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“Aight. I ordered us some food from that spot you like,” he told me.

“Thank God, because I’m starving,” I replied.

“I figured you would be. You’ve been in here all damn day,” he said, rubbing my back.

“And my feet are killing me,” I complained.

“I’ll take care of that when we get home too,” he promised, kissing my temple.

He walked off to join the guys while I finished up with my client. A few minutes later, my phone vibrated again, this time with a text from the same unsaved number.

(513) 555-9565: We need to talk, Gabi. Stop ignoring my calls.

I read the message before clearing the notification and putting my phone facedown. The last thing I needed was Tae seeing that message and asking questions I wasn’t ready to answer.

Once I finished, I wiped his tattoo clean and handed him the mirror. He turned his arm from side to side, examining the finished piece.

“Damn, Gabi… you snapped on this one,” he complimented.

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it,” I replied, grabbing the supplies I needed to cover it.

After going over his aftercare instructions and collecting his payment, I sent him on his way. I cleaned my station, put away my supplies, and grabbed my belongings from the back.

By the time I returned, Tae was standing near the counter talking to Saint.

“I’m ready,” I announced.

Tae turned toward me and reached for my bag.

“You got everything?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I answered.

He took my workbag and waited while I made sure everything at my station was straight.

“See y’all tomorrow,” I called.

“Later, Gab,” Zo replied.

“Don’t let that nigga aggravate you too bad,” Blank added.

“Nigga, fuck you,” Tae shot back, making everybody laugh.

“Get the fuck out my shop,” Saint laughed.

“Fuck your shop,” Tae replied, holding the door open for me.

I laughed and followed him outside, more than ready to call it a night.

***

As soon as we got to the house, I headed upstairs to get ready for a shower while he stayed downstairs to lock up. I was standing in front of his dresser taking off my jewelry when he came into the bedroom. He walked up behind me, slipping his arms around my waist before pressing his lips against my neck.

“What?” I asked, watching him through the mirror.

“Nothing… I can’t love on my woman?” he replied, kissing the same spot again.

I turned in his arms and slid my hands up his chest. “You can do more than that.”