Ava's Thor(n) Read online

  “Man that looks awesome!” I heard the young man nearly squeal in glee after our session had ended. “Thanks so much, T-dog!”

  I grimaced at the nickname he had given me without my permission but decided to excuse it. “You’re welcome. Now, remember to keep this wrapped and clean until our next appointment. That will be our last one, and you’ll really be able to see things come together.”

  He nodded enthusiastically, clearly too enthused with the design on his bicep to pay much attention to my instructions. But given that this wasn’t his first time here, I didn’t push.

  I walked him out of the shop when I noticed an envelope at the front desk with my name scrawled on it. Assuming it was a leftover tip from a client, I didn’t open it until I was back in my office. But instead of bills, I found a small sheet of paper tucked into the crisp white envelope.

  I’m sorry. Let’s try again.

  My body tensed, knowing immediately who it was from. Without hesitation, I balled the paper up and threw it in the trash. Heck, if it wouldn’t have caused the sprinklers to go off, I would have set the shit on fire.

  Chapter 3

  ~Ava~

  I followed behind Evie grudgingly after leaving the office. In the several days since she had run into Mr. Rico Suave, I had hoped she had forgotten all about her promise to come to the tattoo parlor. I was dreadfully misinformed because she was adamant about making our way over there today. I didn’t understand why she needed me to go with her. Did I really want to sit there and watch them make sexy eyes at each other? I mean I know a lot about Evie as it is. Did I really want to know that part of her? Shudder. Hell no!

  “Stop stalling, Ava! It’s not like I’m asking you to get a fucking tattoo. I just want a second opinion,” she complained as we walked to the car. I was several feet behind her, dragging my feet and looking for a possible escape. Hey, that doesn’t make me a bad friend. I had plans for the night, okay? Granted, they only included me sitting in front of the television and gorging on ice cream, but plans are sacred!

  “What do you need my opinion for? That’s what Mr. Sexy is there for, right?”

  At that Evie shrugged. “Well, if you come with me I’m less likely to have sex with him.”

  I sat down in the driver’s side of the car and gave her serious side-eye. “You would have sex with him in a dirty tattoo parlor? That’s just gross, even for your desperate ass.”

  She snorted at my insult. “I’m not desperate, I’m horny. There’s a difference. And who are you to talk? I bet your only plans for tonight were to sit in your living room watching television like a loser.”

  “So what if it was? Hello! It is a weekday. Or did you forget that because your brain has been rewired to your cooch?”

  Instead of answering, Evie turned on the radio and we sat in the car without speaking for the rest of the ride to the tattoo shop. Okay, so maybe that wasn’t my only reason for being upset. Seeing Evie getting her groove on was a sad reminder of my own deserted love life. Of course I noticed how invisible I was that day. I mean, Mr. Suave was so focused on her he hadn’t even acknowledged me. I shouldn’t be upset, but there was an uncomfortable feeling in my throat as I drove her to the next potential love interest. When would it be my turn? And Evie’s words that day kept reverberating in my mind. Dammit, don’t you dare repeat them!

  When we finally arrived, I was a bit shocked that it wasn’t run-down. I mean, how many tattoo places do you know that aren’t in some crummy corner of an alley? Well, this one wasn’t. In fact, when we entered through the glass door, it was well decorated and the tattoo artistry on the wall actually fit into the design. There were limestone porcelain tiles in the waiting area, but an accent wall of wood helped to give it a more rustic, masculine look. See, my obsession with HGTV definitely comes in handy sometimes. Past the waiting area were cubicles lined along the length of the wall, each closed off with a thick curtain. It didn’t only look clean, but the place smelled clean. With a hint of some cologne that made me want to breathe in deeply.

  “Whoa, this place is hot,” Evie commented.

  I nodded my head silently in agreement, beginning to walk around to see all the artwork hanging on the walls. I couldn’t help the low whistle of appreciation. Damn, these people were talented! But who the hell would want a full portrait of someone else on their body? I could understand a lost loved one, but a celebrity? Come on, even you know that’s a bit odd and creepy.

