Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
One by one, Bruno, Amanda, and I got the whole team done and sent them on their way with information on how to protect their tattoos, which clearly included not going in the water. Most of them seemed pleased about the forced break, a mini vacation from such a grueling schedule. Besides, school was out in a couple of weeks anyway, and most would be traveling home for the summer, only to return in August to officially train again. Though most would do their own training in the off-season. It was just their way of life.
It’d been a long afternoon, but it was fun and would undoubtedly bring in more business for the shop. So it was a win-win.
After my shift, I walked toward the dorms with the idea of checking on my boyfriend and brother, who had plans with Danica tonight.
On the way, I spotted Levi in the distance. We only saw each other in passing, but apparently, he’d been pretty darn busy with a certain popular football player.
“Am I a baby if I complain that it hurts?” Bailey asked once I walked through the door to find Alex lounging on his bed while Bailey fiddled with his hair in the mirror. His hoodie was covering his tattoo, but he’d no doubt show it off to his girl tonight.
“Sort of?” I teased. “Just kidding. It’ll probably be sore and tender this week. A little itchy too as it heals.”
Alex batted his eyelashes. “So I’ll get special attention?”
I laughed as I leaned over to peck his lips.
“Ugh, I’m outta here,” Bailey said, heading to the door.
“Studies show that guys with tattoos get laid more frequently,” I said as he twisted the handle. Alex cracked up.
“You jackass,” Bailey said, but I could hear the smile in his voice as he stood a little straighter. Yeah, he would enjoy the extra attention for his tattoo, no doubt.
“Does that mean I’ll get laid more?” Alex asked in a throaty voice once he was gone.
“Obviously.” I sat on his bed and pulled him to me so he was straddling my lap. I cupped his face and kissed him until he was breathless and stiff in his sweatpants. So fucking hot.
“I’m gonna miss you not being on campus this summer,” I said against his throat.
Alex and Bailey both had jobs lined up back home. Alex as a swim instructor at a community center, which was perfect for him, and Bailey as a lifeguard at one of the outdoor pools. I’d be sticking around here because of my job but would undoubtedly head home sometimes to spend time with my family and Alex.
Alex kissed my ear, making me shiver. “Guess I’ll have to come stay with you on my days off.”
“Promise, Carl?” I tried not to sound too needy. I had my pessimistic reputation to uphold, after all.
“Promise you won’t get sick of me, Ted?” I could see the worry in his eyes, and between the two of us, I wasn’t certain whose insecurities won out.
“I’ve known you my whole life and haven’t gotten sick of you yet.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “You have a point.”
My lips trailed over his throat. “Like I said, you’ll have to get rid of me.”
He groaned as his fingers burrowed in my hair. “I don’t want to get rid of you.”
“Good, because I have plans for us.”
Alex drew back to look at me. “Like what?”
“Like maybe after I graduate, we can find a place together?” My voice was a bit shaky. I was afraid it was too much, too soon.
He threw his arms around me and pulled me close. “I love that idea.”
A cheesy smile stretched my lips. “I might be a starving artist, so you’d have to support me.”
He shrugged. “I won’t be any better off as a teacher.”
“Then we’ll make quite the pair.”
“We will, won’t we?” Alex mused.
“Uh-huh.” I lifted him off my lap and set him on the edge of the bed. “Now, let me get your mind off that pain.”
I slid to my knees and took care of my guy.