Lucas swiped at the client’s skin, following the dark lines of ink twining together. The basis for every good tattoo was solid line work. Without that, the tattoo would turn into blobs of unrecognizable color over time, or he’d fuck something up as the guide erased during the course of the session.

“How you doing?” Lucas glanced up at his client.

“Fine, man. I don’t feel a thing in my legs.” Will shrugged, his gaze roving over the shop. “Hey, is Carly working today?”

The question was delivered so off the cuff it sounded practiced.

What the hell had Kellie dumped in his lap?

“Uh, not sure, man. I just started here, so I’m not up to date on her schedule.” Lucas grabbed the damp rag and proceeded to clean up Will’s leg.

Lucas knew Carly was in class this morning. Kellie had mentioned that in passing, but nothing else. Lucas had worked with enough female artists to recognize the shop stalker vibe, the guys who’d come in to talk to the lady who caught their eye, and Lucas wasn’t about to help the guy out, even if Carly despised the air Lucas breathed.

“Well, tell her I said hi?” The guy bent forward, peering at the gnarly Japanese demon mask adorning his shin. “We used to play rugby together.”

“Rugby?” Lucas parroted back slowly. Before or after the wheelchair?

“Yeah, Murderball? The governing body said we had to start calling it something else. Murderball wasn’t an appropriate name.” He rolled his eyes. “Anyway, Carly played on our co-ed team for a while.”

“Damn. You guys play around here?”

“Yup, city league is about to start up. Think you could talk Carly into playing again? She was really good.”

“I don’t know if anyone can talk Carly into doing something she doesn’t want to do.” Lucas shrugged, the line so practiced it came easily. Not that the true creeps would take the hint, but Lucas could try.

“Tell me about it.” The client shook his head.

“What makes her so valuable?”

“We need more three-point-fives in the local league.”

“What’s a three-point-five?”

“It’s the physical classification system. Three-point-five is the highest level of disability allowed to compete. I’m right at a three, but I think they’re going to drop me lower this next season.” He grimaced.

“So, three-point-five, that means she’s...less disabled?”

“Less than me.”

“Interesting. I’ll have to come see a game.”

The front door of the shop opened and the bell chimed. A woman with dark brown hair ambled in slowly, her distended stomach and heavily tattooed arms and legs enough for Lucas to assume this was Pandora. He smiled and waved at her, but kept his attention on the client. Introductions could come later.

“You want to see it first, or should I go ahead and bandage it up?” Lucas asked.

“Nah, wrap it up. I’ve got to get going.” He checked his watch and then his phone.

Lucas ran through the highlights of after care, though the guy had enough tattoos it should all be routine by now. Once he was done, he rolled his seat back and let his client maneuver into his wheelchair. Will wasn’t the first disabled person Lucas had tattooed. Since posting up in California, he’d seen a number of veterans especially, but their injuries weren’t typically this old and they weren’t as comfortable with their bodies. Will, on the other hand, had it all down, from driving to sports to a social life far more active than Lucas’. It was admirable.

Since Carly wasn’t there, Lucas manned the register and keyed in the guy’s next appointment to begin filling the tattoo in with color and adding more to the calf. It would be slower going, since they’d be dealing with covering up old tattoos and going over scar tissue, but Lucas thought they had a good foundation set to work off from now.

There was about five seconds of silence before a rubber squelch betrayed Carly’s attempt at a silent entrance.

“Is he gone?” she asked from the back of the shop.

“Yeah, he’s gone.” Pandora frowned. “I thought you were in class.”

“Early release.”

Lucas turned as Carly coasted down the hall. Her pixie-cut hair was sticking up every which way and she had that little crease on her brow, the one that telegraphed I-am-annoyed.

“I guess you see we’re being replaced.” Carly came to a smooth stop and pivoted to face Pandora.

Lucas gritted his teeth. Pandora glanced from Carly to him, her eyes wide. Kellie had asked him to take it easy on Carly, just for a bit and he would. But an attitude like this wasn’t going to make for a happy shop.

“You must be Pandora.” Lucas held out his hand toward the woman. “We haven’t been introduced yet. I’m Lucas.”