  “Hello, what can I do to help you, today?” A voice greeted us. The young woman came to stand in front of us with a clipboard in her hand. I eyed her look appreciatively. She was definitely a looker with her short hair and doll-like features.

  “We’re here for a consultation with Axel,” Evie provided excitedly. I could practically feel her jumping out of her shoes to get another look at the guy.

  “Oh! You must be Evie. Please, wait here while I let him know you’ve arrived.”

  Only a few minutes later, Mr. Suave appeared from the back of the shop. I prefer my nickname for him. Does the dude know he’s named after a car part? He actually greeted me this time, though. But just as quickly, he turned to Evie and took her hand into his.

  “You made it!”

  “Of course, what girl would say no to a free consultation?”

  “Almost every consultation is free,” I mumbled to myself. No one heard me though. Maybe that was for the best. I actually didn’t want to ruin this for her. It seemed as if Evie was actually infatuated with Mr. Suave. Maybe this wasn’t just an itch needing to be scratched. Could this actually become serious? I paused...Nah.

  “So, is this the infamous Evie you’ve been talking about?”

  My eyes narrowed at the voice that sounded throughout the waiting room. Why did it sound so familiar? Evie, Mr. Suave, and I turned to the newcomer, and I held back a gasp of shock at seeing the gorgeous devil again. Did you know about this? You could’ve warned me. And here I thought we were becoming good friends. But damn, he sure did look even sexier than I remembered! He wore a sleek vest over a long-sleeved collared shirt and jeans that hugged him in all the right places, with a distinct bulge that had my fantasies running wild. I shook my head to rid myself of the dirty thoughts. Not today, Satan!

  He seemed to be equally surprised to see me because when his eyes met mine, they widened, exposing the beautiful emerald depths.

  “You!” We both said at once.

  Evie and Mr. Suave were clearly confused by our outbursts, but I could care less. I approached the devilish man with an intent to get back at him. “This motherfucker ruined my shoes!” I yelled.

  Evie, now realizing who he actually was, immediately reached for me, but she was too late. I was already in front of the giant, my head barely coming to his chest. But I was not deterred. If you know how expensive those shoes were, you’d be backing me up too. I poked him in his chest, ignoring how well-muscled his pecks were beneath his soft shirt.

  “You owe me big, and I expect to be paid in full!” I poked him to emphasize my words.

  The look he threw my way was as if I was a pest beneath his shoes. Oh, fuck you too, bro! I may be tiny, but I pack a mean punch. You ready? He took my hand in his much larger grasp and shoved it away. For a split second, my heart skipped a beat as his calloused skin pressed against mine. “Are you serious, lady? Do you need to be committed? Because I’m starting to think there’s no helping your type of crazy.”

  “Call me crazy again, and I’ll shove my knee so far up your…”

  Before I could finish my colorful statement, Evie pulled me away from him by the arm. “Ava!” she chastised. “You hardly know the man. What the hell!”

  “He deserves all of it and more, the cocky bastard.”

  Axel, excuse me Mr. Suave, came between the two of us and held up his hands in an effort to decrease the tension that had quickly escalated in the room. He gave both me and the gorgeous devil a glare of warning. “Okay, both of you need to calm down. I have no idea what’s going on, but this is a place of business, and there is no need for this type of behavior.”

  I rolled my eyes at the way Evie’s eyes devoured the man. Well, he had impressed her, that’s for sure. I guess he wasn’t as much of a bad boy as I had assumed. Hey, don’t bother telling me “I told you so.” I had every reason to think what I did.

  “Axel, get this broad out of my shop. I don’t have time for this.”

  I gasped at his easy dismissal. “You don’t have time for this? You think I had time to return home and replace my clothes and shoes? The least you could do is apologize!”

  “Apologize?” he turned back to me with a look of exasperation. “I already did!” he defended himself. “But then you followed me out of the cafe like a certifiable stalker and demanded I give you what I paid for. In what world does that make any sense to you?”

