Page 52 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

“I think we’ll be great friends.”

They walked off, and I felt like some of the brightness of the club left with them. I’d never met a famous band before, and they definitely had that star power about them.

I looked at the guys, smiling. “I can’t believe I could be going on tour with Shadows of Mayhem. Someone pinch me. I feel like I’m dreaming.”

“You’re not dreaming, Peach. Come on. Let’s go back to the room. We have something to celebrate.”

My cheeks heated, and I took his hand as we left the bar. All I could think about the whole way to the hotel was how true my last song had been. These were the moments.

ChapterTwenty-Three

LENNOX

It feltbittersweet to be headed home after being on the road for two weeks. Of course, I was excited to head home, see my family, and tell them about the new opportunity. We’d have a week at home before we’d need to leave, but that felt like a lifetime when I was excited about our next adventure. The sound of the trunk shutting made me glance at all the guys.

“Well, that’s it. Our open road adventure is done,” I said, smiling at them. “One last, to Babs!” I shouted. The guys laughed, joining in.

“I think we have time for one more detour,” Slade said, grinning widely at me, “but it’s a surprise.”

My three boyfriends stared at me as I tried to decipher the message. Shrugging my shoulders because I trusted them, I climbed into the van. It was quiet as Slade backed out and began driving, the music wasn’t even on. I guess we were all comfortable with our own thoughts.

Pulling out my notebook, I began to sketch some designs for the booty shorts to occupy myself. We’d woken up to a gift basket this morning filled with several more pairs in my size and even some guy shorts for all three of my boyfriends. Ethan was a freaking wizard at guessing sizes.

As the pen moved across the page, I recalled all the crazy things that’d happened yesterday, from having sex in semi-public, having my ink tampered with, scoring a designing gig and free underwear, and singing like it was the most natural thing to do. And, of course, it still felt like a dream meeting Shadows of Mayhem.

Simon nudged my arm, and I glanced up, finding him watching me. “I know this is a rhetorical question, but are you excited? S.O.M is an amazing band.”

I grinned, nodding. “I was just thinking how unreal it felt. You know, last night when I was on stage, I kind of had an epiphany. Even before we met the band, I was thankful our journey had led us right where we were. Last August, I’d been stuck, too scared to do anything and feeling like I would never meet anyone. Stalker aside, I happen to love the journey we’ve taken. From living on my own in Nashville, to finally starting to do tattoos, to moving in with my three boyfriends, it’s all been amazing.”

“I thought I had my whole life mapped out. Work at the salon, pine after you and Slade, and live with my best friend for the rest of my life. Though I must admit, it was becoming much harder to live with you and not touch you, feel you, kiss you.” He moved closer, brushing his lips across my chin, proving that he could now. “I’m so glad I don’t have to stop myself anymore.” Tilting my chin up, he placed a soft kiss on my lips with enough heat to zing me right to my core.

“Me too,” I breathed, smiling into the kiss. “I’m glad you’re all crazy enough to go with me on this. I don’t think I would do it without you. Now that we’re an us, I want us to be together. That’s probably not how it’s supposed to work, but I’m not going to question it for the time being.”

Simon chuckled, draping his arm around my shoulders as I continued to draw. It wasn’t long before we pulled up to a restaurant. The sign read Taqueria Paisanos. I blinked, not understanding why we’d come here.

“Where are we?” I asked, glancing around. It looked like a small town similar to Bowling Green.

“Dalton, Georgia. I figured we’d put one more state on your adventure and get some tasty tacos. Plus, it was on the list to go to five states and do something only locals know. A few girls commented on our LiveIt posts that we should check out this place before we headed home. Besides, you’re wearing your taco dress. It seemed like a sign.”

I glanced down, like I’d forgotten what I’d been wearing, and realized he was right. Tacos were life. Giggling, I climbed out of the van, excited about trying some. We walked into the restaurant, the air conditioning bringing goosebumps to my skin as we headed to a table. After reviewing the menu, we placed our order and looked at one another.

“What?” I asked when no one said anything. Zane laughed, pushing a piece of hair back.

“You just seem happier and free. I’m glad you’re doing this, Noxy girl.”

“I don’t like that guy,” Slade added, grunting. “If anyone is going to sing with you, it’s me.”

Rolling my eyes, I smiled. “I love you, Tatzilla. If I sing with someone else, that’s not going to change. I’d love to sing with you, though. Any time.”

Slade took a chip, biting into it, not liking that I wouldn’t refuse to sing with someone else. Part of me liked the idea of him being possessive and what that might bring after a show if I sang with Jett. The vision of how he might manhandle me some more had me squeezing my legs together as I shifted in my seat. Thankfully, I was saved by some tacos before I embarrassed myself.

“Oh my heavens,” I moaned, taking a bite. “This is delicious.” The guys all nodded, too consumed with their food to say anything else.

In quick succession, we all finished our tacos, and I already wished we had more. Slade got up to pay for it as we cleaned up our table. The door jangled as we began to walk toward it, and two girls walked in. They stopped instantly, looking at me, their mouths hanging open.

“You’re Lennox. You’re Simon,” they said, pointing at us.

I stopped, stunned that someone outside of Bowling Green knew my name. “Um, hi. Do we know you?” I asked.

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