Page 56 of Smudged Lines (Tattooed Hearts Duet 2)

“Possibly, but then you have to deal with all the other guests. Traveling a lot, you get sick of the same basic setup and the loud TVs that drone on when you want to sleep.”

Grimacing, I’d forgotten they’d moved a lot. “Ah, yeah. I guess you’re an old pro at this stuff, then. I’m ashamed to admit that Nashville is the furthest I’ve ever been.”

“Nothing to be embarrassed by, Lennox. Your experience is yours, just as mine is mine. I wish I knew what it felt like to know someone as long as you have Simon. There’s pros and cons to every situation.”

Smiling, I nodded, feeling better. I’d forgotten how he’d easily done this before, making me feel comfortable and encouraged with his words. “You’re right. I do want to travel someday. Are you sick of it? How long were you in Africa?”

“No, I love it. Maybe it’s the constant newness of getting to experience things, but there’s something about moving each time I like. Don’t get me wrong, it gets old, and I always crave a place to come home to. I definitely don’t want to travel or move as much as we did as kids, or like I have the past few years. It just seemed easier to not be close by even if I wasn’t always here. Knowing you were only an hour’s drive north, well, some days it was a comfort and others a temptation. I didn’t want to be far from you though, even if I couldn’t be in your life. It’s stupid,” he finished, blushing.

“No, it’s sweet.”

We smiled at one another, and I looked at the paper, the moment feeling too intense for 7 am. “Well, I guess we only have the final walk-through left. Want to do it together?”

“Absolutely.”

We walked room by room, checking the list and making sure we had all of their belongings. When we got to the last room, I nodded, signing off at the bottom that all the tasks had been completed.

“Yes! Mama needs some pancakes! Feed me, Zane!”

“Your wish is my command,” he joked. He held out his hand, and I took it, the butterflies filling me at his touch.

“Anywhere in particular you’d like to go?”

“Oh, I know! Let’s go to Pancake Palace! It’s just up the street from my apartment.”

“Lead the way, gorgeous.”

Blushing, I took off, ensuring I latched the door and dropped the keys back through the mail slot. The birds were out now, chirping as we walked along. More pedestrians were out too, the streets beginning to liven as we walked. We didn’t talk, just held hands as we walked, and it was nice. Zane had a lot of the qualities I’d liked about Duncan. He was solid and confident, giving me space to be myself without constantly wondering if what I said sounded dumb or if he thought my intensity on specific topics was too much.

Zane made it okay to simply be me, and I didn’t have to make excuses for my behavior. Simon accepted me and knew me better than I knew myself. Slade challenged me and pushed me, which I loved and needed. All three of them added something different, and I’d started to see how we could work perfectly together.

“I have an idea. Since it’s early, perhaps we could grab food first? Then shower? I’m starving.”

I looked down at myself, checking for any holes or stains. I had on a good pair of leggings, and my shirt looked clean. I sniffed my armpit, and while it wasn’t the freshest, I probably wouldn’t be the worst smelling human either. Shrugging, I ignored the way he smiled at me for smelling myself.

“I guess if you don’t care about being with sweaty me, then I’m all for getting some food first.”

“Honestly, I find you sexy as hell right now, sweat and all.”

Blushing, I ducked my head, not sure what to say back. We made it to the corner, and I pulled him in the direction of the pancakes, my stomach making a siren call for them. The early hour meant the place was only half full. I grabbed a booth in the corner, giving us a little more privacy from people. I was surprised when Zane slid in next to me instead of across.

“Well, hello.”

“Figured I’d save the waitress from your stinky self.”

Laughing, I shoved his arm in offense. “Hey, you said I was sexy.”

“And you are, doesn’t mean you don’t smell, pomegranate.”

“You’re mean.” I scrunched my nose at the nickname, and Zane only smiled wider.

“Nah, I just really wanted to hide your awesomeness from everyone else. Plus, this way, I can touch you more.”

“That’s a much better reason.”

Opening our menus, I knew instantly what I wanted. The waitress dropped off a pot of coffee, indicating she’d be back in a second. Zane seemed to take longer, but when she returned, he was ready.

“I’ll take the chocolate chip stack with a side of bacon.”

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