  “In the real world, buster! All you owed me was a cup of coffee. But then you had to up the ante, and now you owe me a new pair of shoes too!”

  Somehow as we yelled at each other, the distance between us had closed again. Axel, in an effort to not have us screaming into his ear backed away from us both. Playing the Good Samaritan can only last so long, I guess. I could feel the heat emanating from the devilish man’s skin, and the closing distance allowed me to appreciate his handsome features even more. The asshole was definitely blessed in the looks department; he had a sharp aquiline nose that dominated his face. But what drew me in the most were his eyes. Bold eyebrows slashed across his forehead to emphasis their narrow shape, with long eyelashes protecting them. It gave him a mysterious look; it created a nagging feeling in my blood that wanted to kiss away the exaggerated frown decorating his full lips. But I wouldn’t- I couldn’t.

  My breathing was all off. I sounded as if
I had run a marathon, which was so not cute. But he was just so frustrating. I felt my blood beginning to boil at the way he treated me. Who was he to throw me out? But even as we glared at the other, there was something in his eyes that gave me pause. It made my lower belly clench in response to the intensity in his green orbs. And to my utter horror, I found myself holding back a moan as he looked down at me, his body heat encompassing my much smaller frame. Ugh, get it together, girl!

  “Who are you to throw me out anyway? I’m a paying customer!” There, I was just confusing rage and passion. It must be the lack of sleep. It’s gotta be!

  I grew suspicious at the smile that he gave me, and ignored the way my body instantly reacted in appreciation at its appearance. God, why did this man have to be so sexy?

  “Because I own this place. And I have free reign to throw out anyone that I want. Especially obnoxious, loud, and rude women like yourself. Notice I said women and not…” he paused suggestively. “Something else.”

  Was he implying that I was a bitch? Well, I couldn’t very well swallow my words in defeat, now could I? That would be giving him the upper hand, and the last thing I’d ever allow him to do is win. So I chose a different tactic,

  “Congratulations on pretending to be a gentleman,” I gave him the same disgustingly sweet smile he had thrown me. “Too bad I can see right through your bullshit. And it stinks!”

  “Ava…” I heard Evie sigh in defeat. For his part, Mr. Suave tried to intervene again, focusing his efforts on the man before me.

  “Thor...I really think that-”

  “Not now, Axel,” he growled, refusing to hear his colleague out.

  My eyebrows lifted at his name. “Thor? Your name is…” I couldn’t finish, bursting out into laughter. It wasn’t really that funny, but I wanted to humiliate him. What? Don’t look at me like that. I’m not childish at all!

  Thor, Mr. Norse God- to be honest, the name was quite fitting despite his darker features- narrowed his eyes at me and folded his arms in front of him. The move really helped accentuate the bulge of his biceps and pecks. I held back my drool though. No way was I going to let him know just how attracted to him I was.

  “Are you done?” he asked rhetorically. “If so, you can see your way out. Please, don’t let my door hit you in the ass on the way. I don’t think it’d survive. And I’ve already gotten a taste of just how cheap you are. ”

  I choked on my laughter at that comment. Did he just say I had a fat ass and called me cheap? Oh, this man was asking for it! It seemed Ava could tell what I was about to do and, bless her heart, she tried to stop me. But it was too late. Again. Normally, my impulsivity really plays into my favor, but this time even I’ll admit that maybe I went too far. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t deserve it. Right?

