Gen scoffs. “Are you serious with this?”
“Gen has a point,” Tate says. “If Jude wanted to taste dick, he would pick someone he trusts.”
“Agreed,” Cairo says.
I shake my head. “I think he’d pick someone he never has to see again in case it all goes to shit.”
“Literally,” Gen says, laughing at his own joke.
I roll my eyes.
Tate rubs my back. “I think all we’re saying is stay open to the possibility. You never know what might happen.”
I nod. “That’s fair.”
“My money is on Jude tasting some dick one day and it’s gonna be Briar’s,” Cairo says, cackling as Gen and Tate join in.
“What did I miss?” Saint says, walking into the room carrying a tray of fresh eggs. Everyone laughs even harder while I shake my head.
“You don’t want to know.”
Jude
“What do you think?” I hold the mirror up for my client to check out the work I did, a weeping willow tree that will eventually cover most of his back. He’s had a standing appointment with me for three months, which is lucky for him since I rarely have openings now.
“It’s awesome, Jude. Thanks, man.”
“You’re welcome, Scott. See you next time.”
After I wrap his new art, I walk him up front, surprised to see Saint in the waiting area looking at the art on the walls. Elizabeth nods in his direction.
“Saint?”
He twists around, smiling. I didn’t notice his hair was ginger before. I always thought he had brown hair, but in the light he’s standing under, I can see the redness. I still don’t know what a big gorgeous daddy bear is and how Saint fits that description. I’ll have to ask Briar to explain.
“Hey, Jude.”
Elizabeth giggles as Saint looks at her confused, and I just shake my head. “Ignore her. What’s up?”
“I hope you don’t mind me just popping in.”
“Not at all. Want to come in the back?”
“Please.”
I lead him around the corner noticing right away the attention he gets from Casper and Luca. Must be the daddy bear thing.
“What can I help you with?” I ask when we get to my station.
“I wanted to show you my piece and get your thoughts on it.”
“Yeah, cool.”
Saint proceeds to pull his t-shirt over his head revealing a wall of muscle and various tattoos underneath a hairy chest. Yep, definitely keeping himself in shape. I swear I hear a small gasp come from Casper’s workstation, but I keep my eyes on my guest.
“It’s older, but I’ve wanted to get the color refreshed for a while now.”
I study the intricate pattern. It’s pretty faded, but I can make out a lot of detail. “What is it? A coat of arms?”
“Yeah.” he nods. “My family is from England and Scotland. It’s a blended coat of arms.”
“Ah. I thought I heard a little accent there.”
Saint chuckles. “It’s all but gone now. I’ve lived here so long, but I was twenty before I came.”
“What brought you to Miami?”
He smiles, but I see sadness in his gaze before he blinks it away. “Adventure.”
“I can respect that.” I pat his arm. “It’s a great piece. Do you want me to try to match the original colors?”
“I have a photo.” He opens his phone and shows me the piece when it was originally done.
“No offense to your original artist but I think the blending could be tighter.”
“I agree. I was hoping you could add some shadowing. Make it a bit more three dimensional.”
“I’d fucking love to do that. I love tackling big shit. Excuse my language.”
Saint laughs. “Nothing I haven’t said or heard before.”
“I’m pretty booked, but if you’re open to weird hours, we can make it happen.”
“I’m a baker. My whole life is weird hours.”
I laugh. “Yeah. It was fun hanging with you guys on Saturday.”
“For me too,” he says, putting his shirt back on. “I need to get out more. I’m not old yet.”
“Nah. How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Forty-three. You?”
“Thirty-four.”
He smiles. “That was a good age.”
“Hasn’t been bad so far.”
“Good. This is a nice place you have.”
“Hi,” Casper’s voice comes from behind Saint. He extends his hand when Saint turns around. “I’m Casper.”
“Hello there. I’m Saint.”
“Saint.” Casper repeats his name like it’s his new favorite word.
“He’s Briar’s boss,” I say, shooting Casper a look.
“Ah, Briar. He’s a great guy,” Casper says.
“Very,” Saint agrees, his eyes taking Casper in. “You work here with Jude?”
“Yep. Are you getting a tattoo done?”
“A touch up on a piece. I’ve thought of some other things too.”
“Oh, well, if Jude doesn’t have time, I’m available. You can look at my work to see if you like it.”
“Thank you.”
“I do piercings too.” His eyes move up and down Saint’s tall body. “You know, if you want... anything pierced.”
I have to fight back laughter at Casper’s obvious flirting.
Saint nods his head. “Good to know.”
I feel like I’m definitely interrupting something as the two of them lock eyes. I decide I better break it up given that Casper looks like he’s about to pounce. “Um, so, Saint, I’ll call you with some dates and times.”
“Great.” He fishes a card out of the pocket of his jeans and hands it to me. “My cell is on there.”
“Perfect.” I reach behind me to my stack of cards and give him one. “Call anytime.”
“I will.”
“You can stop by too,” Casper says. “You know, just to check things out.”
“Maybe I will,” Saint says. Turning to me, he grins. “I’ll get out of your hair. Thanks for chatting.”
“No problem. See you later.”
“Bye.” He nods at Casper again then makes his way out the door.
“Jesus, fuck,” Casper murmurs, shaking his head. “You know him?”
“As previously discussed, yes.”
“He’s…I can’t.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I know you’re straight, so you don’t get it, but Saint is like my dream man. He’s so incredible.” Casper bites his lip, staring at the front door like he’s hoping Saint will walk back in. “I know I was obvious, but I couldn’t help it. I wanted him to know that I was down for that.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Briar’s friend called him a daddy bear I think. What is that?”
“Fuck yeah, daddy vibes for days. I mean, he might not actually be, but fuck.”
“A daddy?”
“You know, hot older man, takes care of all your needs, punishes you when you’re naughty.” His eyebrow rises. “Yum.”