“Yeah, you are.” Pandora shook her head then took his hand. “Sorry, we met very briefly like...once a million years ago. Hi. Are you...?”

“Kellie and Mary are replacing us.” Carly turned and rolled past them toward the front desk.

Pandora cringed and stared after Carly. The look said all it needed to say. She got it, all of it, and Lucas could consider this a bridge that didn’t need any fires put out.

“I’m not replacing anyone,” he said, keeping his voice lower.

“Would you help me stick this in the fridge? Bending isn’t easy these days.” Pandora held up a little lunch tote and smiled a bit too sweetly.

“Sure thing.” Lucas took the tote and proceeded her into the office.

Pandora waddled into the office and mostly shut the door. She kept a hand braced on the wall. Lucas crossed to the small fridge and spent a moment moving things around to fit her tote.

“Did Mary or Kellie stick you in that spot?” Pandora pitched her voice low.

“No.” He glanced up. “They said the middle two stations were open, so I picked one. Why?”

“Shit.” Pandora sighed and leaned against Kellie’s desk. “Because even though Carly has mostly given up the idea of tattooing, we’ve always left that as her spot. Just in case she changes her mind.”

“I see.” He’d taken Carly’s spot and her reaction was to get hurt. He was treading all over her territory. “I could move?”

“Don’t.” Pandora shook her head. “I’ll be out for at least two months post-baby, and when Autumn is here, that would put three people on one side. That’s just silly to have everyone on top of each other like that. She’ll get over it, Things are just...tough for her right now.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“Oh, so you know...?”

“I don’t know shit. Mary seems to have told us all as little as possible.” Lucas was going to have to have a chat with her about it, too. Inter-shop drama was so not his thing.

“For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re here. Is this permanent, or...?”

“Well, I was hired, so... until I’m fired?” He shrugged.

“Good.” Pandora breathed a sigh of relief. “I’ve been dreading anyone new, though I knew it needed to happen. I’m glad it’s you.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve a reputation like that.”

“Mary, Kellie and Jenny—they have nothing but great things to say about you.”

“I see.”

“Oh.” Pandora’s eyes widened. “Did you know that Jenny...?”

“Works next door? Yeah, Kellie sent me in there with my dog yesterday.” Lucas shook his head. This was likely all some big joke on him, designed by Mary and Kellie for all the shit jobs he’d dumped on them.

The back door of the shop banged open and a moment later, speak of the devil, Jenny ducked into the office. Her eyes were bright, her hair a bit wild and her cheeks were pink.

“Everything okay, Jen?” Lucas straightened.

“Yeah, can we talk a moment?” Jenny glanced at Pandora. “Hey! I didn’t think you were coming back in.”

“I’ve got two clients I want to wrap up pre-baby if I can do it.” Pandora rubbed her stomach. “Speaking of, I should start setting up.”

“Lucas?” Jenny practically vibrated with...purpose.

Was this about last night?

Sometimes Jenny had to work herself up to do, or say, something. If she’d spent all morning getting to this point there was no stopping her.

He let Pandora exit the office first, then followed Jenny out to the strip of employee parking behind the shopping strip.

“What’s up?” he asked, bracing himself for the worst.

“Will you...go with me to the animal shelter tonight?” She wrung her hands together and bounced on the balls of her feet.

Animal shelter?

Lucas blew out a breath, the small bubble of anxiety popping inside of him.

“I’ve just... I haven’t been ready for another animal, and then this woman brought her newly-adopted dog in this morning, and...the shelter is having to turn away people because they were involved with a fighting dog rescue. They took all the training and breeding animals, and are trying to find them homes this week. Lucas, just looking at that dog this morning... Someone burned her. I mean, who does that?”

“You realize adopting an animal who has lived in that kind of environment could mean there will be issues?”

“Of course, but—”

“All I want you to do is think it through.”

“And all I want you to do is go with me.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared.

“Of course I’ll go with you.” Yes, he was raining on her bleeding-heart parade, but Jenny came first. If she was dead set on bringing one of those animals home, he sure as hell wanted to be there with her to see what kind of trouble she got herself into. Knowing Jenny, she’d get the meanest, most beat-up animal in the place.

