Page 53 of Under the Ink

JUNE 28

Naomi was thrilled because the concert last night had been in a suburb of the Windy City—but they had one day off after and, because their hotel was in Chicago, she intended to take full advantage of checking out this city.

She especially wanted to see Lake Michigan up close. Hadn’t she heard somewhere that it was the largest body of fresh water in the world? Or maybe it was a different Great Lake. And someone had once told her that it looked like an ocean when you stood on the shore. That might make for a fun day. Enjoying a giant lake and big city life, something she was starting to love, was all her plans encompassed for the day.

She’d be sure to get in a meal, too, but that was not top priority.

Because they were staying in a nice hotel, she even slept late. Tomorrow, they’d be leaving early so she wanted one late morning. They’d all earned it. Last night’s show had to have been in the biggest venue so far on the tour. Over twenty-thousand people in one spot. It had blown her mind.

She was pretty sure there weren’t that many people in all of Winchester.

Before she stepped out of her room, she got a text message from Sage.Hey. Got a sec? I have something to give you.

He was not about to slow her down today.Can it wait?

Not really. It’ll just take a sec. I promise.

Letting out a sigh, she typed,Where are you?

Downstairs. In the lobby. Where are you?

That guy. Fine.Be right there.

What did he have that he felt was so important to give her on her day off? Not that it mattered. She was growing to really like Sage, far more than she should have, so a little distraction would be fine.

But shedidhave things she wanted to do today.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she walked toward the lobby and, true to his word, Sage stood off to one side near the lounge area. But he would have been hard to miss. Tall, shaggy blond hair. Gorgeous sapphire eyes.

Wait. What the hell was she thinking?

When he noticed her, he grinned, his pearly white teeth gleaming. How could she resist that infectious smile?

“So what do you have that’ssodamned important it can’t wait till later?”

“I’m glad you asked. Let’s sit down for a second.”

Ugh. Refraining from letting out an audible sigh, she followed him to the plush sofa closer to the front of the hotel and sat next to him.

That, though…that was dangerous. When they’d been at that liquor store the other day, she’d begun to notice that she was physically attracted to him. And she’d been able to resist, but her body—hell, herhormones—were betraying her.

Business only.

“So show me.”

Sage handed her a white paper bag with handles. “Open it.”

Cripes. It was like a gift—and if it was super nice, she was going to have to refuse it. But she wanted to see what it was first.

It was a bundle of papers bound in a plastic spiral. “What is it?”

“That,” he said, “is a map of Chicago. I had it printed and bound for you.”

“That’s pretty cool,” she said, starting to turn the pages.

“But it’s not just any old map. It’s got a list of things to do and places to visit—and, if you want company, I’m happy to be your companion. If you’d rather be alone, then we can part ways now.”

“That’s really sweet of you, Sage.”

---