  My doubts were too late. I reached for the pitcher of water on the guest counter I had seen earlier and threw it onto him. Thor seemed to have seen it coming because he tried to get out of the range of fire. He partially made it, but the bulk of the water landed on the side of his shirt and pants. As soon as the pitcher was empty, I felt a set of strong hands take a hold of my forearms and literally drag me to the exit. My eyes never strayed from his however. Through our locked gaze, we clearly expressed our utter contempt for each other. And I ignored the persistent inkling of doubt at the back of my mind that maybe I had overreacted.

  ~~~

  Evie glared at me as we stood against the door of my car. Mr. Suave had taken it upon himself to physically remove me from the premises, and now I was getting a tongue lashing from my best friend. The heat on my cheeks was from embarrassment as my mind went over how much of a spectacle I had made of myself. You’re going to look this shit up on World Star Hip Hop, aren’t you? “Crazy woman curses out tattoo artist over spilt coffee.” I can see the headline now. It may sound ridiculous, but Thor’s attitude didn’t really help calm matters either. Or at least, that’s what I told myself.

  “What the hell has gotten into you? Are you some sort of child? You not only made yourself look like an absolute idiot, but me too! What the fuck, Ava!” Evie groaned, pacing back and forth in an effort to calm down her anger.

  “You can still go in there and see, Mr. Suave. You weren’t kicked out,” I grumbled.

  My words didn’t seem to soothe much of her anger. “Are you kidding me? Why would I want to go back in there when you’ve thoroughly embarrassed me? I don’t even want to show my face here again!”

  “Well, I hope you do.” Both of us turned to see Mr. Suave back again. Does this man make any noise when he moves? He just keeps showing up like a ghost! He smiled at Evie and shrugged his shoulders, “I mean, I hope you come back. You never got to have your consultation, after all.”

  At his words, Evie’s stress seemed to have dissipated somewhat. “Okay, if you say so,” she said meekly. Now, meek is one word I would never have thought I’d describe my girl Evie.

  “I do. In fact, I’m having a party at my place this weekend. You’re welcome to come and enjoy some barbecue and good company.”

  She nodded her head enthusiastically.

  Mr. Suave smiled down at her affectionately before turning to me. “You can come too, if you’d like. Maybe it’ll help you unwind a bit?” He didn’t wait to hear my answer before giving Evie one last wink and going back into the shop. I sighed at the pity invite and shook my head.

  “Looks like you still got game, girl.”

  “Ava, shut up and get in the car. I’m still pissed at you.”

  I groaned and opened the door as she went to the other side. “No surprise there,” I grumbled to myself.

  ~Thor~

  “So, can you please explain to me what the hell happened out there? I’m shocked by your behavior, Thor. That was completely unprofessional!”

  It took me a moment to respond to Axel’s theatrics as I desperately tried to dry my clothes. Eventually, I gave up and turned to the extra set in my office. I was beginning to run out after two altercations with this woman. What the hell is her problem? Please, let me know when you figure it out! I took off my shirt and vest replacing it with a tank top. When I reached for the belt of my pants, I looked up to find that he was still waiting for my response by the door.

  “Are you going to watch me undress or give me some privacy?” I asked sarcastically.

  “You’re not getting any privacy until you tell me what the hell is going on with you. That was completely out of character, even for you.”

  “It’s good to know you have such a high opinion of me,” I scoffed.

  Axel sighed, rubbing a hand down his beard. “You know that’s not what I meant. I’m your partner man, and I care about this place as much as you do. Do you blame me for being concerned when I see you berating customers?”

  My immediate thought was to scream, “She berated me first.” But luckily, I realized how immature that sounded on my part, so I held my tongue. Instead, I humored him, “Okay, dude. I get it. You’re right, maybe I should have handled that a little bit differently, but I have never met a more frustrating woman in my life! Give me at least somewhat of a break. You saw her! She’s certifiable!”

  I was shocked to see Axel shoot me a grin. It looked suspicious. Does he know something I don’t? Do you? You’d tell me if you did, right?

  “Thor, we’ve dealt with difficult customers before. Several times, actually. You still never allowed them to break your cool. In fact, you’re one of the most unaffected men I’ve ever met. Maybe you should be thinking about what makes that woman so different you can’t handle her. Because from where I am standing, it seems like she effectively told you off. And, I gotta admit, I did enjoy seeing that. Finally, someone has the last word when it comes to you.” Axel began to laugh as he considered further what he was saying.

  I, on the other hand, had a well-versed frown of disgust on my face. “Go to hell!”