Page 5 of Beautiful Envy

“Short stuff! You’re just as short,” she hollered.

“Nah. I’m definitely an inch taller,” I argued, enjoying the banter. I’d forgotten how much fun we had together.

Lennox rolled her eyes this time, huffing as she placed her hands on her hips. “I was going to be nice and tell you all about Bubba, but I think I’ll keep it to myself.”

“I already met the guy,” I said, moving closer to the van. “I’m still unsure how he will protect me, but I’ll give him a shot.”

Lennox looked between Simon and Slade, her mouth opening like she wanted to say anything. I caught Simon shaking his head slightly, her mouth closing in response.

“Hmm, well, you’ll see. Then we’ll see who’s teasing who!”

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “I’ve missed you, friend.”

She tilted her head, knocking it into mine. “I’ve missed you too. You sure you don’t want to come on tour?”

“Nope!” I practically shouted, stepping away as she chased me.

“Let’s go,” Slade said, stopping our fun as he slid into the driver’s seat. Simon took the passenger seat, leaving Lennox and me in the back.

“Where’s Thane?” I asked, buckling in.

“He’s finishing up some paperwork and getting the last few things we needed in town,” Lennox answered. “By the way, if you want a way to make some money, we could use your help at the shop.”

“The shop?” I asked, not understanding.

“Tattooed Hearts. Bubba’s the manager of it now since we’ve been gone. But they never filled my front desk role, so you could help out there if you wanted. Slade said he’d tell Bubba to pay you in cash so you wouldn’t have to worry about being tracked and all that.”

I gulped, her generosity was more than I expected. “Thanks.” I licked my lips, looking at the others and nodding that I appreciated the offer. “I might take you up on that. Mostly because I’m worried I’ll get bored more than anything. I’ve been working every day that I can remember since I was a teen. I’m not a woman of leisure.” I chuckled.

Lennox laughed as well, pleased I was going to give the shop a try. “You know, he’s single, right?” she asked, lifting her eyebrows.

Rolling my eyes, I scoffed. “I highly doubt that a girl on the run is his type. I’ve had enough man problems to last me a lifetime.”

“He’s got two roommates that are attractive as well,” she whispered.

“You sure this is for my safety? If Slade hadn’t suggested it first, I’d wonder if this was your way of setting me up.”

Lennox giggled but dropped it, zipping her lips closed. I glanced out the window at the world beginning to wake up around us. I’d only been up here a few times, but I always forgot how beautiful Kentucky could be. There were hills and fields of crops, pastures full of animals, and a sky so clear that you got the true meaning of what country living was.

We pulled into a subdivision ten minutes later, Slade maneuvering the van around the curvy roads until we reached the end. He pulled into a cul-de-sac, heading toward the middle house. Several cars were parked around the circle, and a few bikes were sitting in the driveway under a carport.

The house was red-brick, one story with a few bushes lining the front. While the grass had seen better days, overall it wasn’t a bad-looking house. Unsurprisingly, the neighborhood was quiet at the early hour, and I realized how strategic that move had been as well—limiting the number of eyes that saw Lennox and me together.

I had to give it to Slade. The man cared about my bestie a hell of a lot. It made me trust him a little more, knowing he wouldn’t do anything to make her mad.

Lennox pulled open the door the second the van turned off, bounding toward the front door. I looked at the two guys, wondering if I should follow or stay here.

“Um, should I go?” I asked, some hesitation edging in my voice.

“Give her a minute,” Simon said. Slade grunted in response, stepping out of the van and walking to her.

When the door opened, the man I’d met once at a party stood in the open space. He was shirtless, his barrel chest on display, covered in tattoos and ginger hair. Outside his beard, there wasn’t any other hair on his head. The man was built like a tank, and the more I stared, the more I realized he was a ginger Vin Diesel with a Viking beard.

Shit. Did I suddenly have a thing for Bubba? No. I couldn’t. He was at least ten years older than me, perhaps more. Besides, what I’d said to Lennox was true. I didn’t need any more male drama. It had only brought me trouble my whole life.

Dropping my eyes to Lennox, I watched as she explained my situation. I wasn’t sure what she was saying, but when his eyes glanced toward the van, I felt the immediate need to hide. Blue eyes seared into me, making my skin heat.

I was so focused on this that I missed the next few seconds as he dropped his blue orbs back to Lennox. He must’ve agreed because Lennox was bouncing on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck, much to Slade’s annoyance.

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