It’s ours.
She turns to my client. “I love a guy who makes me laugh.”
He scribbles a tip, signs, hands over the receipt.
I shake his hand and walk him to the door.
He nearly skips down the street.
I can’t blame him.
She has the same effect on me.
“Funny guys, huh?” Walker crosses the room to the counter. He motions to Dean, who’s currently in his suite, showing Chloe his water color technique. He’s concentrating. Serious. It’s weird. “You might have a chance.”
My brother snaps back to his usual trouble making bullshit. “I think we all know how Leigh feels about me.” He winks.
Chloe rolls her eyes. She rises to her feet. Her combat boots pad the hardwood as she moves to the backroom.
“You’re a charmer.” Walker laughs. “You trying to get her to quit.”
“She quits, I quit.” I hired Chloe as an assistant/apprentice a while ago. She should be a perfect fit here—she’s talented, serious, quiet—but Dean keeps giving her shit. The two of them hate each other.
They think nobody notices that they alternate between trading I hate your guts looks and I want to fuck you senseless looks.
But it’s obvious.
I just hope he keeps it in his pants for once.
She’s good for Inked Hearts.
“I’m not gonna steal my brother’s girl.” Dean stands. Stretches his arms over his head. “You know how much shit our parents would give me?”
“Why you still hanging here, Leighton?” Walker catches the yawn. “Your boyfriend not giving you enough?”
“Never.” She twirls a purple strand—she’s kept her hair purple forever now. Says she’s sticking with it long term. That she adores looking in the mirror and seeing the girl I fell in love with.
“He’s cruel,” Walker says.
“You have no idea.” She nods.
He raises a brow.
Dean motions go on.
Leighton rolls her eyes. “You’re not getting any info on my sex life.” She slides her laptop into her messenger bag. Slings it over her shoulder. “But I’m flattered by your obsession.”
“What did you do to Chloe?” Emma steps into the main room. She brushes her dark hair behind her ears. Shoots Dean a glare. “I will kick your ass if you keep fucking with her.”
“I’ll help,” Walker offers.
“Oooh, can I too?” Leighton presses her hands together. “Pretty please.” She steps out from behind the counter. Nods a goodbye to Emma. “I’ll get out of your way.”
“You’ll leave me with these idiots? All by myself?” Emma feigns horror. She’s been working at the shop since Leighton left.
She’s only here part time, but it’s nice having her around. She’s known us forever. She doesn’t let the guys get away with shit. She knows her older brother well enough not to flirt when he’s around.
But when he’s not…