Kate shrieked as the needle hit the small of her back. Tiny pinpricks of pain shot through her, but it was bearable. “Kate, you’re freaking me out. Breathe.”
“Sorry. Why are you doing this again? Are surgeons allowed to have ink?”
An image of Wolfe flashed in her mind. Strolling out the door, looking hot as hell, ready to bed some gorgeous, confident, sexual female who’d make him feel good, touch him all over, and take him deep in her body.
Bitch.
She wanted to scream. Instead, she’d given him a thumbs-up like she was his buddy who didn’t care how many women he screwed. And she used to be. Usually, she’d laugh, call him a man whore, and be done with the episode. Now the game had changed. Jealousy coursed through her and she didn’t know how to handle it.
She focused on Kate’s question. “Yeah, you’re thinking military. As for why? Let’s just say I need to shake things up a bit. I feel like doing something a bit crazy. Outside my comfort zone. Know what I mean?”
“Totally. Of course, you could’ve come with me to visit my mom and she would’ve gotten you high.”
Gen grinned. Kate’s mother was a posthippie, pot-smoking sex therapist with a big heart. “How is your mom?”
Kate nibbled on a few Skittles. Sugar helped balance her fear of needles. “Fine. She got all excited about this new client who was experiencing erectile dysfunction. She aims to cure him.”
“Your mom is a badass.”
“Slade loves her. She’s been pretty chill about the wedding, so we’re thrilled she’s leaving most of it to us.”
“I can’t believe you’re getting married soon. I’m so excited.”
Kate smiled. “Me, too. Maybe Kennedy will be next if Nate has his way. Speaking of men and living together, how’s it going with you and Wolfe shacking up?”
The memory hit her like a left hook. Wolfe standing naked in her living room. Wet. Hunger flashing in those blue eyes. She swallowed. “Uh, okay.”
Kate swiveled her head around. Her gaze reeked of suspicion. “You don’t sound okay. You sound involved.”
She tried for a casual air. “Just doing the roommate thing. Sharing meals, a TV, et cetera.”
“Sharing a bed?”
Gen flinched. The artist cursed and slapped her upper thigh. “Don’t move.”
“Hey, you’re not her dom!” Kate yelled.
The guy raised a needle. “Quiet, girl, or your friend’s gonna get a very different tattoo.”
Gen sent her a pleading look. “Kate! Let him do his job, please.”
“Fine. Are you sleeping with Wolfe?”
“No. We’re friends. I told you a billion and one times. In fact, he’s out tonight screwing some woman who probably means nothing to him.”
“Interesting. Why do you sound jealous?”
Gen glared but it wasn’t too intimidating with her pants down. “I’m not. I want him to get past these brief sexual affairs and experience a real relationship. He refuses to join Kinnections and keeps insisting he’s unable to commit.”
“Maybe he is.”
“Bullshit. He’s scared of letting someone in. It’s frustrating. Hell, he hasn’t even told me about his past, and I’ve known him for years.”
“That’s his journey, Gen, not yours,” Kate said gently. “He’s gotta be ready for more and you can’t force him. Why don’t you concentrate on your upcoming date? Are you ready?”
Was she? Since Wolfe began wrecking her peace and once-stable libido, she forgot what she wanted from the date. A hopeful beginning? A confirmation there was love out there for her? A leap into the unknown to remind herself sex didn’t have to be a battlefield? Or love. Or whatever that Pat Benatar eighties song said.
“Yes. I’m excited. It was a good match per the computer system, right?”
Kate nodded. “You really complemented each other. He’s divorced, but completely ready to date and fall in love again. He’s a pharmacist, so he’ll appreciate your medical background. He likes to have fun, and he’s not stodgy at all.”
“Kate?”
“Yeah?”
“If all goes according to plan, I’d like to sleep with him.”
The low chuckle of the tattoo artist was nothing compared to the gasp her friend gave. “No! It’s against the rules of Kinnections. Well, the implied rules. No sex on the first date. You’re not out to get laid but to build a healthy, satisfying relationship.”
“Will you throw me out if we have sex?” she asked curiously.
Kate moaned and covered her face. “No, don’t be silly. But I don’t think Charles is that type of guy. If you just wanted to get laid, you should’ve told me!”
Gen tamped down a giggle. “Why? Do you have a separate list of men who want a one-nighter versus a long-term relationship?”
Another laugh emanated from behind her. Kate glared.
“No. But I may have chosen differently. He’s relationship material. Not hot sex.”
Her shoulders slumped. Of course. Why was she surprised? None of her friends thought she was built for short-term. Especially not Wolfe. Was it so wrong to want to buck the system now and then? Was it so wrong to want a night of passion and impulse before worrying about china patterns and white picket fences?”
“Ah damn. I said something wrong. What’d I say?”
Gen avoided her gaze. “Nothing, don’t be silly. You’re probably right. I was just thinking since I broke off my engagement, diving into another relationship wouldn’t be a good thing. Maybe I need to have a bit of fun and frolic. Does that sound terrible?”