Stolen Course (Wrecked and Ruined #2)

“CALEB, YOU are not taking a baby into a tattoo parlor.”


“Parlor? You really are from the South. And apparently the 1800s. And why not? It’s not run by a biker gang,” I tease, unbuckling Collin from his car seat.

“Don’t they like smoke and stuff inside?”

“What?” I laugh at her comment. “No, they don’t smoke! Emmy, have you ever even been to a tattoo parlor?”

“Well, no,” she says hesitantly, and I shake my head.

“Well I’d let Collin crawl on the floor at this place. They have done all of my ink over the years. Seriously, this place is the best. It’s clean, and sterile, and smoke-free. I swear.” I pull her into my side and kiss her forehead. I hold Collin on my hip and push my sunglasses up to sit on my head so I can nuzzle his chubby cheek before going inside. “You ready to get your first tattoo, li’l man?” I ask, and as expected, Emma rolls her eyes.

“What are you getting done anyway? Do you even have any space left?” she asks, pulling away Collin, who’s squirming from my arms.

“Oh, I’ve got plenty of room for you, Emmy.” I slide my hand down her back and squeeze her ass.

“What do you mean, for me? Caleb, what are you getting done?” she demands, but I just laugh and head inside.

“Come on, sweetheart.”

I pull open the door and walk into the familiar shop. I’ve spent many painful days in this place. It’s so fucking nice to be here for something I want instead of a feeling I need.

“Jones!” I hear Paul shout. “What’s up, man? Long time!” He walks over and stops in front of Emma and Collin. “What’s up, little Jones?” He gently pokes his stomach with a finger. “Jesus, if that isn’t your kid, I would suggest hitting Maury Povich up for a paternity test. He looks just like you!”

“Paul, this is my wife, Emma, and son, Collin. Emma, this is Paul. He’s done one hundred percent of my tattoos. I won’t let anyone else touch me.”

“Wow. Well I have to say you did a fantastic job on his back. I’ll have to send you some of the pictures I took a few weeks ago,” Emma says with a huge smile.

“Yeah, send ‘em over. I never thought he’d finish, but it turned out pretty badass.” He turns his attention back to me. “Give me minute. I’m transferring your stuff now.”

“I thought this was an impromptu stop?” She spins to face me.

“Yeah, I totally lied.” I shrug but can’t wipe the smile from my face. “Oh and Brett and Jesse should be here in about five minutes to pick up Collin.”

“What!” she screams.

“Oh and we’re go out to dinner afterward.”

“What!” she screams again.

“And I packed him his pajamas and enough bottles to get us through ten o’clock. So after dinner, I’m taking you home and fucking you against the wall, maybe on the stairs, and definitely in the kitchen. ”

“What.” This time she breathes the word as heat floods her eyes.

“Come on, Emmy. I knew if I’d asked you about this, you’d have said no. I haven’t been alone with you since he was born. I packed his bags and dropped them off with Brett this morning after the gym. It works out for everyone. I get to have loud sex with my wife without fear of waking the baby, and Jesse gets her baby fix for the week.”

“I don’t know…” she starts, but the door opens and Jesse comes skipping into the shop.

She addresses Collin first. “Hey, cutie!”

“Jesse, I don’t know about this,” Emma says as Jesse plucks him from her arms.

“Em, it will be fine,” Brett says as he joins the group.

“Oh and the best part. I was worried about the whole car seat switch, so Brett’s just going to take the SUV and leave us the BMW.” I smile eagerly.

“Be careful with my baby, asshole,” he snaps as he hands over the keys.

“I could say the same.” I look down at Collin, who’s giggling while Jesse blows raspberries on his cheek.

“Come on, sweetheart. It will be fine,” I urge.

She finally relents. “Yeah, okay.”

“I’ll text lots of pictures,” Jesse promises, using Collin’s hand to wave over her shoulder as they walk away.

Emma’s eyes look a little teary as the door closes behind them, so I pull her into a hug. After pushing her hair off her shoulder, I place a wet kiss on her neck. She immediately relaxes into my arms.

“He’ll be fine. He loves Jesse.”

She nods, biting back the tears as Paul comes out from the back.

“You ready, man?”

I turn to Emma and ask, “We ready?”

“Did you draw it?” she asks, referring to my soon-to-be new tattoo.

“Yeah. I did.”

“Then I’m ready.” She stands on her toes and pecks my lips.

Two hours later, I finally stand up and look in the mirror.