I laugh when I see her contact name asbestie.I take one, too, and text it over to her. “There you go, bestie.”
“Perfect,” she grins, adding me to her phone. “So, as your new bestie, I have one question for you?”
“Okay, fire away.”
“How are you handling all the heat the Montgomery brothers dish out? Because if he’s anything like Ryder, your panties should be melted off by now.”
I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face. I’ve never had someone to girl talk with, and suddenly, I’m giddy about it. “You have no idea. All he has to do is stand there, and my body responds to him. I might not make it out alive when we have sex.”
“I still feel like that with Ryder,” she laughs. “Sophia and I are convinced these brothers were born with some type of superpower when it comes to the bedroom.”
“From what I’ve already felt, I believe it.” I smile when Laura walks over to our table.
“Can I get you girls anything else?”
“No, I’m good. I have to get back to work. The kids should be waking up from their nap soon. Can you just put this on my tab?” Eve asks Laura.
“Sure thing. You girls have a good day. I’ll call you later,Lyla, and go over Friday's order. I’m thinking of adding on to it since the muffins were such a hit.”
“Sounds good. Thanks, Laura.” She smiles before heading to another table. “Thanks for the coffee,” I say, turning back to Eve.
“It’s my pleasure. I’m happy I ran into you,” she says, gathering her things and taking the bag with the muffin. “You may have another bestie with my daughter if this muffin tastes half as good as it smells,” she laughs.
“I’ll be sure to make her some extras with my next batch.” I walk with Eve to the back gate and out onto the sidewalk.
“Well, now I know she’ll want to be your bestie.” She pulls me in for a goodbye hug. “I’ll text you, and we can make plans to do something soon. Maybe a fun double date!”
“Okay,” I laugh as she waves goodbye and walks back toward her work. I watch her until she disappears out of sight before exploring the town more and seeing what other businesses might be interested in adding some bakery items.
An hour later, I have four names of possible new clients in my phone, and I’m more optimistic than ever that I can make this business work. I stop when I notice I’m back near the cafe, in front ofInked.
I hesitate briefly before walking in. Part of me is really curious about where he works, and the other part of me just flat-out wants to see him again. I try not to get in my head about the second part and what that means.
I’ve never been inside a tattoo shop before, so I’m surprised when I notice how upscale it looks with its wooden floors and black accents. My eyes immediately go to the wall with all the printed artwork. Beautiful designs are drawn and woven together in a seamless work of art.
“Can I help you?” I turn and see a young, blonde-haired guycovered in tattoos. His warm brown eyes take me in as he smiles at me. “I’m Trent. Are you interested in getting a tattoo?”
“One day, I would love one, but I’m actually looking for Jake. Is he around?”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No, I was just in this area and thought I would say hi for a minute.”
“Sorry, but I can’t let you back there if you don’t have an appointment. Boss’s rules.”
“Oh, okay. Could you at least tell him I’m here?” I ask, confused that it’s this hard to talk to Jake. “Or I guess I could just text him and let him know,” I say, taking out my phone.
“Lyla?” I glance up and see Jake walking toward me from a back room. He’s dressed in his usual dark tee and pants. My heart beats a little faster as he approaches me.
“Sorry, Jake. She doesn’t have an appointment or on the list.”
“She’s with me, Trent. Let the others know that she’s on the list, too.”
“Will do, boss,” he fights a grin as he looks at us. “It’s nice to meet you, Lyla. Let me know when you are ready for the tattoo.” He winks at me and walks back to his station.
“You’re getting a tattoo from Trent?” His eyes narrow as he waits for my answer.
“Not exactly. I just told him one day I want one. And why is it so hard to see you? I thought I was going to be patted down for a minute.”
