Page 50 of You're All I Need

She scans me from head to toe. “I can absolutely do that for you, but you know,” she starts, nibbling on her bottom lip as she contemplates something. “You have the cutest little nose. You’d look adorable with a little stud right here,” she adds, pointing to the side of her nose, “Or maybe a bar in one of your nipples.”

I bark out a laugh. “Talk about two totally different piercings.”

She grins widely. “One is for the angel, while the other is for the naughty girl inside you. Actually, the more I think about it, if you want to get naughty, there’s a couple of piercing ideas for down under. I don’t know if that’s something you’d consider, but the O’s are worth the pain and hassle, I promise you.”

“Something tells me I don’t want to know what you’re discussing,” Isaac says as he approaches, their son still in his arms. Ryker is sucking on a lollipop, a big string of red drool dangling from his chin.

“I was just suggesting a VCH piercing to Adrienne, like the one I have,” BJ announces, causing her husband to blush a deep shade of pink.

“Uhh, I’m pretty sure there are laws in place prohibiting me from entering this conversation.” He quickly backs away, taking their son across the room so he can enjoy his sucker.

“I love embarrassing him,” BJ states with a giggle, her gaze locked on her husband and youngest son. “Anyway, I can squeeze a piercing in this afternoon after you get off work.”

“Really?”

She shrugs. “Yeah. The schedule isn’t too heavy today, since I originally took some time off because of the kids being sick, but since they’re both better, I’m heading in for a few hours.”

“Okay,” I reply immediately, feeling excited to head to her shop.

“I’ll call Stevie and see what she’s doing. If you don’t mind, I’ll invite her to stop by. Maybe we can discuss you two getting some ink together.”

“Sounds good.”

“Great. Just come by the shop when you get off work. I can redo your naval piercing, or I can do something else. Whatever you want,” she replies, pushing herself off the bar and heading over to where her husband and son play.

I move back to check the bottles and cans, making sure the cooler is filled and ready, even though I know it is. That’s one thing the night shift does before they leave, making sure everything is stocked for the next day.

“See ya later, Adrienne,” BJ hollers, waving goodbye before she heads out with Ryker.

“Bye,” I reply with my own friendly wave.

Isaac approaches, trying to wipe what looks like a ball of sucker drool off his tie. “Here,” I say, tossing a fresh cleaning rag toward him.

“Thanks.” He takes the rag and carefully dabs at the mark on his tie. “Both boys have been down with a stomach bug. Today was the first day they’re both human again.”

“Where’s the little guy? I was gonna give him another sucker,” Jasper announces, a cat that ate the canary grin on his face.

“Sugar him up on the first day he’s able to hold down food,” Isaac grumbles, shaking his head. “Thanks for that.”

“You’d do the exact same thing if the shoe were on the other foot,” Jasper insists with a laugh.

“Damn right I would,” Isaac agrees with his own smile.

“All right, it’s time to open. Everyone get to work,” Garreth states with a loud clap as he enters the bar from the back hallway where his office is located.

Jasper and Isaac roll their eyes and grin, but take off toward their respective areas of expertise, while I make sure the final few steps are taken behind the bar to open.

The day progresses quickly, the bar hopping during the lunch hour. I’m serving a few at the bar and have six more tables scattered throughout the room. Garreth helps, refilling drinks and delivering food orders while my attention is elsewhere. I’m at the bar, pouring two drafts when the heavy door at the front of the bar opens. Even though the sun is filtering through the windows and I’m not able to see the arriving patron’s features well, I know who it is by the way he stands.

Caden.

He pulls off his sunglasses and steps closer to the bar, coming into full view. He flashes me a familiar smile. “Hi.”

“Hey,” I reply, tossing a coaster in front of where he’s sitting. “All by yourself today?”

“Yeah, we just finished up a new home install, and Jack wanted to go meet Stevie. They’re probably having a quickie,” he says, chuckling.

“Probably,” I agree with my own laugh. “Coke?”

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