Losing It

But I’m only human.

I can’t help but find their easy intimacy disgusting.

Yeah, they’re in love, they want to bang each other, they know how to communicate.

They could stop rubbing our faces in it.

“You haven’t told everyone here that story?” She stretches her hands.

“Keep some things to myself.” Dean turns to me. “When’s the virgin coming over?”

“When did I say she was a virgin?” Fucking Griffin. He’s usually better at keeping secrets.

This place makes it impossible.

Inked Hearts is all gossip, no privacy.

The entire shop knows I’m planning on popping Quinn’s cherry.

“Quinn is coming by today.” I fold one leg over the other. Bring my attention to the sketchbook in my hands.

I’m here early for a reason and it’s not bantering with Dean. It’s figuring this out.

Design is my weakest spot.

My tattoo technique is perfect.

My bedside manner is on point.

But my actual artistic skills?

Not as much.

“She sounds hot.” Dean looks to Chloe. “You think?”

“You told him,” she says.

He shakes his head.

“No way,” she says.

He nods.

She looks to me. “You don’t know the details?”

They had sex in high school. I’ve heard that much. Based on the tone of her voice, I’m going to say he deflowered her.

They’re together now.

But there were a lot of years between their sex and their love. And she spent most of those years hating his guts. Well, I’m pretty sure Chloe always hated Dean. But in that I hate you so much I want you way.

“How’d he fuck it up?” I ask.

“He was really sweet when it happened,” she says.

Dean blows her a kiss. “Made sure to warm her up.”

She rolls her eyes. “You say everything in such a—”

“Visceral way,” he finishes.

“Where did you learn the word visceral?” she teases.

“Where do you think, sunshine?” he asks.

“I don’t say it,” she says.

He nods you do too.

She shakes her head I do not.

Yeah, they’re adorable.

But I need this intel.

“Were you scared?” I ask Chloe.

“Who wasn’t?” Her eyes flit from Dean to me then back to Dean. “But I… God, there was a stupid part of me that trusted Dean.”

“Hey.” He tries to fake hurt, but the playfulness is missing.

“He eased me into it.” She folds her arms over her chest. “It was… it was special. Intense. In a good way.” She turns her back to him. “But after… Never mind.”

“Chloe.” He slides off the counter and moves toward her.

She shakes her head. “It was a long time ago.”

He wraps his arms around her and whispers something in her ear.

Again, she shakes her head.

He whispers something else.

This time, she nods.

He leans down.

She rises to her tiptoes.

Their kiss is more sweet than carnal.

It would be adorable if I was in the mood to support a healthy relationship.

As it is—

I clear my throat. “You better be escalating to penetration.”

She flips me the bird.

He pulls back. Shifts right into bullshit mode. “You’re only giving him ideas, sunshine.”

“You want penetration, watch porn,” she says.

“Amateur stuff,” Dean adds.

She shakes her head. “Every day.”

“People have to know,” he says.

“Did you know that Dean prefers amateur porn?” She laughs.

“You watch it with him?” I ask.

Her cheeks flush.

It’s cute.

Hot.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not into Chloe.

She’s hot yeah, but we’re too close. I can’t think about fucking a woman I really know.

It’s probably a sign my head is messed up. I’m sure Griffin or Hunter would have a lot to say about it. As it is—

I’m not diving into that.

Besides, I’m getting to know Quinn.

And I’m still desperate to fuck her.

I’m desperate for advice.

I shrug like I don’t care. “The booze was the secret?”

Something flares in her eyes. “You like her.”

I shoot Chloe an of course look. “Wouldn’t fuck her if I didn’t like her.”

“You’ve been walking around on a cloud all week,” Dean says.

They exchange a knowing look. One at my expense.

“You need some tips?” she asks.

“No.” Not like this.

The buzz of a tattoo gun ceases.

Brendon stands. Stretches his arms over his head. Whispers something to his client.

The client—a short guy with bulging biceps—sighs with relief. He pushes himself off the chair—he’s face down, getting a back piece—and rushes to the bathroom.

Brendon steps into the main room and shakes his head.

He adopts his usual paternal expression.

I know best and it’s not this. It’s not anything you could come up with. Quite frankly, you’re an idiot.

He raises a brow. “You guys here to work or…?”

“Fuck around.” Dean slides his hand into the back pocket of Chloe’s jeans. “Of course.”

Brendon’s dark hair falls over his eyes as he shakes his head.

For a guy who despises emo music, he has awfully long bangs.

It’s a good look for him. He’s handsome. Dark hair. Dark eyes. Dominant demeanor.

Great for his girlfriend, I’m sure.

Hell, decent for a boss.

Easier to handle his direct do what you’re told thing than Dean’s I don’t care what you do shrugs.

“Sorry.” Chloe shoots him an apologetic look. “I—”

“Wes is looking for tips on deflowering virgins,” Dean says. “In alleys maybe.”