Swallowing the mouthful of my favorite Hawaiian pizza, I shrug.
“Actually...I kinda loved it.”
His dramatic gasp reaches my ears and I smile.
“No one is more surprised than me, D. Despite being practically naked, being in front of the camera made me feel confident...and powerful. I mean, it was a bit awkward at first, but Tara was seriously laid back. Once I relaxed a bit, I couldn’t help having fun with it. It wasn’t at all like I thought it would be.”
“Oh. My. Goddess. That’s incredible, Presley. I’m so damn proud of you, girl.”
“I’m pretty proud of me, too.”
Everything I tell him is the truth. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I’d do it again. Laying myself bare, posing for the camera...it somehow felt natural to me. I felt sexy, and beautiful. I’d love to have more of that feeling.
“Cami slipped into my set toward the end. She said if she didn’t know any better, she’d think I’d been modeling my entire life. Like I was made for it.”
Finishing off my wine, I refill the glass and grab another slice of pizza.
“You could totally model, Presley.”
“Ehh. I dunno. I enjoyed it, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to put myself out there like that.”
What I’m not saying is that I don’t think I have what it takes. Sure, I ended up having a blast today, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to see pictures of me.
“I have an idea.”
The gleam in his eye scares me.
That look means trouble.
Derrick’s ideas range from brilliant to downright frightening.
I raise a brow, waiting to cast judgment on whatever he says next.
He waves me off, ignoring the look. “You should start an Instagram account. You could totally keep it anonymous until you’re more comfortable. I can see you trending. Think about it. Books and beauty. Flaunt your nerdy little self. See how much you shine.”
It’s not an awful idea, but I’m not sold.
I don’t tell Derrick that, but I’m sure he already knows.
Instead, I use my sarcasm like I always do.
“I can see it now. Post the photos from my boudoir session on Instagram and watch them go viral. I’ll get a million followers and people will finally see me.”
“Pshhh. Hush that nonsense. You don’t need to bare yourself to strangers to be seen, Presley. People who matter will see you for the beautiful person you are. Inside and out.”
Rather than respond, I scoot closer to him and lean my head on his shoulder. Life wouldn’t be the same without Derrick. I’ll be forever grateful for his friendship. He’s such a bright soul. I hope no one ever dulls his sparkle.
“I’m not saying you shouldn’t post them, because you totally should, but you shouldn’t rely on strangers to determine your self-worth.” He wraps his arm around me and squeezes. “I can tell you’re done with this conversation for now, so let’s talk about St. Patrick’s Day.”
I can’t help but laugh. He reads me so well, but I’m sure it comes easily after being my best friend for so long. He’s the only person in the world who knows every single one of my secrets.
It’s a two-way street. I know everything there is to know about Derrick Knight.
There is absolutely nothing in this world he loves more than a good party.
“Hit me with it. I know you have plans.”
“Would I be me if I didn’t? There’s an event at 80 Proof. We’ll be there. I have your outfit already picked out.”
“Nope!” I sit up quickly. “I love you, Derrick, but there’s no way in hell you’re dressing me for St. Paddy’s day. I’ll go to the party with you, but I’ll choose my own clothes.”
I’ve been down that road before. I’d rather wear lingerie in public than wear whatever getup he has planned for me.
He pushes his bottom lip into a pout.
“Uh-uh. No way. I’m not falling for that shit again. Last time I let someone’s pout persuade me, I ended up in a bra and panties in front of a camera.”
“And you loved it!”
“Irrelevant!” I give him a pointed look. “I’m not changing my mind. Deal with it.”
He huffs, crossing his arms over his chest.
I laugh quietly, snuggling up next to him. “Come on, D. You can’t be mad at me for long and you know it.”
“I’ll get over it. I just need to be a little dramatic first.”
“Fair enough.”
FOUR
Adam
The bell on the front door rings through the shop and I growl under my breath.
I hate that fucking sound.
"Be right there!" I shout, shutting the supply cabinet.
My client canceled last minute, so I thought I'd have time to get some other shit done. I should have known better.
Heading toward the front, I peak in on Ryker as I pass. He's working on a full back piece for a long-time client. It's gonna be a beautiful, badass piece of art when he's finished.
Both Ryker and Deacon are what's left of Jeremy's crew. Everyone else jumped ship when he sold me the shop, but the two of them wanted to stay. They're damn good at what they do, I'd have been a fool to deny them.
"Looks fuckin' great, man."
He responds with a nod.
The bell up front rings again and I growl.
"Remind me to put an ad out for a goddamn receptionist."
His serious expression morphs to a grin. "Will do, boss."
Glad he's amused. Everyone in this place is aware of my hatred of that damn bell. Unfortunately, until I find someone who's a good fit to work the front, it has to stay.
I tap my hand against the doorframe and carry on. The bell rings again seconds later and I have to remind myself that I can't strangle a potential client.
Rounding the corner, I start with my usual greeting, "Welcome to Three Kings. What can I do for—"
My frustration is immediately doused, and the annoying bell forgotten, at the sight of Cannon standing in front of me.
"Holy shit. If it isn't the lost king himself."
I move toward my friend, grab him by the shoulder and pull him in for a rough hug.
"What the fuck are you doing here, brother?" I clap him on his back and break my hold. "Not that I'm not happy as hell to see you, but you didn't say a word about making the move. Or is this just a visit?"
He stands back, slipping his hands into his front pockets.
He looks good. Worn down and weary, but good.
I wasn’t sure what to expect after everything he’s been through. I know he hasn’t been taking things well. It’s been hit after another, doing a ton of damage mentally and emotionally. He may look good, but if I know him at all, he feels bruised and battered on the inside.
"I'm here to stay."