Free Cougar's Victory by Moxie North

before he could tell her.
    Their dinner showed up and Effie was grateful for the distraction. They both laughed when their meals of lasagna and stuffed manicotti showed up looking identical. Bubbling cheese covering marinara and a mystery pasta underneath.
    The rest of their dinner was lighter conversation. Effie told him what she could about the town, and he told her of his bigger plans for the vineyard. They talked about his sister again and the family she had married into. Sound liked a crazy bunch of loggers living out in the woods to Effie.
    After dinner, Dax asked her to go for a walk.
    “Hmm, not exactly walking shoes, Mr. Hayes,” she quipped, looking down at her feet.
    “I could carry you,” he offered.
    “Not happening, superman,” she laughed.
    “Okay, then what would you like to do?” he asked, offering her an arm to walk to his car.
    Chewing her lip for a moment Effie decided to test the waters a bit. “Well, I was thinking of getting a new tattoo. Since my latest client seems happy with my work, and I’m assuming he’s going to pay me for it, we can go to my tattoo parlor.”
    Dax was opening her door when he stopped, “You want a tattoo? Tonight?” He seemed a little shocked.
    “Yes, tonight. I’ve already picked it out, and I know the guys at the shop. I’m sure they could fit me in. It will probably only take about an hour, it’s only one color,” she said, giving her eyes an exaggerated bat.
    “Wow, that’s going to get you whatever you want, sweetness,” Dax laughed at her comical flitting eyelashes.
    “Good to know,” Effie said with a smirk while sliding into the car.

Chapter 15
     
    They drove to the shop, Effie pointing out the small town’s fascinating points of interest. Edna’s yarn shop, the four different second hand stores, and the one grocery store in town. Dax listened and commented as they drove. He hadn’t really even ventured into town, he’d been so busy. Pulling into the parking lot Effie was glad Cass was working that evening. No better time than the present to introduce both of them.
    Walking in, Effie called out a greeting to everyone.
    “Hmm, fresh meat,” Cass offered as her hello. She was eyeing Dax up and down.
    “Down tramp,” Effie snickered, “This is my client, Dax Hayes. You remember I had a meeting today?” Effie gave her the high eyebrows.
    “What? Can’t a girl ogle? I’m Cassidy Balmer, nice to meet ya. And if I recall that meeting was earlier today. What on earth could you two crazy kids have been up to all this time? Hmmm, it’s a mystery,” Cass taunted.
    “Yes it is a mystery, so keep your Scooby nose out of it. Spike, have any room open?” she asked, looking over the counter to the appointment book.
    Cassie snatched it up and held it to her chest. “That depends, for you or Mr. Fancy Pants there?”
    Dax looked down at his pants, “Fancy?” he asked Effie.
    “She’s being catty, don’t listen to her. And you know good and well it’s for me.” Effie said, giving her the hairy eyeball.
    “Fine, yes your majesty. Spike is free after this appointment.” Cass gave a dramatic sigh and made a big show of penciling in Effie’s name.
    Turning to Dax, Effie asked wickedly, “Wanna watch?”
    Hearing the buzz of needles and seeing the blood on the shoulder of a guy in the distance had Dax’s cat antsy. “I’ll think I’ll sit out here and keep your BFF company,” he offered graciously.
    “Ohh goody, show and tell!” Cass yelled, coming from behind the counter to grab Dax and pull him to the sofa.
    Oh, God, Cass was going to ruin the best relationship Effie had ever had. It didn’t matter she’d only been in it about six hours, it was still the healthiest one by far.
    “Cassie, be nice. Don’t ask inappropriate questions. Don’t ask about money, piercings or former relationships,” Effie warned.
    “Then what else is there!” Cass whined.
    “You’ll think of something,” Effie gave her another hard glare.
    She