Page 8 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

“Yes,” I said, licking my lips. When he went all-dominating on me, it always made me want to comply, even if I pushed his buttons most of the time. He peered over his shoulder, but I was too worried to follow his line of sight and focused on the lotus flower tattoo on his neck that I now realized looked like the one he’d just given me.

“Your tattoo,” I murmured, just as he turned his head back to me. His eyes lit with fire as he spotted where I was staring.

“Took you long enough, Peach." Slade smirked as he watched me, his eyes growing hungrier the more I stared back. It made me wonder if he was about to eat me, and I was willing to let him.

“Road trip?” Simon asked, moving closer. “That might actually work with what I’ve found.” His voice was hesitant, pulling me from my lust fog with Slade, and I turned to him.

“What did you find?” I asked, then peered around and realized I’d been pressed up against the wall by Slade. Which, I’d admit, was one of my favorite places to be pressed up against him, but now was so not the time. “Actually, let’s move this conversation to the coffee shop. I could use a coffee and muffin.”

Slade groaned, laying his head against the wall, but sighed and stepped back, giving me some space. He grabbed Simon’s hand and pulled him along, leaving Zane and me to lock up. Once the door and its million locks were engaged, Zane threw his arm around my shoulder as we followed the duo ahead of us down a few stores to Common Grounds, the coffee shop.

When we entered, the smell of coffee beans, sugar, and baked goods filled the air, and I took a deep breath, letting it fill my lungs. “Ah, yeah, that’s the good stuff.” I giggled, peeking over at Zane as he took in the place.

“This place is amazing,” he said, a huge smile spreading across his face.

Tugging him toward the counter, I was excited to introduce him to Mrs. Patty. Simon already had her swooning as he complimented her, while Slade stood with his arms crossed, not saying a word. I swear, sometimes he asked people to spit in his drinks with his attitude.

“Lennox!” Mrs. Patty exclaimed, stepping out from behind the counter. She waddled over to me, lifting me up into her arms for a hug before I could blink. She rocked back and forth, squeezing me more. Wrapping my arms around her, I sank into her embrace.

“I should tan your hide for making an old woman scared!” she huffed, pulling back and checking me over. “At least you finally opened your eyes to the yummy men in your life.” Lifting her eyebrows, she gave me a big smile. “Speaking of, introduce me to your new one.”

She dropped my arms and turned to Zane, standing next to me. Before he could say anything, she grasped his cheeks and squeezed them. “Hmm, yeah, I can see the resemblance to the grouchy one. You’re better looking, though.” She winked, knowing that Slade could hear her, making Zane chuckle.

“Hey,” he grumbled before Simon could soothe him.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Patty. Lennox has told me all about your wonderful coffee creations. I can’t wait to try one.”

“Hmm, flattery. Yes, I like this one. You have permission to woo my girl then.” She patted his cheek and returned to the counter, resuming her position behind the espresso machine.

“I’ll remember that when you need someone to help unload your coffee beans,” Slade huffed, scowling.

“Oh, Slade, you know I love you. I just have to make it fair. Now, don’t be a party pooper. You ready for your greeting card wisdom of the day?”

“Yes!” I cheered, stepping closer. Slade rolled his eyes, but smiled.

“Yeah, yeah. Give it to us. It makes Peach happy.”

“You know what you should do when life gives you lemons?” she asked, making Simon chuckle.

“Let me guess, make lemonade?”

“Nope,” she said with a smug smile. “Throw them at your enemies.”

We all stood there, our mouths agape, for a few seconds before we burst out into laughter.

“Okay, Mrs. Patty, you’re even better than Lennox said,” Zane said, wiping his eyes free of tears.

“Where did you learn that one?” I asked, leaning against the surface.

“My grandkids taught it to me. Good one, isn’t it?” she asked, sliding four cups across the counter. “Now, y’all going to try some of my cobblers today?”

“If it’s what I smelled when I walked in, then yes, please!”

“Good. I’ll be right back.”

Simon and Slade took the four cups of coffee over to a table while Zane and I waited for Mrs. Patty to return. When she brought out a steamy tray of cobbler with ice cream on top, my mouth began to water as I took in the desert.

“Oh, Mrs. Patty, this looks divine.” She beamed as we paid, telling us to be good as she returned to the kitchen area.

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