He was as certain of it now as he had been when he sent the text, as he had been when he fell asleep the night before staringat a cluster of freckles on Bryce’s cheek that he’d never seen before.
“Very sure,” he said. “Besides, you already have a key and spend more time there than me.”
“Do you want to tell Merrick or me?”
Holden laughed at that, angling his head toward the front of the shop in time to see Smith walking up, accompanied by a gorgeous woman with shiny brown hair and flawless skin. She must be the best friend Riggs had mentioned.
“He’s about to tattoo Riggs’s boyfriend’s best friend,” Holden said, pushing off the wall and heading back to the door. “I’ll tell him.”
“That’s mean.”
“What time will you be home from work tonight?”
“Late, but you don’t have to wait up.”
“You don’t have to tell me what to do.” Holden stepped back into the shop and slipped under the counter. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Can’t wait.”
Holden disconnected the call and tapped his fingers on Merrick’s chair as he walked by. “Your brother is moving in with me.”
Merrick’s head snapped up, his face a mask of confusion. Holden smiled, and the door opened again. He didn’t need to look to know it was Smith and the distraction he’d been hoping for when he told Merrick the news. The two of them studied each other while Riggs made his greetings to Smith.
“Is he now?” Merrick asked. “His idea?”
“Mine.”
Merrick made a pleased sound. “Who am I to argue with anything my brother does, right?”
“Right.”
“Merrick,” Riggs called out. “Come meet Asha.”
Holden observed the introductions, waiting until Merrick was deep in conversation with Asha about what sort of tattoo she wanted to get and what the time would look like to get it done to send another text to Bryce.
I think he took it well.
Bryce
I thought I took it well.
Holden’s tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.
No one takes it better than you.
Go get your things this afternoon. I want you moved in before I get home from work.
Who’s needy now??
Please do what you’re told?
Are you asking or telling?
Do what you’re told.
I don’t think I should like this as much as I do, but I shouldn’t like a lot of things as much as I do.
Is that a yes?
