Page 10 of I Did Before I Do

A guy in one of the front two booths put down his tattoo gun and rose. He was tall, with long brown hair and blue eyes. He was handsome but not entirely my type. His face was red, too.

God, I’d embarrassed him in front of his coworkers.

He came down the stairs toward me.

“Just so you know,” the girl behind the counter said, “he goes by Benny. Just in case this is a recurring thing, you know?” She smiled playfully and winked at me.

My mouth felt dry.

Benard—Benny—reached me and held his hand out. “Hey.”

I took his hand, letting him shake.

“I’m Benny,” he said. “What can I do for you?”

He was being really gracious, considering I’d just humiliated him.

“I’m dropping these papers off for Mr. Bridges.” I held out the envelope with my left hand. “It should be pretty straightforward.”

Although, really, I had no idea what they were about.

“Oh, okay. Thanks.” Benny nodded. “I didn’t catch your name?”

“Sydney Lawson.” I smiled up at him.

“Right, Kenzie’s friend. Cool. She’s my cousin.” Benny nodded. “Well, good to meet you, Sydney. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

I nodded, although I wasn’t too sure about that. I couldn’t imagine having a reason to come back into a tattoo parlor. I’d only see him if he came to Hills & Bridges for something.

I tugged my purse up my shoulder, ready to head home.

But then the other guy came down the stairs.

Shaggy blond hair, green eyes, covered in ink, and dressed in dark colors.

My stomach dropped.

The hot guy from the bar.

And he was even better than I remembered.

He smiled at me, watching from over Benny’s shoulder. I looked at him for a moment, then away. He came closer and held his right hand out.

It would have been rude not to shake. I put my hand in his.

His hand was warm, and a little rough. Definitely good.

“Ryker Hart. Nice to meet you again.” He smiled. It was charming—just a little hint of a smirk to it.

It made him look sexy. Not that he needed any help looking sexy.

“Um, hi. Sydney Lawson.”

We shook hands.

He didn’t let go.

God, this guy was everything I wanted. Tall and tattooed and absolutely ripped.

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