“I’m telling you.”
I gasped dramatically. “Sir.”
“Ma’am.”
“You know, asking is an option.”
“I asked if you were busy Sunday.”
“And then told me I was coming over.”
“You don’t want to come over?” he asked.
I did. I really freaking did, but I had to play hard to get, right?
He leaned down and kissed my forehead, then stepped back. “Sunday.”
I sighed dramatically. “Fine.”
His grin widened. “Later, baby.”
I watched him cross Main Street and stroll into Bad Habit like he hadn’t just completely scrambled my brain.
I smiled before I could stop myself, and then immediately groaned because somehow, without me noticing, Rome had stopped being the tattoo artist across the street and started becoming my favorite part of the day.
Chapter Sixteen
Rome
Outside, rain tapped softly against the windows. The sky had been gray all morning, and the weather report promised thunderstorms later. The house smelled like coffee and cedar from the candle burning in the living room.
It smelled like me.
I wondered what Josie’s house smelled like. Vanilla probably. Or sugar. Something sweet.
My mouth twitched. Jesus, I was down bad.
The doorbell rang, and I nearly spilled coffee all over the counter, because apparently, I had the emotional stability of a teenager.
I set the mug down and walked toward the front door.
Told myself to act normal, counted to three, and I opened it, forgetting every plan I had when I saw Josie standing on my porch.
Rain dotted her hair and shoulders. Dark jeans hugged her curves and she wore a cream-colored sweater that slipped off one shoulder and brown boots. Her hair hung loose today, and the wind kept blowing strands across her face.
She smiled nervously. “Hi.”
Christ, I was in trouble.
“Hey.” Brilliant. Real smooth.
Josie laughed softly. “You gonna let me in?”
I blinked. Right. “Yeah.”
I stepped aside. Josie walked in and then stopped. Her eyes went wide as she looked around. “This is not what I expected.”
I shut the door behind her. “What were you expecting?”
