Page 36 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

“I don’t like that guy,” I said, narrowing my eyes at the back of Lee.

“He’s a douche. Just ignore him,” Slade said, brushing my hair off my shoulder. “I think I should change your name to watermelon for the summer, Peach.”

Giggling, I looked back at him, finding him focused on me. “You like this hair color?”

He nodded, kissing the nape of my neck. This morning felt like days ago. I’d been surprised to see Simon in charge, but I knew that Slade had needed someone to take his mind off things. He’d been less grouchy as well since and more of the teddy bear I knew him to be. Well, when he wanted.

“It suits you,” he said. He dropped his head on my shoulder, and I turned back to the crowd. I knew if I didn’t stop, I’d lose myself in his eyes and forget everyone else. It wasn’t a bad thing, but I wanted to rein in my lust since we were in public.

“No thanks, my son is the best tattoo artist I know,” a familiar voice said at Inkjection’s booth seconds before Paul appeared.

“Dad,” Slade said, standing, almost forgetting I was sitting in his lap, catching me at the last second. “You came.” His voice hitched a little, and I could feel the relief in his body.

His dad smiled, nodding with pride as he took in our booth. “Hey Lennox, it’s good to see you again.” I moved out from behind the table, giving him a hug. Mia was with him, so I hugged her, glad they’d shown up.

“This is amazing,” Mia said, looking around at everything. “When does the competition portion start?” she asked.

“In a few hours. The meet and greet part finishes in about thirty minutes, and then we pick our clients and work on the design. The hair competition takes place during that time, and then ours. There’s more overlap here since the style section is larger.”

“Wow, I never knew something like this existed. It’s incredible.” Mia smiled kindly, genuine awe in her voice, making me like her even more. Even if we didn’t win or find some great treasure, this road trip would be a success alone from Slade mending this relationship.

“Do you have a lot of people to choose from?” Paul asked, looking thoughtful.

“Not as many as last time. We’ve been tattoo-blocked by another studio,” Slade said, shooting his eyes to Lee, who’d been watching us.

“Ah, I see. I guess rivalry is everywhere. Where does one sign up?” his dad asked, and I think Slade about had a stroke from it. He stared at him like he wasn’t sure he was hearing his dad correctly.

Picking up the clipboard, I handed it to his dad, showing him where to sign his name. He gave it back to Slade, who blinked down at it. He gulped, nodding as he held it to his chest.

“Well, we’re going to look around a few other places. We’ll stop by later. Can we bring you some food?” Mia asked.

“That would be great. Thank you.” I hugged her again, and she squeezed my hand before they walked off, Slade still standing silently.

“You ok, Tatzilla?” I asked, taking his hand. He peered down at me, his eyes a little misty.

“My dad wants me to give him a tattoo.”

“You sure it wasn’t me he requested?” I teased, causing him to break out of his stance as he smiled at me.

“Oh, you think you’re funny, huh?” Slade bent down, kissing me, his shock wearing off. He pulled the clipboard back, and I laughed, knowing he was double-checking it was his name.

“What does he want?” I asked, trying to peer at the sheet.

“He put artist choice.” He looked at me, swallowing. “Well, I guess I know who I’m tattooing. Do you have any contenders?”

“There were two I was considering.” I grabbed the list, and we walked around to the chairs. I placed it out in front of me, scanning it. When I saw the two, I pointed, watching as he considered them. One was a constellation down a spine, and the other was a dream catcher on a thigh. Slade tapped the pen against the table, his tell that he was designing something in his head.

I was about to place a pad under his pen so he could sketch out what he envisioned when he pointed to the dream catcher. “It’s more intricate and will show your skill more.”

Smiling, I kissed his cheek, pulling out my phone to send them a message. When I glanced back, he had his notebook, already sketching an outline for his dad. I knew he didn’t care about the competition with this one and would make it meaningful.

Since he was preoccupied, I also began to work on my own. We were both lost in our sketches when someone approached. I was in the zone and figured they were just looking at our portfolio, so I didn’t stop what I was doing.

“You have skill. You should leave this mediocre studio and join mine. It’s far superior.”

The voice shocked me, so I glanced up, finding Lee staring down at me, a mean-looking girl with him, and I felt Slade tense next to me.

“I’m good, thanks.” I dropped my eyes, hoping they’d leave now that I’d said something, but he continued to stare.

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