Page 30 of Fallen Ink

“You and your Addi?” Landon asked, his voice sounding a little too intrigued.

Mace set his drink down and looked at all of the men he called his friends. “She’s my best friend.” Not a lie. Not quite the truth either. But neither of them were ready for the world to know what they were. And the more important aspect of that was that they didn’t actually know what they were to each other yet. Because, for all they praised themselves on talking about their relationship as it was and how they were going to make sure neither of them ever got hurt, he knew they both had their heads in the sand when it came to definitions and feelings.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s how they were supposed to make things work for them. At least, for now.

“Yeah? And?” Carter winked as he said it before setting down his beer. He hadn’t had more than a few sips, and Mace wondered if the man was going to finish it. All of them were sharing one large pitcher since they all had to drive home, so it wasn’t that big of a deal. “Don’t tell us, it’s fine. But you should know, I saw the sparks between the two of you when I dropped by the shop. And I have a feeling if Roxie and Thea are in the same room as the two of you soon, they’ll figure it out.”

“If Shep wasn’t so focused on the shop and his family, he’d figure it out, too,” Ryan put in. “The two of you going off to the storage room together and coming out all red-faced and mussed sort of tipped me off. Just saying.”

Landon threw his head back and laughed, the others following suit as Mace didn’t confirm or deny what his friends were saying. After all, it wasn’t as if he had to. They already knew. Mace had a feeling the cat would officially be out of the bag with the rest of his and Addi’s family soon if his friends had anything to do with it—at least by the way they were acting.

Thankfully, the conversation moved onto the Broncos and their slim chances for making the playoffs, and soon, they were stuffed full of wings and mostly water now since they’d finished their one or two beers each.

They said their goodbyes, and because Mace was a glutton for punishment or perhaps because he was addicted to the one woman he shouldn’t be, he found himself taking an earlier turn than the one to his house and soon sat parked in front of Adrienne’s home. He’d called his sister so he could talk to Daisy before she went to bed, and she said the two of them were camping in Sienna’s bedroom, complete with a pillow and blanket fort. His sister had told him to have fun, and had teased him about seeing his woman. He didn’t think she knew exactly who his woman was, but he was going to take this time he had.

He hadn’t texted or called ahead, and because she usually parked inside her garage, he had no clue if she was actually home or not. This was probably stupid of him, but then again, he was good at making idiotic decisions recently.

He turned off his engine, but before he could get out and walk up to her door, hoping she was home, his phone beeped, signaling that he had a text message.

Addi: Creeper much?

He grinned, shaking his head as he replied.

Mace: If you know I’m out here, then you’re the one creeping on me through the window like in that old movie with the birds.

Addi: The window movie is not the same as the bird movie, dork.

Mace: I’m woefully inept when it comes to classics, it seems. Can I come in and watch some?

Addi: …

Mace: What?

Addi: That’s the worst line ever. But come inside, and I’ll make you come.

Addi: I, uh, mean something eloquent and ladylike that doesn’t sound like I’m thinking about your dick.

Addi: Because I am.

Addi: I mean, I’m not.

Addi: I mean, just get in here and let me play with your dick.

Mace’s laugh filled the cab of his truck, and he shook his head, stuffed his phone into his pocket, and headed out into the cold. He locked the truck behind him and hadn’t even raised his fist to knock on the door before she had it open and her arms around his neck.

“Hey there, sailor,” she teased. He reached down to cup her ass and lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he walked into her house, using his foot to close the door behind them.

“You know I get seasick,” he said, turning so he could lock the door before carrying her into the living room.

“Then I’ll be gentle.” She kissed him then, and he growled, needing her taste more than he needed air.

“It’s okay that I’m here, then? That I didn’t call?” He didn’t want to cross any lines and knew they both needed their own spaces.

She bit his jaw and grinned, her eyes bright. “You never had to before you saw me naked. You don’t have to now. Did you have fun with the guys?”

He kissed her behind the ear, loving the way she pressed into him, practically purring in his hold. “Yeah. But Ryan and Carter figured out we’re doing our thing, and that means Landon knows. Not sure how long we’re going to be able to keep it away from everyone else.”

She pulled back, blinking quickly. “I figured Ryan, but Carter?”

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