Asher (Inked Brotherhood 1)

“He’s a bad boy. He’s just your type.”

“Hey, lots of guys are my type. It doesn’t mean I’ll date them all.”

“You’ve been single for ages. You need to get laid.”

“Oh come on. I only broke up with Mitch a few months ago.”

“That ass? You should never have gone out with him in the first place.”

What can I say? She’s right. The problem with dating bad boys is that they often are very bad. Mitch fit the bill. Handsome, full of tats and piercings. And unfaithful, crass and violent.

Did I mention unfaithful? Because that really hurt.

“I don’t need a boyfriend right now, thank you,” I say, trying to hold on to my dignity. “I have a lot on my hands with the move and classes. I need time to get my feet under me. Besides, Zane has a girl. I saw them together at his party.”

“That wasn’t his girl. It was Meg. Just a chick he hangs out with.”

I shake my head and we drive in silence to the cafe. It isn’t the first time Tessa tries to play matchmaker—but seriously, Zane? He isn’t exactly like a brother to me—we aren’t that close—but he’s like a cousin of sorts. I don’t even want to think about kissing him. Gross.

And I doubt he wants me to, either.

The cafe is right on the edge of the campus. An icy drizzle has started. We jump out of the Jeep and run inside.

The boys have chosen a table by the window. Zane’s tall Mohawk is visible from afar and Dylan’s purple bangs seem to glow. They have tall latte cups sitting in front of them and they must be deep in a discussion, because when we settle down they both look up as if surprised to see us.

“I still can’t get used to seeing you around, Audrey,” Dylan says, grinning, and I find myself staring at the silver ring in his lip again.

“Still can’t get used to it either,” I admit. “It’s like traveling back in time.”

Tessa sends me a concerned look. Traveling back in time equals remembering the accident, so I can’t blame her for being worried.

“So what’s so special about this cafe?” I ask to change the topic. “Why here?”

“Zane’s actually here for the waitress,” Dylan mutters. He nods at the other side of the cafe where a pretty dark-haired girl is taking orders. I recognize her from his party.

“Meg, right?” I watch her saunter to the back of the cafe and disappear behind the bar. So much about her being just “a chick” Zane “hangs out with.”

Tessa groans, surely because her matchmaking plans have been foiled by cruel fate.

Zane’s gaze follows Meg and he grins. “Actually... We’re here for the lattes. Best in town. I recommend them.”

“Sounds good.” With Meg gone, I look around for another waiter. “I’ll have one—”

Oh no. I can’t be seeing clearly. That can’t be.

“Audrey?” Tessa waves a hand in front of my face.

Talking of cruel fate... I blink, but I still see him. “What’s he doing here?”

Zane twists to see. “Ash? He works here, too. Meg got him the job.”

Dylan frowns. “Z-man...” Looks like I’m not the only one who hasn’t been told. He turns to me. “Audrey, I didn’t know he works here. We can go if you like.”

“The hell you will,” Zane mutters. “This is ridiculous.”

I close my eyes for a second, trying to regain my composure.

Then all conversation ceases as Ash approaches us, electronic notepad in hand, and I know the moment he spots me because his eyes go wide. He looks good, even better than the last time I saw him. His messy hair is cut shorter, and it makes his pale blue eyes look bigger.