“And I’m sure you have a boyfriend who needs to be taught alesson.” She smirks, dispelling the sad moment, and pulls her shirt sleeve down, covering the tattoo quickly.
Nodding in agreement, I grab the box I packed up and wave. “Call if you need anything at all.”
“You got it, boss,” she quips, grabbing pans and moving around the kitchen. She hasn’t been here long, but Kate fits in so well. It makes me sad that she’s obviously had a hard start in life. I know she doesn’t really have much family in the area, and she’s never mentioned a boyfriend or anyone else. I don’t think she has many people in her life.
Making a mental note to talk to Mara about maybe taking her out, or setting her up with one of the guys, I head out to my car. Putting the box on the passenger seat, I pull my phone out from my pocket. As I move to put it in my bag, it lights up with a text.
Future Husband: Don’t be mad at me. On second thought, go for it. I hear makeup sex makes a relationship stronger, and you know I like a good workout.
I shake my head at his message, then remind myself that I’m angry and to not be amused by him. Even if he isn’t wrong.
Our sex life is crazy, borderline pornographic. The things he says to me sometimes are unreal, and I didn’t actually think orgasms during sex were real until him. It’s a good thing I’m on birth control, otherwise I might be in trouble. I’m starting to wonder if I should have a talk with him about taking better precautions. Though the idea of a tiny version of Kash, brown eyes and full of mischief, is a tempting thought.
Pushing it out of my brain, I remind myself that I’m mad. He acted ridiculous and embarrassed me. As I pull intoExiled Ink, I realize I didn’t really come up with an actual plan, so I guess I’mwinging it. Looking at the parking lot, I see Cora’s car and sigh with relief. If nothing else, at least I can scold my boyfriend and see my best friend.
Heading across the street, I push into the shop. Music blares from the overhead speaker, and the sound of hushed voices and the hum of tattoo guns accompany it. It briefly makes me wonder if I should get another one.Focus, Mila.
“Hi. Welcome toExiled Ink,” Cora greets without looking up. She and Atlas are huddled behind the front desk, looking at the computer screen. Raising her head, she realizes it’s me and smiles. “Hey, Mila! Fancy seeing you here. Are you here for a tattoo?” she questions, glancing back at the screen.
“Nope.” I lift the box of goodies in my hands. “Just making a special delivery.” I raise my voice a bit, trying to see if I can get Kash’s attention. I don't see him at his booth.Weird.
“Oh, well, if you want to see Kash, he’s down the hall.” She points to the open space between the guys’ stations.
Well, this isn’t going to plan. “Thanks, I’ll be back.” Leaving the box on the counter, I gesture toward it. “Help yourselves.” There are people in chairs getting work done by Rhett and Seth, while a couple wait on a short leather sofa. “I brought plenty of lemon bars and maple scones for everyone. There are even a few muffins and brownies in there.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Cora smiles, grabbing a maple scone. “You should try one of these, Map Boy. They’re amazing.” She takes a large bite and groans. “So, so good,” Cora mumbles around her bite.
As I pass by, I watch Atlas stare at her. She no sooner swallows her first bite and opens her mouth to ask him something, when he slams his lips to hers, kissing the life out of her. It’s like he doesn’t care who is around to see it; he’s just kissing his girl in front of everyone.
God, my friend is lucky, but then again, so am I.
Walking back, I peer into what looks like their break room. Itmade a great space for having the surprise party last time. There’s a TV and a couple of tables, but unfortunately, no Kash. Continuing on, I hear his voice. I’m about to call out to him when I hear him talking to someone, his tone laced with frustration.
“No. You don’t understand. It feels right.”
There’s a beat of silence, and I peek into the room. Judging by the desk covered in papers, and the computer screen, I’m guessing this is their office. Kash’s back is to me, and he’s on the phone. One hand holds the phone in place at his ear, while the other is running through his hair in frustration. I consider backing away until I hear his next sentence.
“Yeah, I get that… Okay. Well, she doesn’t know about it.”
Ice filters through my blood. Is he talking about me? Is there something I don’t know about?
“Okay, yeah. I’ll be sure to show it to you. Okay, bye.”
Quietly turning, I head back out the way I came. I have a million questions running through my mind. Who was he talking to? Who isshe? Moving on autopilot, I walk back out to the reception area. Cora and Atlas are hunched over their computer, whispering to each other, the box I brought sitting partially open between them.
I’m still trying to figure out who Kash could have been talking to, so I don’t hear Cora the first time she says my name. “Hey.” She waves her hand in front of my face. “What’s wrong?”
Before I can answer her, Kash’s voice rings out behind me. “Sunshine! Baby. What are you doing here?”
Sunshine? Baby?Anger floods my veins, and I spin around, pointing a finger at him. The smile that was on his face is now gone, and he takes a tentative step back. “I’ll tell you what’s going on. You barge into my work, act like a giant jerk, and then walk around the rest of the day like it’s no big deal.”
“Sounds like a typical day for Kash,” Atlas quips, then grunts as Cora elbows him.
“Stop it,” she chastises.
“Do that again, Firefly, and you’llfind out what happens.”
Rolling her eyes, Cora glares at Kash. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Kash.” She looks at Atlas. “What’s his last name?”