“If you’re just going to point out everything wrong with them I don’t know if you should go.” Her glare lost none of its heat.

Lucas edged closer.

Jenny didn’t move.

He slid his hands around her waist, testing the waters. She didn’t push him away, but neither did she uncross her arms.

“Look, Batman is the only dog you’ve ever had, and he was special. All I’m trying to do is point out that he’s a hard act to follow. Some animals are more work than others, and I’m worried you’ll fall in love with one that’ll break your heart when it doesn’t love you the way you want it to.”

Ouch.

That sounded an awfully lot like history repeating itself.

“I keep waiting to...feel ready for a new dog.” She relaxed and placed her hands against his chest, letting their bodies press together. “And this morning, it was like the pieces fell into place. I’m ready.”

“Okay, then when I’m off we can go. How’s that sound?”

“Perfect. Thank you, Lucas.” Jenny wrapped her arms around his neck, lifted up on tip toe and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. It was so relaxed and easy, as if they’d always been doing this. “Omen’s passed out in her carrier, by the way. I haven’t gotten to her today yet.”

“There’s time for that later.”

If Jenny was ready for a new dog, was she also ready for a new man in her life, too? Lucas could only hope that was the case.

g

Jenny’s ass was cold and numb, but she didn’t move a muscle. Not one bit. Not even to breathe.

“That’s a good girl, come on.” Everly, the owner of Hopeful Paws, sat next to Jenny, muttering encouraging words to the dog still huddled in the large carrier.

One gray-and-white-speckled paw slid forward into the light. A soft, rhythmic thumping emanated from inside the plastic crate.

“She’s easily overwhelmed by all the people and sounds. That’s why we put the crate in here for her. Before that she was trying to hide under her bed.” Everly never took her eyes off the carrier.

Jenny had walked the rows of dog runs, glad to see so many empty kennels, but the only animal that had grabbed her at a glance was Dolly. And even then all Jenny had seen was a flash of one brown eye before Dolly ducked out of sight.

“We can look at one of the others, if you like. Dolly might not come out.” Everly’s face twisted up. It was clear the woman felt for every animal in her care.

“I’m not in any rush.” Jenny glanced at Lucas standing down the aisle a bit.

He gave her a thumbs up, Omen cradled in his arms.

At Everly’s urging, Lucas had ducked out of sight, suggesting that Dolly might be more comfortable if it was just the ladies. Lucas had given her one eyebrow lifted glance, but otherwise said nothing.

Yes, it would be a problem if Jenny fell in love with a dog who could not abide men. But Lucas wasn’t just any man. Jenny was determined to win Dolly over.

“You know she was used as a training dog, right?” Everly cringed, her brow furrowing and shoulders hunched. “I can’t remember what I told you about which dog. It’s been a really long day.”

“You didn’t say it in as many words, but looking at her it’s obvious she was attacked multiple times. Scars like those are done in layers. I knew most of the animals here were from the fighting dog rescue. Knowing and seeing though, it’s a different thing. It looks like you’ve adopted out several today.” Jenny glanced at the other woman.

“Yeah, my husband’s friends really pulled out all the stops to help us today.” Everly’s cheeks went pink. “I’m still getting used to that word. Husband.”

“Newlyweds?” Jenny smiled. She could remember that thrill, how excited she’d been. Granted, she’d also been eighteen and stupid, but the emotions were pure.

“Yeah.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks. I keep telling myself it’ll feel real someday.”

“It will, and you’ll count yourself as the luckiest woman in the world.” Jenny had always had ulterior motives in marrying Walker. He wasn’t the only one to blame for things going bad. He’d been her ticket out of the hellhole that was her family’s life and her chance at a better future. She wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Walker. They might not have been made for each other, but she had loved him in a way.

“Are you two...?”

“Oh, no.” Jenny glanced up at Lucas, who was on the phone and oblivious to their conversation, thank goodness. “I was married once, but we grew apart. It doesn’t change the fact that, when we got married I felt so lucky to be his wife.”

“I’m sorry things changed.”

“I’m not.” Jenny stared at Lucas’ backside. “If it weren’t for my first husband, I’d probably be in the same, west Texas trailer park as my parents.”

