Page 60 of Can't Kiss the Chef

“Is that a new tattoo?” Byron points to the plastic wrap around my wrist.

He always notices the little things.

“Yeah,” I peel the protective cover back. The little horse shoe is already starting to scab.

“That’s cool. Do you have any others?” Avery asks.

I pull up the rest of my right sleeve. “Yeah, just a few.” I giggle.

Her eyes dance over my arm. “Wow, that’s a lot.”

“What’s this one for?” Byron asks, knowing that I don’t just permanently etch something into my skin without a memory attached.

“Charlotte convinced me to sign up for a competition. It’s my first one–”

The seat next to me screeches against the dark concrete floor.

“Sorry, I’m late. Coach held a last-minute film session, and I couldn’t ditch it,” Dalton says. He presses a gentle kiss to my cheek.

“A text would have been nice.” I murmur under my breath, loud enough for only my ears.

Dalton opens his menu, “What did everyone get to drink?”

His button down is wrinkled. No gel to tame his wavy hair. The normally impeccably put together man has one khaki pant pulled over his boot, one tucked in. I don’t like the feeling that settles in my gut.

It’s just my mind playing tricks on me.I tell myself.He was just rushing after practice.

“You were just telling us why you got your tattoo,” Avery reminds me. Pointing to my new ink.

“Oh, umm, I haven’t competed since high school, so I thought it was a reason to celebrate.”

“That’s so cool, babe. I can’t wait to watch you compete.”

Other than a few glares and some snide comments, I’d consider tonight a success. I really like Avery, I even invited her to come to the pregame the boys are having next weekend with me and my roommates.

I’m scrolling through Netflix while Dalton gets ready for bed in the bathroom. My phone pings in my lap and I smile at the name on the lock screen.

Byron:

Hey, do you think you could get me an appointment with Cora?

Me:

I’m going in tomorrow to get something touched up. Let me see if she has availability.

Cora responds to my messages quickly.

Me:

She said she could take you tomorrow after she is done with my touch-up. Want me to pick you up? My appointment is at noon.

Byron:

Perfect, I’ll see you then.

Me:

Be ready at 11:45 ??

---