Page 5 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

I opened my phone and returned to scrolling through jobs online, looking for something that interested me. The salon had reopened this week after the explosion, but I hadn’t felt like returning there. I loved doing hair, but lately, I’d been bored, wanting something more. So, I took it as my chance to step into something new. I just hadn’t found what it was yet. Thane sat next to me, opening a book Lenn had loaned him.

“Lay back and lift your shirt,” Slade ordered Lenn and then started to place the tattoo he’d sketched where he wanted it. He hadn’t let anyone see it yet, so I was just as curious as Lenn. She grumbled about being kept in the dark even longer, and glad she’d worn jeans today so he didn’t get any ideas about tattooing her butt. Slade ignored her, going about his business, wanting it to be perfect.

Thane and I became absorbed on the couch while Slade worked, not noticing the passage of time. An hour had passed when he spoke up, surprising me. “I never knew people actually had these types of relationships,” Thane murmured, turning the page, almost making me jump at the noise.

“Which one are you on?”

“Book 2, Shattered Secrets.”

“Ah, have you met Tyler yet?”

“Yes. Though, I kinda wanted to punch that one chick. She has more nicknames than Stalker Thane.”

Laughing, I shook my head but didn’t disagree, glad that chapter of our life was over. I was scrolling aimlessly at this point, about to give up, when something caught my eye. Going back to it, I read it. Then reread it. Could it work? But the shop…

A semi-plan started to form in my head, but I wasn’t sure if everyone would be on board. Clicking on the link, I read all the information. It sounded perfect; I just didn’t know if I could convince everyone.

“What’s got you biting your lip?” Thane asked, bumping my leg. Turning toward him, I realized he might be the best to start with.

“What are your plans now that you’re not going to be working at the clinic?”

“No, clue. It’s kind of exciting. I’ve always had a plan, and for the first time, I’m just playing it by ear.” He shrugged. “For now, I’m going to help Slade out here. What about you?”

“I’m still looking, but I think I found something. I’m just not sure. It would mean—”

“Fish. Your turn.”

“What?” I gasped, turning to gape at Slade. This hadn’t been in the plan. “I thought it was just Lennox? How are you done already?”

Slade smirked, but didn’t say anything as he stood up. Lenn smiled, moving off the chair, and taking the seat Slade had been in. I guess she was going to do it.

“It won’t be bad, I promise.”

Sitting down in the chair, she grabbed my hand, taking the gun Slade handed to her. “Lay your hand flat on the surface and don’t move.”

Nodding, I watched Slade as she inked me. He had a smirk on his face, arms crossed as he stood behind her, watching her work. I didn’t know what his look meant, and it confused me. A few minutes later, she finished, and I looked down. That hadn’t taken long at all. It was similar to the one she’d done on Slade, with lemons instead of stars. I grinned, warmth filling me.

“I love it.”

“Welcome to the club, Simon Fisher. I’m inked on your skin forever.”

Smiling, I nodded, butterflies filling me. “Do I get to see yours?”

Lennox nodded, lifting her shirt. There were two. The one on her heart was the symbol I’d come to know well, the heart on fire with wings. It was the one on the side of her ribs that caught my breath. It was beautiful and celestial, a perfect representation of Lennox. I’d never realized how perfect until I saw it on her. The ink almost glimmered as she moved, the crescent moon and lotus flower looked like they always belonged on her.

“Wow, babe. Those are beautiful.” Slade snorted, but I could tell he appreciated the compliment, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

“Zane, your turn.”

“Me?” he squeaked, almost as shocked as I’d been.

Lennox smiled at him, patting the chair, so I hopped up. I squeezed his shoulder as I passed, taking my place back on the couch. Slade followed me, sitting close.

“You think she likes it?” he asked. Nodding, I grabbed his hand, turning to him.

“She loved it. It’s perfect. You outdid yourself. I’m not just saying that either.”

“I just want her first tattoo to be the best.”

---