Bad Boy Ink (Get Ink'd #5) - Ali Lyda Page 0,54

special, and I guess I need to tell everyone that out loud. So here’s an update on Bryce and his sex life: he may be friendly but that doesn't mean you need to buy him a Costco-sized box of condoms.”

Huh. My outburst had been unexpected—I rarely snapped at anyone. But it felt good, too. I knew the guys meant well. I knew they supported me and welcomed me. But sometimes, like now, I wondered how much they knew me. Really, deeply knew me.

No one said a word, the nineties rock playing over the speakers becoming delightfully ironic. Like I was stuck in one of those romantic comedies and any second now the person I actually wanted would walk in and realize that I was serious about them.

Needless to say, I burst into hysterical giggles when a familiar voice said, “I think it’s admirable that you know what you want and are willing to speak up for it. You shouldn’t be embarrassed about wanting something special.”

My heart led the charge as my whole body seemed to shift with my focus toward Aiden, standing in the front area of the shop. I must have missed the ping of the door while I was laying myself bare for my coworkers.

Eryk held up his hands in an easy apology, “And now I can put my foot in my mouth. Sorry, man,” he said to me, holding out a hand. I shook it and nodded to him. He hadn’t done anything wrong, especially not based on what he’d heard about me.

As I approached Aiden, I heard a slapping sound and heard Erykah hiss, “That’s why you don’t shit where you eat, dumbass!” It took biting my lip to keep from erupting into nervous laughter.

Aiden’s shoulders relaxed as I drew near. He held up a notebook. “You forgot your notes. I scanned through them today and we’ve got it. We just need to put together our full case and presentation. Sooner rather than later—I heard some whispers in class today that another group is close to solving their case.”

I’d been focused on his sexy mouth and thinking about the taste of him, but Aiden’s words yanked me into the moment. We were having sex, sure, but an A was an A. And this was an A with a professor who had connections to the job we both wanted.

“I’ve got a client in a few minutes. It’s a pretty large back piece, so I’ll be here until at least eight,” I said reluctantly. “Tomorrow during lunch?”

Aiden shook his head. “Sure, I’ve gotta do some makeup work from the weekend anyway.” His face flushed as he said this. We’d been far too busy for homework or studying. “But I get off work at seven tomorrow? Want to meet me there?”

I looked to Bryan, prepared to ask him if I had anything booked. He was smiling like a damned idiot, watching us like we were a Hallmark Christmas movie. What a dork. “You’re clear tomorrow, Thor. I’m sure Reagan will let you out of the shift for schoolwork since you don’t have any appointments.”

“Well, there you go,” I said. “See you tomorrow, then.”

There was an urge to grab him and plant a kiss on him, but before I did, it looked as if Aiden was going to say something. His brow was wrinkled, and the corner of his mouth tugged down.

“What?” I asked, suddenly afraid. Was the reminder of the project, the grade, the job causing him to regret what we’d done?

Aiden shook his head. “It’s nothing. See you tomorrow. Later, Bryan,” he called out over my shoulder.

I watched him leave, one hundred percent sure that “nothing” meant “something”. What that something was? A complete mystery that promised to eat at me until I found the answer.

My client showed up then, though, and it was time to get to work. The focus helped me backburner my anxiety, but it never completely left.

The next day, classes were a blur. I knew we were going to meet later, but when Aiden waited for me after our last morning class, I took a chance. “I know you’re cramming work right now, but I gotta ask you something that’s been driving me crazy.”

Aiden tilted his head, scanning my face as if he could see through me and straight to the heart of the matter. “Okay…” His tone was unsure.

“What were you going to say last night? Right before you left the shop? You looked upset and it's been killing me thinking that maybe,