Page 105 of Midnight Ink

“How are we going to afford more stations?”

“Just one station,” Ian says softly. He takes another bite and groans. “Fuck, this is good.” He finishes chewing. “I’ve decided for sure. I’m going to take Maddox’s. It’s time.”

His name lands between us. He goes quiet, staring at his plate. I don’t want to rush him. We eat in silence for a moment, my attention half on him as he eats quietly.

“I’m going to see someone, I think,” he says finally. “Or sorry, I mean, I am going to see someone.” He swallows. “I know I have to. There’s no right way to grieve, but there is a wrong way to live. And the way I’ve been living . . . this isn’t who I want to be.”

My chest tightens as his words settle.

“I want to get better, Jules.” He continues, his voice a bit unsteady. “I need help. I won’t say it’s not normal because what the fuck even is normal? It’s not healthy, though, so I’m going to look into a grief counselor or maybe a group. Something.”

“Wow.” I smile softly at him, laying my hand on his knee, begging him to look at me. “That’s big, Ian.”

“I’m so sorry.” He looks at me, his eyes open and clearer than I’ve ever seen them. “I never used to be this guy. I don’t want to lash out when I’m angry or disappear into myself when the shop closes up. I hate this version of me.” His voice softens. “With you, I’m always the happiest version of myself, but I need to feel like that on my own too.” He swallows hard, blinking at the ceiling. “For a long time, I thought that if I was happy or I moved on with someone new I was betraying him. The thing is, I’m betraying him by not living my life. He never wasted a second of his time, and if he could see me, he’d tell me not to waste it.” Ian’s glassy eyes meet mine.

I set my plate down and gently grab his, placing them in the sink.

Then I step between his legs and lean in. The kiss is instant and firm, like he needs this reassurance as much as I do. “I support whatever you decide. Whatever you need, Ian,” I murmur against his mouth. “I’ve got your back. Always.”

“I have yours too.” His arms loop around my neck, holding me close. “Never forget that. I’m here for you too. No matter what.”

I lift him off the counter, and his legs wrap around my thighs. I can feel his heartbeat pressed to my chest. I make it as far as the couch before I lay him down on top of it. Ian lifts his hips, pulling down his sweats, and I drink him in. Beautiful tattoos on his soft skin. I kick mine free and lie on top of him. His warmth sinks into me. He reaches between our bodies, taking both our dicks in his hand and gives us a stroke.

He leans in, and our lips meet gently at first. Soft and unhurried like he’s learning the shape of my mouth all over again. The kiss deepens as his hand picks up speed. I press my head to his forehead, rolling my hips up into his fist. “That’s it, Jules. Fuck, we feel good together.”

My heart thuds harder when his hand picks up speed. “Ian, fuck. I’m going to come.”

“Me too. Fuck, babe. Look at you. All mine. All mine, Jules.”

My hips punch up into his hand as I come across his belly. He’s right behind, kissing me so hard as his breaths stutter against my lips. He pulls back, eyes bright, and then he smiles so wide, blinking up at me. “Hi.” His dimples sink into his cheeks.

Damn he’s beautiful. “Hi.”

“We should probably get cleaned up.” I look down at his stomach and sink back between his thighs. He looks confused before I run my tongue through the mess and groan. He moans, watching me, and I rise then kiss him hard as he groans against my mouth. I know we should get up, but I don’t care about the mess.

He exhales a breath against my lips then pulls back to look at me as I lie down next to him inside his arms. My body curls around him, letting his arms wrap fully around me, and I can feel his heartbeat, steady and warm beneath my ear. He presses slow, lingering kisses against my temple.

We stay like that for a while, tangled together, trading soft kisses. I’ve never felt this good in my life, and unlike back in North Carolina, I know he won’t run from me this time. This is mine, and I can finally lean my full weight on it. And fuck, it’s the best feeling in the world.

“Oh shit, I forgot to tell you,” he says. I look up at him. “I’ve called all our clients and we’re staying closed for the rest of the month.”

“What!?”

Ian nods. “We’re also not allowed to go into the shop while Jamie is painting. Strict orders. It’s going to be a surprise.”

“You sure about that? That’s a long time.”

“I know, but we’ll get our clients caught up with the new artists. We need a break, a reset.”

“Well . . .” I think about this. “What the hell are we going to do until then?”

Ian’s grin turns feral. “Oh, Jules, I have plenty of things in mind to keep you busy this month.”

MADDOX

BEFORE

I find Ian in a cheap lawn chair. Jamie is waving his hands around talking to my man. What the fuck now? I don’t see his girlfriend anywhere. He needs to let that one go. She’s terrible for him, and I don’t think he’s that good for her either. I know her sister can’t fucking stand him. All they’ve done since we got here is fight.