A car wreck leaves Ryan with a facial scar he believes people find unsightly. But not Sean, a smiling tattoo artist who doesn't judge a book by its cover.<br><br>Sean manages to find the beauty in everyone, including gruff and defensive Ryan. He refuses to be put off by the hard mask behind which Ryan hides. But convincing Ryan to open his heart is proving to be quite a challenge.<br><br>When someone from Ryan's past offers him what he wants most in the world, Ryan has a decision to make. Which voice will he listen to --?? his heart or his head?

His Scar

The interior is small, with a counter on the right that divides the waiting area from the work area. Inside the work area, there are two massage beds and a dentist’s chair. A guy lays on his stomach on one of the beds. On his back, he has a giant tribal design that starts at his left shoulder and runs diagonally down to his right side.


The tattoo reminds me of a scar and I wonder if the guy would like to have one on his face. A girl sits in the chair while Stuart tattoos the side of her foot. From her misty eyes and clamped jaw, I imagine she is in a lot of pain.


While I look around, Sean sits on his stool, puts on a pair of gloves, and dips the needles of his tattoo machine in ink.


“Does it make you want to get one?” he asks me.


I turn and look at him with wide eyes. “One what?” I ask, incredulous, sliding my hands deeper into my pockets. If I go any deeper, I’ll reach my ankles.


Chapter 10