Page 57 of Endgame

Tattoos are my creative side; I express myself by inking up my body. I have very little space left to add, and I am waiting for inspiration and ideas to let me know what’s next.

I’m getting antsy to see her tonight.

It’ll be fun to let loose and have some good old fashioned fun.

Pulling up to Joe’s, the nostalgia of the tavern feels like comfort. The building resembles a wooden shack with large window openings, minus the actual windows. The only thing decorating the outside is a massive vintage sign reading Joe’s Tavern, barely hanging by a thread above the entrance door.It’s got that old truck stop feel—vintage stop signs, road signs, street names, and what seems like fake mugshots running from top to bottom along the interior walls. Random pops of neon orange and green lights come from the stage and are placed at the back focal point of the building.

It’s a vibe and exactly what I need tonight.

As we pile out of the Jeep, I notice Navy’s Mercedes parked in the corner, such a contrast to my wildly beat-up Jeep. She’s always been the opposite of me. Navy loves the finer things in life, but she’s so fucking humble she’d sell it all in a second for someone in need.

“You ready to get dirty, my man?” Kingston throws his heavy arm around my neck and steers us into the building.

“You know it. Let’s make ‘em sweat.”

My mind seems to lose its ability to think straight because, right there across the room, standing by a bingo table littered with all of our friends, is the most beautiful woman in the entire bar, the center of my pussy-whipped mind.

She’s dressed to perfection; her outfit tonight shows the diversity of her style. I can’t put my finger on the change, though. She’s got on this figure-hugging leather mini skirt that reaches her belly button, electric red in color. She paired it with a rock band graphic tee tucked into her skirt, secured by a studded belt. Her hair looks freshly fucked.Unfortunately, not by me, but sure as hell better not be by someone else.It’s teased to perfection, the style I’ve noticed she does often and wears well. But the kicker, answering my question about her, is the fact that she’s in heels. Redstilettoheels. Looking like a wet dream with red lipstick to seal the deal.

Red might be my new favorite color.

I’m a dead man.

No questions asked—she’s a powerhouse of a woman, Dunks or heels.

I need her with every fiber in me.

It’s as if my body knows she’s spotted me; without thinking, my eyes lift and find hers instantly across the room. She’s smiling so big it makes my heart burst. The most beautiful smile I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s the smile I’ve noticed she keeps just for me. My steps find her in stride as I stalk across the room to her, bringing her soft body into a hug.

“Hi angel, miss me?”

Dakota laughs quietly, playfully shoving my shoulder, silently telling me to cut it out.Gladly my dear.“You act like I never see you, Callaway.” I tap her nose teasingly. “Ask me if I care. I’ll take you when I can.”

After our phone call, I was met with the realization that I feel like I know her well now. Whereas I thought she would hesitate to ever open up to me, she shared with me more than needed. That tells me shetrustsme, and hell, if that’s not a feeling to celebrate.

Dirty Bingo sounds like the thing to do it.

The group of us piling in finds our spot at the round table. We’re slightly off-center from the stage, which gives us the perfect view of the bar. I pull the chair beside me for Dakota, leaving her no choice but to sit; Bodhi is on the opposite side.

The group shuffles to the bar to secure their drinks. I order an Old fashioned for myself and a triple lime vodka soda for Dakota. Returning to the table, I can’t help but feel like the luckiest guy in the room. Dakota’s beauty is magnetic. It’s a beauty that can’t be explained or duplicated. It’s entirely her.

Sitting her drink in front of her, she looks at me hesitantly, “There’s three limes. You did that last time. Explain.”

Not what I was expecting, but sure thing, angel.

“It’s not that serious. I’m not willing to leave it to chance that you won’t have at least two limes in your drink. Better to have more than not enough.”

I’m not sure what kind of reaction I expected, but it wasn't a kisson the cheek. I’m grinning like a schoolgirl.

Dakota is kissing me on the cheek, and I’m relishing in the high like I had a quickie with the Queen; it’s nothing I’ve ever experienced being the lowly man that I am, but one I can imagine would be a monumental moment much like this kiss is for me.

I’ll buy her thousands of limes if she keeps putting her lips on me like this. “You are too good to me, Callaway Hayes.”

My cheeks hurt so bad. I couldn’t hide my grin if I tried.

Looking at her like a fool, I finally say, “And you’re constantly surprising me.”

She laughs so lightheartedly it stops me in my tracks. Fuck, if it doesn’t feel good to see her happy. To see herliving. This woman before me is not the same woman I met four months ago, and that makes me incredibly proud of her.

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