Page 22 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

“Absolutely. Just put me to work.”

“Awesome. I think this is going to be amazing. Thanks for supporting me when I suggested it.”

We’d dropped back behind Slade and Lennox and I looked over at him. “Of course. I know we’re not brothers like Slade and me, but I consider you one. I’m glad we’re able to bond more as well.”

I bumped his shoulder, some of his anxiety leaving him as he smiled at me. “Good, me too, and I’m glad.”

We headed to the convention center, and I looked around at everything. I never pictured myself here, but I couldn’t deny that it fit in a weird way. I think it was time for me to step out from behind my shield and see what else life had to offer me.

ChapterTwelve

LENNOX

I moveda pot of ink around for the millionth time, positioning everything on my stand just so. We had a booth with our shop name and portfolios on display. Zane had even managed to print some things off at the hotel last night, so we had signs with our social media handles, the location of the shop, and the website. It was wise to direct people to where they could find out more information.

“It’s good, Peach,” Slade said, coming up to me and pulling me back against his chest.

“I’ve just never done something with an audience before.”

“Sure you have. You just didn’t know it. I was always watching.”

“You know, that could be taken as creepy. Good thing I like your weirdness.”

“Humph,” he grunted, his tattooed knuckles splaying across my belly, contrasting with the rose and skull dress I was wearing. “Just go to your happy place. Don’t worry about anyone else. Focus on your client and you’ll be fine. You got your music?”

I nodded, my shoulders relaxing. “You going to be okay?” I asked, looking up at him.

“Yeah. I’ll be fine. I don’t really care about this competition. Only enough to stay in it so we can stay together. I think Simon needs it, so I’ll do it for him.”

I spun around, his hands transferring from my belly to my bum, and I lifted up, wrapping my arms around his neck. “It’s sexy how much you love him, you know?”

“Oh?” he asked, his eyes shining back with love.

“Yeah.” I licked my lips, shifting on my feet when Simon and Zane returned, dropping off their things at the booth.

“Hey, how’s your station?” I asked, dropping my arms and trying to quell the lust. The redness in my cheeks gave away my intentions if Simon’s smirk was anything to go by.

“It‘ll do. It’s weird not having a lot of space. Since I’m not here with a salon, I’m shoved at the end.”

“That sucks—” A loud alarm sounded, cutting me off.

“Attention. Doors will be opening in fifteen minutes. Please make sure you’re at your stations now. Good Luck!”

“I guess that means it’s time to leave again.” Simon hung his head, and I hated that he had to be alone.

“Zane, will you hang out with Si?”

“Already planning on it, Noxy girl.” He dipped down, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck. Kick some ass.”

“Thanks.”

Simon pulled me away, hugging me. “Always looking out for me. Come visit when you can, okay?”

“I’ll be your biggest fan.”

Smiling, he stepped back and kissed me quickly before walking over to Slade. I fixed my dress, smoothed the fabric, and ran my fingers through my hair. The first two hours were schmoozing, and then we had a break while the hair stylists competed.

I could do this.I could do this.

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