Page 107 of Midnight Ink

Luci giggles, folding her arms around his waist. I watch Ailee’s eyes narrow. Oh, someone is drunk drunk. I feel Ian’s lips press against the back of my neck.

Fuck, I love him so much.

It’s crazy to think that all this is happening. For years this was my dream. My own shop, doing the thing I love most in the world with the person I love most in the world. And somehow, he loves me back. I know he does. It’s in his annoyed eye rolls and pinching sighs. I love how much he loves me. I love how he loves me.

He squeezes me tight on his lap. “I love you, Madd.”

I smile, tipping my head back, and capture his lips.

“Ailee, I have to take her home. She’s fucked up right now.”

I watch his sister glare. “Excuse me.” She pinches his nipple. “I am fwine. So fwine!” Okay, this shit is painful to watch. Jamie says something to her I don’t hear.

“What the fuck, Jamie?” Ailee stomps.

“I’m taking her home,” he says back to her.

“Then I’m going too!”

“No you’re not. Stay, have fun. Your friends are here.”

“You’re always doing this.” She sniffs.

I stand up, walking over to this train wreck. Jamie looks at me and passes Luci to me. She flops into my arms, giggling and looking up at me. “You’re a fucking menace, you know that?” Her blurry eyes brighten.

“I fucking hate her,” she whispers.

“Yeah, well, Jamie needs to deal with that. He’s to blame too.” And I’ll tell him that. I hear Ailee yell. “What’s going on?” With Luci leaning against my body, I walk up to them.

“I just want to take Luci home. Ailee wants me to stay.” I feel Luci tug on my shirt. Yeah, yeah, I know you want her to leave, chill out. While Luci is in no way into Jamie, she’s very protective of him.

“Let me take you guys home, alright?” I slide Luci back to Jamie. His problem and she does reek like a bar.

“No, it’s okay. I can drive. I’ve only had one beer.” Luci’s eyes widen.

“No, I’ll drive. You’re too distracted with Luci. I can do it.” I turn to Ian with a smile. “I’ll be right back, babe.”

“Don’t be gone too long.”

“Hey, look at me, drunky.” Ian’s sleepy eyes blink up at me. “You better stop drinking. We have a job to do tomorrow.” I press a kiss to his forehead and lean in. “I love you.”

“Stay with Ian. I’m fine. I’m not drunk.”

“It’s fine. I’ll be right back.”

“Did we forget something?!” Ailee stomps.

“Go find your friends, we’ll talk in the morning.” He needs to end this shit. After we drop her off I’m going to kick his ass.

I lean into Jamie. “Just let her come. We’ll drop her off first, okay?” I don’t wait for him to answer, putting my arm around his girl. “Come on, Ailee.” I grin. “Shotgun with me, darling.” She gives Jamie a triumphant smirk as if she’s got any chance of making him jealous. I am a proud lover of dick, and it just so happens that my boyfriend has the best one.

Ian walks beside us. I’d take him home but there isn’t any room in the jeep. I mean, I doubt he wants to sit in the back with those two anyhow. I let go of Ailee, touching his hips. I lean in with a smile. “I’ll be right back.” I kiss him. “I love you.”

“Gross,” Jamie says to Ian.

“Fuck you,” Ian growls.

“Only if you ask nicely.” Jamie winks.