Hating You, Loving You (Inked Hearts 4)

"Where?"

"Los Liones. Say, seven miles. Ten maybe."

"It's too late."

"In the morning."

"I'm good for it."

"You're that competitive?"

"You're not?"

His laugh is hearty. Knowing.

He leans back in his seat as he takes a bite from his taco. It drips over his hands. Onto his plate.

He finishes it with two more bites.

Licks salsa from his fingers.

His eyes meet mine as he sucks on his pointer finger. It's intentional, but it's not a come-on exactly. More a reminder of a possibility.

Dean still wants me.

But he's not offering anything.

At least, I don't think he's offering anything.

He's hard to read.

"I would, but I'm working tomorrow." He leans forward. Refills both our waters with the carafe.

"You have to work Sundays?"

"I have to work tonight. We all take weekend appointments."

"But I'm off?"

"'Cause weekends are busy and you're dead weight."

"Oh." I shrink back. He's being real with me, but the words still hurt. Right now, I'm in the way. I'm helpful, yes. I get coffee, I print mock-ups, I run errands. But when I'm sitting on the stool observing, I'm another person in the way. Like a friend or family member only without the benefit of distracting the client.

"You're a great apprentice, Chloe. Smart, dedicated, helpful. But, tell me—do you feel like Ryan is trying to teach you?"

"Trying? Probably. But he's really quiet. He responds to most of my questions with one-word answers."

"Walker?"

"He's friendly but kinda distracted."

"Brendon?"

"He's intense."

Dean chuckles. "Yeah, he is. Hot though."

"Not my type."