A tongue licked at Jenny’s fingers, stealing the treat right out of her hand.

She glanced down at the scarred head flattened to the concrete floor.

“Oh, hello,” Jenny whispered, trying not to be overly excited.

Dolly was a medium-sized, pit bull mix. White scars marred her steel gray fur, from her head down to her tail where a piece seemed to have been lopped off. One ear was in shreds, while the other had been clipped. She must have belly crawled the whole way when they weren’t looking.

“Oh...” Everly covered her mouth.

“Want another one?” Jenny pulled a second treat from the bag Everly had given her and offered it to Dolly.

Dolly stared at the treat, the whites of her eyes showing. For several long moments none of them moved.

There was nothing aggressive about the dog’s posture, though she was clearly a bit afraid. Fear made animals react in unpredictable ways, so Jenny continued to be still and allow Dolly to edge closer to the offered treat in her own time.

It took another few moments for Dolly to accept the food, at which point they were rewarded by a slow wag of her tail.

“That’s a good girl,” Jenny whispered.

She slid her other hand toward Dolly.

The dog turned her eyes on the sneaky hand and pressed closer to the concrete.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” Jenny whispered.

Dolly’s canine face squished up, as though she were cringing.

Jenny placed her hand on the dog’s shoulders, stroking her short fur gently.

Almost at once they all seemed to exhale and the tension unwound itself. Dolly’s tail thumped Jenny’s leg and she wiggled around, rolling halfway onto her back, exposing her belly.

“Oh...my God,” Everly whispered.

“That’s a good girl,” Jenny said with more enthusiasm.

She reached out with both hands, giving Dolly’s tummy a gentle rub.

“I have never seen her do that.” Everly leaned closer to Jenny.

“I think she likes me. Want another treat? Dolly?” Jenny pulled the last treat out of the bag and Dolly took it without hesitation.

“Darn it. Now I’m crying.” Everly chuckled and sniffled, wiping at her eyes. “I’ve been so worried about her.”

Dolly slithered over Jenny’s lap, as though she were still worried about making herself too much a target, and pressed herself to Everly’s side.

“Are you trying to comfort me? Are you?” Everly rubbed Dolly’s back. “She really is super sweet.”

Jenny bit back the words she wanted to say. As much as she wanted to make the decision her heart was screaming at her, she also had to be practical. Lucas—and Omen—were part of her life, and she wanted to keep them that way. Dolly would have to accept not just Jenny, but Lucas and Omen if she were going to come home with Jenny.

“Lucas? Hey, when you get off the phone will you come over here?” Jenny glanced at Everly. “How is she with other dogs?”

“I was told she was kept in with a bunch of other females, but we’ve been so focused on giving her positive human socialization we haven’t tried with other animals.”

“You want me to come to you?” Lucas turned and slid his phone in his pocket.

“Will you, please? Walk slowly.” Jenny kept her attention on Dolly, stroking her back and watching her body language for any sign of change.

Lucas took one step and paused. Then another, and paused. Around his third step Dolly seemed to become aware of him. She stilled and turned her face toward Jenny, as though she were seeking a place to hide from this new person.

“It’s okay,” Jenny whispered.

Someone needed to pay for the atrocities done to this sweet animal. Despite everything she’d been through, her heart was still kind and wanted nothing more than to be loved.

“Stop it. Omen, you’re a brat.” Lucas knelt outside the kennel, juggling the playful pup who was currently trying to eat Lucas’ fingers.

Dolly’s ears perked up at the playful growls Omen made wrestling with Lucas’ thumb. The pup almost tumbled out of Lucas’ hold, but he caught her. Omen cried out, which wasn’t unusual for her. The number of burrs and sores was no doubt still painful.

Dolly shot up and toward the fence, doing her best to lick through the fence at the puppy, as though she could comfort the other animal.

“I’ll be.” Lucas sat down on the other side of the fence and allowed Omen to sniff at Dolly.

Jenny grinned at Everly, who had her mouth covered with one hand and wasn’t even trying to wipe away the tears now.

It was a good start. Dolly would undoubtedly have growing pains, but if she could accept them all, Jenny wanted to give her a fighting chance at a happier life.

•  •