Page 49 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

“Sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to say what an awesome portfolio you have.” I opened my eyes, the guy from the booty-short booth standing across from me. Sitting up, I smoothed down my clothes as I processed what he said.

“Oh, thank you. I need to come and get some more of these shorts because they are amazing. I’m hoping I can convince this one to try them too.”

The guy glanced at Simon, curiosity in his gaze, but he didn’t say anything about this not being the same guy I told him was my boyfriend earlier.

“I might have a proposition for you then. What would you say about teaming up?”

I sat up straighter, instantly intrigued. “Go on… what do you mean?”

“Well, we’re always looking for people to create new designs. What if we created a Tattooed Hearts line? Of course, you’d get unlimited booty shorts for your own personal use.”

“Yes, sold.” I laughed, knowing I probably needed more details. But the man had just offered me free underwear. He could call them booty shorts all he wanted, but they were underwear. Really comfortable underwear.

He smiled, his shoulders relaxing. He started to talk when the announcer came on again.

“I’ll take care of the details for you, Noxy girl. Go and show Inkjection we don’t bow to bullies,” Zane said, stepping up to the guy.

“Inkjection? That guy is a tool.” He rolled his eyes.

“I’m Lennox, by the way, and I like you even more for your taste in humans.”

“I’m Ethan.” He stuck his hand out, and I shook it before turning to Zane.

“This is Zane; he’ll get the details. I look forward to working with you, Ethan.”

I jumped up, tugging Simon with me as we headed to the podium so we could hear the scores. Slade was waiting for us, lifting his eyebrow when I walked up.

“Who was that guy?” he asked.

“Someone who thinks Lee and InkJection is a tool and offered Lennox a job designing underwear,” Simon said, smiling at Slade.

“Humph,” he said, having nothing to say to that. “Well, okay.”

Laughing, I shook my head. Simon won another award but didn’t place high enough to win grand prizes. He was still happy with the award he won and said that he’d learned a lot and had made some good networking connections, so that was what really mattered.

“Our final award is a tie,” the announcer said. “Inkjection and Tattooed Hearts both showed ingenuity and creativity in their designs today.”

Both of our tattoos were displayed on the screen, and it was cool seeing mine up there, even if I did have to share it. I walked up, ignoring Lee as I accepted the award.

“Which brings us to the overall scores for the first portion of our competition. Our runner-up is Tattooed Hearts with Inkjection taking overall winner.”

Slade growled next to me. If we’d both had entered today, we probably would’ve secured it, but I realized as I walked up there that it didn’t matter. We knew our tattoos were good. We didn’t need a score or award to confirm that. Besides, at the end of the day, we didn’t have to sabotage others to ensure we won. Living a life of joy was more my speed.

Again, I ignored Lee, smiling as I took the award. The only people I focused on were my three guys, who stood together, looking at me like they were the real winners.

Besides, I’d just been given an unlimited supply of booty-shorts. I bet Lee couldn’t claim that.

ChapterTwenty-Two

LENNOX

Shaking out my hands,I took a few deep breaths as I tried to slow my heart. The bar was loud behind me, but I focused on the songs I was about to sing, going over the choices in my head.

After the competition, we returned to the hotel and rested for a bit before meeting our mystery group. Shannon had messaged Zane that she’d gotten me a three-song time spot at Sing it or Wing it, one of the popular karaoke bars in the area. The guys were excited to try some of the wings, but I was too nervous to eat.

“Noxy girl, you’re going to smash it,” Zane whispered, taking my hands. Looking up, I nodded as I tried to relax.

“I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” I admitted.

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