Since when do bad boy tattoo artists do the nice-guy thing? Isn’t that a rulebook violation or something? Here I was, perfectly oblivious about never having been truly hot and bothered before. Then Nick goes and kisses me, effectively making every paltry liplock I’d ever had in the past utterly forgettable in comparison.

But what does he do after learning I still have my v-card? He locks us in the friend zone. Maddening, really, since no safe, tame guy even registers for me anymore. Seems it’s intense, rumbly-voiced swooniness or nothing for this girl.

So, do I go to Nick’s shop and ask him to ink me as part of a big master plan? Nope. It just happens. Admittedly, the liberating request comes out a little dirtier than I intend.

Which just makes it doubly perfect.

* * *

For such a nice, good girl, Melody sure knows how to be all kinds of trouble for me. Seriously, what the hell was I thinking kissing her? It’s been a month now and I still can’t get it—or her—out of my head. There are too many reasons I shouldn’t get close to her. And she makes me forget every single one. Her town sweetheart status and innocence aside, she’s also my boss’s sister. Until my new tattoo shop takes off, I can’t afford to lose my day job.

But, it’s no use. Fact is, no other woman is going to do it for me anymore. Hell, it’s cute, funny, beautiful-inside-and-out sweetness or nothing. That said, I need to keep my distance. At least until I can make something of myself. A guy like me co-owning a business? That’s something. This thing with Melody, on the other hand?

It could be everything.

Contains the BONUS novella, The Love Bug, exclusive to this audio edition!

Self Taught Ninja Ince