I sit cross-legged on the black leather couch near the front of the shop while Skye flips through a sketchbook beside me, humming along to whatever country song is playing through the speakers.I have my laptop open as I work on a branding design for a customer.
The shop is busy today.Tattoo machines buzz steadily in the background.Clients chat with artists while designs are drawn and stencils are applied.The air smells faintly of antiseptic, ink, and coffee.It’s weirdly comforting.
“Okay,” Skye says suddenly.“Be honest.”
“That’s always dangerous when you start a sentence like that.”
She ignores me.“Which one do you think is hotter?”
I glance down at the sketchbook she’s holding.Instead of tattoo designs, it’s filled with random doodles she’s apparently been working on all morning.On the left page is a cartoon drawing of Luke and on the right page is a cartoon drawing of Laine.Both are exaggerated versions of the guys, complete with tattoos and overly muscular arms.
“Is this a trick question?”I ask.
“No.”
“Because if they see this, I’m pretty sure I’ll be banned from cupcake deliveries.”
“They’ll survive.”
I study the drawings.“Well,” I say carefully, “Alistair’s hair looks better in real life.”
Skye gasps.“Traitor.”
“I didn’t say Laine wasn’t attractive.”
“You hesitated,” she accuses.
“I was analyzing.”
“Same thing.”
I laugh softly.“You’re ridiculous.”
“Correct.”
She flips the page dramatically and starts sketching something else.
Across the shop Alistair glances over at us suspiciously.“Why are you two laughing?”
“Girl stuff,” Skye replies immediately.
Alistair makes a face.“That sounds dangerous.”
“It is,” I confirm.
He shakes his head and goes back to the tattoo he’s working on.
For a few minutes we sit there quietly while Skye continues drawing before the bell above the door jingles and I glance up automatically.
I immediately feel that little flutter in my stomach again.Damien walks inside carrying a cardboard tray of coffee cups.He pauses just inside the doorway, scanning the shop like he always does when he first arrives and his eyes land on me.
His mouth curves into that small, almost shy smile.God.Why does that smile do that to me?
“Coffee delivery,” he announces.
“Hero!”Skye says, jumping off the couch instantly and she snatches the cup with her name from the tray.
“You’re my favorite Grey today.”
