comment get to me.

"He was playing with your hair while you slept," she continued. "It was the sweetest thing and I have to say I don't think I've ever seen him look so content."

That got my attention.

"What do you mean?" I asked as I pulled into the parking lot of Colorado Ink.

"Well," she started as I turned to face her. "It's just he looked... I don't know."

She shook her head as if she changed her mind.

"No, tell me," I demanded.

She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted when someone banged on my window. I spun to find Tyler's face smashed up against the glass leaving a nasty smear.

"We'll finish this later," I warned her and opened the car door.

Tyler took a step back, allowing me to get out. I leveled him with a look and pointed to my window.

"You're washing my window," I informed him.

As I went to pass him he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and squeezed me to him.

"Anything you want, babe," he purred in my ear.

I shoved him off me and rubbed at my ear.

"Gross!" I giggled, walking into the shop.