Bad Boy Ink (Get Ink'd #5) - Ali Lyda Page 0,81

because of your positive attitude. You’re loved. Take the money.” He nodded to the papers in my hand. “There’s more.”

I looked at the other sheet of paper. It was a tattoo design. It was Get Ink’d spelled out in computer keys. “What is this?”

“We all have a Get Ink’d tat. You’re the last one. Hope you have a good spot saved, because I’m tattooing you tonight. So you’ll always remember your home and your family.”

I punched his shoulder. “You asshole, this is perfect. I’ve got room on my inner bicep, will that work?”

He nodded and I felt borderline giddy as we walked back into the party.

Aiden looked comfortable, a delightful surprise. He and Bryan were joking around with Mateo, Eryk, and Erykah. I walked over and grabbed Aiden’s hand, squeezing it.

“Hey,” I said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

“Hay is for horses,” he replied but squeezed back.

I had so much to say but didn’t know where to start. I also didn’t get the opportunity; before I could say a word, the door to the shop opened and a familiar face walked in. Her heels were expensive, and her hair was perfectly coiffed. Aiden’s mom was dressed in Chanel and would have looked like she owned the world if it weren’t for the deep worry lines on her face.

As if knowing this wasn't for film, the camera crew shifted their focus, and our friends also gently pulled away. And while I was sure that his mother wanted to talk to Aiden alone, I wasn’t going to abandon him. Not after his last encounter with her knocked him on his ass.

“Aiden,” she said, voice quavering. I threaded my fingers through his, letting him know I was there for him.

“Mom,” he replied. It lacked the animosity I’d anticipated. She didn’t relax, but she took a step closer.

“I heard about your job and that you’re moving away.” She took a deep breath. “I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. And wish you well. You and your—” she looked at me, her eyes the same hazel as Aiden’s but sadder “—Boyfriend,” she added deliberately. “I know you’re going to do great things. It was important to me that you know that I cared. And that I know how special you are.”

I chewed on the inside of my lip, not knowing how this was affecting Aiden. All I knew was I would be there for any fallout, to lift him up and protect him. But Aiden let go of my hand and hugged his mom.

It took her a moment to hug him back—I don’t think she anticipated it. And honestly, neither had I. But when she did, my chest swelled for both of them.

When they broke apart, she patted his cheek. “Thank you, Aiden.”

His head tipped to the side. “Mom, thank you. I forgive you. It’s been a journey and I can only hope that you have your own journey as well. One that ends with you leaving dad.”

She gave him a sad smile, one that suggested that we’d see. They hugged once more, and then she left, clearly uncomfortable now that she’d said what needed saying, and didn’t know what else to do.

“Are you okay?” I asked Aiden, tucking him into my body.

He let out a sharp exhale. “Yeah. Yes. I didn’t expect it, but that felt…right. I’m glad we can leave for DC on a good note on that front.”

I kissed him then, needing to feel the warmth of his lips and taste the heat of his breath. To make sure he was okay through touch and connection. As he molded himself to me, every inch of us pressed together signaled that he was more than okay. He was golden.

When he broke off from the kiss, he gave me a smile that hooked my curiosity. “I have a gift for you,” he said.

Whatever crossed my face made him laugh. “Don’t worry,” he said, “it isn’t an engagement ring.”

He paused, and I took a moment to relish the way my body buzzed at the idea that one day...well, one day.

“What is it, then?” I asked. “Another costume?”

He snorted. “No, but now I am coming up with ideas. No, it’s this.”

He reached into his hoodie pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. My pulse ticked up, despite him just saying it wasn’t a ring.

I opened it.

And laughed so hard my sides ached.

It was the “f” key on a necklace I’d given him on his birthday. It felt like a million years