Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
I can see the sadness in her eyes, and if I’m not mistaken, a little anger too. I expect her to fight me, but she does as I ask, stepping inside. She locks the door and turns out the lights. I stand here staring through the patio door into the darkness of the kitchen, wishing like hell that I was on the other side, following her to her room.
Chapter
Six
Emerson
* * *
The weeks are flying by. It’s been three since the bonfire celebration of me being home for the summer. It’s also been three weeks since Roman and I have barely said more than a few words to one another. If it’s not about the shop, we don’t discuss it.
It’s driving me insane.
He’s stubborn and sexy, and did I say stubborn? I don’t know how to get through to him. What this is between us should be just that—between us. My brother shouldn’t even factor in. We’re both adults and can make our own choices. I know that Forrest is protective, but he has to let me live my life.
I understand that they’re best friends, but at the end of the day, we have to live for ourselves. If growing up with two alcoholics as parents has taught me anything, it’s that. I used to stress and worry about them constantly, but they never spared me another thought. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t care about others, but you have to do what’s best for you.
What if what’s best for Roman and myself is us being together?
“I’m out,” my brother says, walking up to the desk, cell phone and keys in hand. “You coming straight home after work?”
“I’m not sure yet. I might swing by Monroe’s. We talked about taking a late-night swim.”
“She’s welcome to swim at our place. I bought that house partially because it had a pool for you.” He grins.
“I know. I’ll let you know where I end up.” I love my big brother and all that he’s done to take care of me and help me with a car, college, and a safe place to live. I feel guilt creeping in that I’m lusting after his best friend. I understand how Roman feels, but I still believe we can make our own choices.
“Be safe.” He leans in and gives me a hug, and then he’s out the door.
The shop is quieter than usual today, with only two of the guys here now that Forrest is gone. Legend is working on a back piece that will take up the remainder of his day, and Roman is starting a sleeve for a client that will take several sessions. He has nothing on his books after this, so it’s a slow afternoon for me.
I don’t mind. It gives me time to clean and work on getting things more organized. It’s also mid-June, so I need to get an ad posted for my replacement. I leave for school in August, and it would be nice if we could find someone soon so that I can get them trained and know that I’m leaving the guys in good hands.
With the quiet of the shop, I’m able to clean the entire break room and sweep the lobby. I’ll wait to mop until after all the clients are gone. I even went as far as cleaning out the refrigerator. The shelves are sparkling, and all the science experiments the guys were growing have been tossed into the trash.
I’m bending over, grabbing more appointment cards from the storage shelf behind the desk, when the chime on the door rings. I finish my task and stand to find a man standing at the counter. “Welcome to Everlasting Ink. How can I help you?”
“I came in for some ink, but leaving with you might be a better option.” He rakes his eyes over my body.
I keep a polite smile on my face, even though I’d love nothing more than to tell this asshole to kick rocks and find a different tattoo studio. However, instead, I remain cordial and smile. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. Do you have an artist here that you work with?”
“You.” This time his eyes travel to my tits and stay there.
“If you’re here for a tattoo, we can talk about that. Anything else, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” My voice is firm, and the nice girl persona has been dropped. I’m over this asshole.
“Come on, sweet thang, let’s go grab a drink.” He reaches over the counter as if he’s going to touch me, but pulls his hand back.
The words are barely out of his mouth when I feel the heat at my back, and two strong arms cage me in as Roman braces his hands on the counter. “Hey, baby girl,” he says huskily.
I take a step back, bringing me closer to Roman. “Hey, Rome.” He wraps one strong arm around my waist, and the other falls to his side.