Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
It was my idea to get a tattoo, and both Kai and Gage seemed excited at the prospect. I had no idea what I wanted, except for the fact that I wanted both of them to work on it. They collaborated, and finally settled on an abstract design that represents the four of us entwined into infinity. The design is intricate, but somehow appears simple at the same time, and I love it. I love that it will always be a part of me, just as they have always been.
“I take it this means everything is going well?” It’s a straightforward question, but her tone and facial expression are filled with playful curiosity.
I roll my eyes with a good-natured smile. “Everything is fine, thanks.”
She never gets tired of teasing me about my three boyfriends. But there’s a wistful undertone to it sometimes, so I add, “Don’t worry, you’ll find the right person for you. Or persons, who knows.”
Ava shakes her head as we make our way out of the lot on foot. “I just need one. One good, solid, reliable man.”
I grin at her. “That’s what I used to think.” We turn the corner toward Beasts Ink, and I give her a sidelong look. “Might that one solid man be a certain guard at a certain tattoo shop?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Ava says, somehow managing to keep a straight face, but purposely avoiding looking at me.
I nudge her arm with my elbow, happy that I have something to tease her about for a change. “I mean … Ember could have met us at the mall, but for some reason you suggested we stop by and pick her up.”
“As if you don’t come by here almost daily yourself,” she retorts, her face reddening and her stride picking up speed.
Even as I’m laughing, I brace myself for the ever-present cluster of groupies that will be lingering at the shop’s entrance, but to my surprise, the sidewalk is clear today. As we reach our destination, two frowning women are leaving, Brax’s large frame filling the doorway behind them.
He gives me a nod. “Lexy.” Then his voice changes, almost imperceptibly, but not quite, when he says, “Ava.” This isn’t the first time Ava’s found an excuse to come by here with me, and it’s becoming clear the interest is mutual between her and the guard.
“What’s going on? Where’s the usual crowd?” I ask, looking around. Inside the shop, it appears to be business as usual, just no groupies.
“Special clients in today,” Brax says, nodding toward Gage’s and Kai’s stations, and as soon as he says it, I remember them mentioning it, something about football players. “NFL stars,” Brax adds. “I’m keeping the lurkers away today, but you two can go in.”
“I’m glad it’s okay if we lurk,” I say with a laugh. “Thanks, Brax.”
“I’ll catch up to you,” Ava says as she lingers by the door, and I walk in with a big smile on my face.
Ember isn’t currently at her desk, so I head directly for my men, giving nods to the other artists who happen to look up, but being mindful not to disturb anyone. Then I do a double take, because Gage and Kai’s clients are twins, two massively-built men.
Kai spots me as I hover at a distance. “Lexy. C’mon over. Guys, this is Lexy, our girlfriend,” he says to the identical men.
Girlfriend. I love hearing him say it, and I love calling him, Gage, and Thorn my boyfriends, even though they are so much more to me. I do worry about how strangers will accept the idea of the men sharing me, but these particular clients don’t seem at all surprised, and in fact, they exchange a look, both of them grinning when Kai makes this introduction.
“Lexy, meet Brock and Cody Easton, from the Leopards.” I’m not a huge sports fan, but of course I’ve heard of these two. Everyone in the entire country knows their names. No wonder Brax has been tasked with keeping fans away today. My men are enough of a draw, but if someone were to post about the Easton twins being here, the shop would be mobbed.
“So nice to meet you,” one of them says.
“We’ve been hearing a lot about you,” the other adds.
“Very nice to meet you both,” I say as Gage breaks away to give me a quick kiss before he gets back to work. Of course I’m curious about the tattoos the famous athletes are getting, but my cheeks go pink when I see the nearly-completed pieces.
Their tattoos are identical; plump peaches so ripe and lush that juice is dripping from them, the kind of peaches that bring to mind a woman’s backside. Circling each peach is a banner that reads “Megalicious.”
One of the men, Cody I think, catches me looking. “Our wife’s name is Megan,” he explains.