Page 26 of Tempt Me

Chapter Thirteen

Dominic

“I’ll put you down for Thursday at 4 o’clock. Can you get off work that early?” I type Sam’s name into the computer. Even though we live together, I’ve put my foot down regarding at-home tats. If the guys want pieces done, they’re sitting in my chair. And paying.

“Yep. I’ll go in early so I can cut out an hour early.” Sam shoves his wallet into his back pocket. “Is Levi ready for the game Friday night?”

“I haven’t seen him since last week’s game, but Mom said he was itching to get back on the field. They lost to this team last year, so they’re out for revenge.” I lean my hip against the counter. “I wish I could make it to more of his away games.”

“He knows you’re in his corner.” Sam chuckles. “That we’re all in his corner, reliving the glory days.”

“Ugh.” Rissa strolls into the lobby while wiping her hands on her apron. “Why are dudes always talking about their glory days being their high school football days? Why aren’t their glory days the days of waking up early and feeding a six-pound baby? Or crawling out of bed at midnight to change a baby’s dirty diaper?” She winks. “I just don’t get it.”

“Please.” Sam shudders. “Don’t say those words around us. We’re allergic to wives and babies. Right, bro?” Sam swivels his head around to face me.

“Yeah, sure.” I nod and bite my lower lip. I’m not as opposed to it as Sam is, but there’s no point in saying that. If I do, he’ll start the twenty questions on who I’d want to marry and have kids with.

Rissa crosses her arms over her chest. “What’s wrong with wives and babies?”

The door chimes peal as someone opens the door. A woman with long blonde hair and brunette highlights steps into the room. She’s wearing a short black top that shows off her midriff, cutoff denim shorts, and black combat boots.

“Women are as high maintenance as babies,” Sam mutters. “And I’m still sowing my wild oats.”

“Sowing your wild oats.” Rissa snorts and turns her attention to the customer waiting inside the front door. “Sister, have you heard such crazy talk before?”

The woman slides a curtain of hair behind her ear, and I nearly swallow my tongue. Bella. Holy shit. “Actually, I’ve heard it from Sam and Dominic too many times to count.”

My eyes rake over her from head to toe again. Now that I know it’s her, the outfit looks completely different. Barely-there shorts. A snug top that not only shows off her stomach, but also reveals more than a hint of cleavage. Her hair is shaped differently, giving it that sexy bedhead look. Fuck.

“What’re you doing here, and why do you look like a prostitute?” Sam crosses his arms over his chest and glares at her.

“High maintenance, sowing your wild oats, and prostitute in the same conversation?” Bella’s eyes flash in irritation at herbrother. “Where did you learn all those big words and ways of saying things?”

“A dictionary and a thesaurus. Do you need me to explain what they mean? I can pull them up on my phone and read the definitions aloud.”

My hands ball into fists. She was gorgeous before. Now, I can’t keep my eyes off her. I rotate my shoulders back and growl, “Sam is right. What’s with the new clothes and hair?”

“I’m trying something new out.” Her eyes narrow into tiny slits. “It’s called making my own decisions.”

“I like it.” Rissa walks forward and clasps Bella’s hand. “I’m Rissa, and I’m guessing you know these guys.”

“Yes.” Bella’s face remains stiff as she accepts Rissa’s hand. “Sam is my brother, and Dominic is his blockhead best friend.”

“Blockhead?” Seriously? Is everyone going to drag out the ancient insults?

“Yes, you’re a blockhead. Or would you prefer a tool?” She releases Rissa’s hand and steps back. “You both act like I’ve committed a cardinal sin by getting my hair cut and buying a new outfit.”

“One that all the guys are going to want to get off you. Do not go to the bar in that outfit.” Sam’s jaw flexes as the tips of his ears redden. He spends most of his time pretending to find Bella annoying, but he worries about her safety as much as I do.

“Sam is right.”

“You both are ridiculous. Just because a girl wears nice clothes doesn’t mean she’s looking to put out.” She slaps her other hand on her hips. “But maybe I am. And either way, it’s not either of your businesses.”

“Well said.” Rissa claps as she speaks, and for the first time since I started working here, I want to tell my boss to shut the fuck up. But I value my livelihood, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Thank you.” Bella tips her head toward Rissa, but she still looks like she swallowed a packet of sour candy while addressing her. “I’m here to get a tattoo.”

“No. You. Are. Not.” Sam stomps across the floor, grabs Bella’s arm, and tugs. But she doesn’t budge.

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