CHAPTER 2

TANNER

I’m mesmerized by Penelope as she speaks. Her voice and body language tell me that she is affected by me and that dress makes it hard not to take in her curvy body while trying to focus on business. I initially told Dad that he was insane with his marketing scheme but then had to admit that it works for my tattoo shop. I am the face of that and well over half of my clientele is female. Flirtatious females. Why not give Dad a shot at being the best in the city?

“Tanner?” I blink and look at Marshall as I hear my name, not wanting to tear my eyes away from Penelope. “What do you think of doing some photos in front of some tires, pulling in every woman with that bedroom stare that sells so much?”

“I think it’s worth a try. Dad wants to be at the top so let’s do what we need to get him there,” I wonder if it would make Penelope want me.

She’s nowhere near my type of woman. Her clothes and occupation are everything I’m not. I run a tattoo shop that I started with an inheritance from my grandfather five years ago. The shop flourished and now I’m the most successful shop in all of Chicago, but I know that my business is nothing like what happens here in this building. I get to know customers up close and personal by seeing their skin while Penelope dissects their business from afar.

Judging from the way she was introduced by her boss and the slight circles under her eyes, Penelope puts a lot of time into her work and is probably the top worker around here. I see that she is rigid in life by her posture and doesn’t seem to be able to relax easily while I enjoy every moment of my days.

I work hard and love what I do, but I also play hard. I’m the bad boy who every woman wants until they get me, and then they realize that I am far too much for them. Hell, I enjoy the ride. That’s all I want anyway.

“What’s your budget look like, Norm? We have top-of-the-line photographers, studios, everything that you could need.” Marshall smiles as the pretty brunette brings in a tray with three cups, a large coffeepot and even some pastries. She’s looking at me, but all that’s a waste of her time because my sights are firmly set on Penelope. The brunette hands Marshall a cup already made for him and asks my father and me what we like before she fixes them.

“I am willing to spend. That new chain just opened in the city and I want to stay ahead of the game. I want the best pictures and TV ads that money can buy. Thank you,” Dad tells the brunette as he accepts the cup of coffee from her.

“Here you go,” she tells me softly as she hands me a cup, her big brown eyes locking on mine. She wants me and isn’t hiding it at all. I glance at Penelope to see her face twist in irritation.

“Thank you,” I tell her with a wide smile, seeing Penelope frown. She is jealous. I toss that idea around for a moment. I’d never touch the brunette if I have a chance with Penelope and it is clear that I do. I add a wink to the smile to up my game, just to see the frustration pass across Penelope’s beautiful face.

The brunette blushes as she sends a glance around the room before leaving. Penelope sees the last longing look from the woman as much as I do and I lean back in my chair and look at Marshall as he drops ideas. I know that I shouldn’t act like this at a business meeting but the challenge is too much fun. Penelope drinks most of her coffee before leaning forward and taking a muffin from the tray. She doesn’t eat it as she starts to speak.

“I think that a picture of Tanner in front of a beefy truck would work as well. The truck will have big tires and he could lean against it in some overtly masculine pose. He could drive it for a commercial as well.” I glance at her, seeing the way that she tucks her hair behind her ear before looking at me. “I think that we’ve all seen your typical commercials for tire companies. I want to go above that so people talk about these ads. It will get your name in their heads and their business in your door, particularly if you back them up with great service and prices.”

She smiles for a moment. “In the small town where I am from, there was a car service place that did tires and a few fixes. There was nothing great about them but everyone knew that they served fresh popcorn in the waiting area. I think that got at least half of their customers through the door. Nothing else stood out.”

Dad lets out a laugh as Marshall gives Penelope an approving look. She is the star student here and I wonder how much I could make her forget all about the rules for just a little while. The look that she gives me makes me realize that Penelope is on to my way of thinking. Dad and Marshall nail down a business plan and Penelope agrees to make some calls as the meeting wraps up.

I am only aware of some of it and stand along with her, taking a glance at the clock on the wall. It’s mid-morning now and she might be up for a quick break. “Thanks for everything.” I tell Marshall, shaking his hand, and taking the chance to follow Penelope out of the office.

Her dress hugs her curves and I drool silently at that ass for a moment, rushing past the brunette without as much as a glance.

“Miss James?” I watch as her legs pause, calves tight from some regular workout, and she turns back.

“Would you like to get some coffee with me? That meeting took a while and some fresh air might be good.” I stare at her as I ask, knowing that there is a coffee place on the corner and that she probably drinks a lot of it with her work hours. If running a tattoo shop has taught me anything, it’s how to read people.

“Thanks, but I just finished my coffee,” she points out as she starts to walk away slowly.

“You look like a woman who works hard. I’ll bet you live on coffee,” she stops walking away and turns back to me with a shy smile. I want her to break loose for a moment and come outside with me. I want some more time with her, alone this time.

“Instead, we could go to lunch in a bit if that works better for you, Miss James. There’s a deli up the street that is great.”