I stood there watching where he'd just been and tried to convince myself that had just happened. Next thing I knew I was back in Bree's room with my back pressed against the door, I didn't even remember walking up the stairs. I was still trying to calm my heart when my phone beeped and I ran for my purse, disappointment coursed through me when I saw it wasn't from Chase.

Brandon - 'Happy New Year baby. I love you'

Worst girlfriend of the year award should definitely go to me.

***

Five days went by without seeing or hearing from Chase. I hated that that bothered me. I hated that I dreamed about him. I hated that I cared at all. I’m madly in love with Brandon, so why do I have to love Chase too? I was relaxing on Bree's couch, still trying to excuse our kiss when my phone chimed. My heart kicked up a notch when I looked at it.

Chase - 'So...you ever going to come get that tattoo?'

The day we’d decided on our friendship, I’d come home from lunch with Mom and Bree to find him sketching on the couch. When he saw me he’d flipped the book closed and said he was working on a tattoo for me. Only problem? I wasn’t allowed to see it unless I actually got it as a tattoo, and it was finished. Of course I wanted a tattoo, but at that point I’d had a hard enough time just being around him. Having his hands on me for hours would have been torture I wouldn’t survive.

Me - 'When are you free?'

Chase - 'Seriously?'

Me - ':) Make me an appointment. I'll be there'

Chase - 'We open at four today come in then'

Me - 'Do I get to know what it is first?'

Chase - 'You can see it when it's done. I'm warning you now, it's going to take hours.'

Me - 'Chase I swear if you put something I hate on my body...I'll kill you'

Chase - 'I promise you'll love it'

Me - 'Don't make me regret this'

Chase - 'See you in a couple hours Princess'

This is exactly what I was avoiding. I didn't think I could handle him touching my body before, but now after that kiss? Aw hell, I am going to regret this. I ran upstairs to take a shower and dressed in loose enough clothing that I would be comfortable during and after. I called Brandon to let him know and he was excited for me, so I decided not to mention who would be the one doing it. He would have thrown a fit. I hated even omitting things from him, I knew what I was doing was wrong, and yet I couldn't talk myself out of it. Thankfully Bree was gone with her man until tomorrow, I knew she would be mad when she found out I went without her, but I needed to do this alone. Okay not really, but I wanted to be alone with Chase. I arrived just after four and followed Chase to his section.

“I can't believe you actually came.”

“I know, I'm kind of freaking out.”

His smile fell and he leaned in close, “Then I'm not going to do it Princess. I'll do it whenever you're ready.”

“No, no. I want it today, but I'm afraid it's going to hurt and it's really hard not knowing what it is. Can you please just let me see it?”

“I'm not going to lie to you and say it won't hurt, but it's different for everyone. Some people hate outlines, some hate shading. Some people don't feel a thing, and some hate the entire process. I told you, you'll love what it is. But it's a surprise, I can't tell you.”

“I'm trusting you with this Chase.”

He cupped a hand around my neck and pulled me close, “I know Harper, thank you.” Kissing me softly on my forehead, he dropped his hand and leaned against the counter. I already missed his touch. “Where do you want it?”

“Um...you said it was big, right?”

He nodded.

“Can I know how big? Because the location depends on the size.”

“Turn around.”

“What? Why?”

He smiled and turned my body away. “Because I already have the outline ready to go and I'm about to grab it to get the farthest points, I don't want you to see it.” I heard papers shuffling for a minute before he turned me back around. “This big.”

My eyes widened for a second and I took a deep breath. “Okay, I want it here.” I grabbed the wax paper and put it down on my hip. “I want it to start on the far left side of my stomach and wrap around my left hip.”

His eyes flashed with heat as he took the paper from my hands and rolled up my shirt just past my waist, “Lay down on your side.” I sucked in a breath when he tugged the left side of my pants down a bit, “I'll keep everything covered, I promise. I just need this side further down.”

“Chase?”

“Hmm?”

“You said it's going to take hours?”

“Yeah, probably three. As you can see it's big and the shading is really detailed. That part will take the longest.” He set everything up before turning back to face me, “This is where you need to trust me. I'm about to put the outline on, please don't look.” I shut my eyes and he laughed, “If you ever need me to stop, just tell me, okay?”

“Kay.” I took two deep breaths in and out, “I'm ready, let's do this.”

After the outline was on and he got the tattoo gun ready, he gave my hand a squeeze before putting his hand on my hip. “You picked the perfect spot, this is gonna look awesome.”

“It better.” I warned.

I froze when the needle first touched my skin, but relaxed after the first minute. It wasn't painful like I thought it would be, it was just uncomfortable. I really think the worst part is the sound of the gun.