Page 11 of Untouchable

“Yeah.I froze when I saw him because thelastthing I need is for Ace to think I was snooping through his room.”

“What did he say?” My face scrunches as I recall the conversation.

“He asked if I was looking for something and when I told him who I was looking for—and that I forgot that wasn’t his room anymore—he asked if I spent a lot of time in Bodine’s room.”

“Oh, he’s so jealous.”

I can’t contain the manic laugh that escapes my lips. “AS. IF.” She opens her mouth to speak again just as my timer starts ringing. “Oh, argument saved by the bell.” I shake my phone, and she rolls her eyes.

“Whatever. I think I’m onto something.”

I open the oven and slide an oven mitt on to pull our pizzas out, turning to face her when they’re safely on the stovetop. “Tabs, I’ve known Ace my whole life, and even though he was gone for a long time, I can say with ninety-nine percent certainty that man is not jealous or worried about anything I do.”

Her eyebrows inch closer to her hairline as she looks at me. “Okay, but that one percent…”

“Oh my god. Eat your fruit pizza.”

“Wait…” she pauses, stopping me from walking to the couch with my plated pizza and soda in hand.

“What?”

“So did you find out what happened to the guy? From the mall.”

“Oh, yeah. They broke his arm. Or arms…I’m not entirely sure.”

“Holy hell. They broke his arms?!” she screeches. I nod my head, wide-eyed. “That’s kind of hot.”

I shake my head at her. “You have problems.” She shrugs, an unbothered smirk on her face as we settle into the couch and turn on our show. Meanwhile, I can’t help but admit to myself that hearing that the guys did that, all to keep me safe, makes me feel protected—and here I thought I was invisible to the man calling the shots to do so.

CHAPTER 7

Katarina

“LITTLE GREEN MONSTER”

Choosing a career in photography was the best decision I’ve ever made. The freedom that comes with making my own schedule, traveling to so many beautiful places, and spending my summers outside, capturing the beauty around me instead of rotting behind a desk all day. I would choose this path over and over again. As I walk down Broadway with my camera around my neck and a smile on my face, I remember how much I love the business of the city when I want to shoot. I pull my camera up to my eye, focusing on the numerous establishment signs that hang along the buildings, when I focus on this couple that looks like they just walked off a Pinterest board. The way his arms are wrapped around her waist as her long red hair brushes against his fingertips while they look into each other's eyes, smiling as they talk—I have to ask if I can photograph them.

“Excuse me.” I tap the girl on the shoulder, approaching them with a smile. “I’m sorry to bother you, I’m a photographer and my lens happened to land on you two while I was shooting the strip. I would love to photograph you guys, would you be interested in some free photos?” Her face lights up with excitement as she looks at him. He gives her a nod, and she squeals.

She looks at me skeptically now. “So they’re really free? What’s in it for you?”

I shrug. “More photos for my portfolio and the chance to practice my skills?” This makes her smile return.

“Okay!” I spend the better part of the afternoon running up and down Broadway with them, taking some of the best couple’s photos I’ve ever shot in my life. From riding scooters down the sidewalk, to them sharing a drink in a bar, to line dancing, and even some steamier shots in the back hallway of one of the saloons. These two are absolutely electric, and I hope they stay together forever. Whoever they are.

“Thank you for this! It was so much fun,” she tells me after giving me her email address so I can email her the photos after I edit them.

“Oh please, thankyou. I had a blast.” They wave goodbye, and he wraps his arm around her shoulder, and even though I’m still smiling at the fun I had today, I feel a bit envious. I love my life—my job, my dad, my best friend, my freedom—but that bastard little green monster will hop on my back every now and then, making me wonder why every guy I’m interested in is either garbage, or blind to the fact that I even exist. If the universe could just stop tossing an invisibility cloak over my head every time I’m around guys that I am interested in, that’d be great. With that thought, I remember what I told Tabitha when we were shopping earlier this week and pull my phone out to send her a text.

Me

Feel like going out tonight? I’ll let you dress me like I promised.

Tabs

Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming.

No, don’t pinch me. Let me see this dream all the way through.

---