The CEO and Her Driver

Chapter 26

Ashton scoffed but stared down at his ink with a flash of pride. "Yeah. Pretty bitchin'. Cost me a lot, but everyone likes it."

"Yeah, looks like the tiger's eyes follow you around," Tate said moving his head back and forth, staring at the tiger with interest.

Ashton smiled, actually smiled. "Right! I paid extra for that. Totally worth it. My secret weapon in the ring. Throws people off long enough to get my first hit in."

Tate walked closer, eyes inspecting the ink. "I've been tempted to get one. A dragon or maybe a barfing unicorn," he said pulling out his phone, face completely serious. "What's the name of your artist? I could use a good rec."

It took everything in me not to look completely dumbstruck as Ashton gave Tate his tattoo guy information, temporarily won over. Ashton wasn't the smartest guy around, and between his easy distractibility, and Tate's disarming charm, I swear I was looking at a potential friendship.

I was in the middle of arguing with myself over the very idea of them becoming friends when Tate offered Ashton a farewell wave. "Well, we're gonna head out." He tucked his phone away. "As soon as I get my ink, I'll let you know."

Tate shot me a smirk as we turned to leave, quite proud of himself. I let out an uneasy breath, not realizing that I had been holding it since Ashton walked up. "Freaking nice ninja," I muttered.

Tate winked, enjoying my shock. Freaking magic sunshine boy.

"Hey, hold up!" Ashton shouted, crashing fear back inside my chest.

I turned back around, pretending not to be nervous. Oh gosh, please just tell Tate that you want to be bros and then go away.

The cruel set of his mouth was back and I could almost feel dangerous words on the tip of his tongue, like a knife itching to be drawn. He looked from me to Tate, the look vanishing, replaced by a knowing smile that left my stomach in worried knots. "See you around, Falls."

I bit back several angry remarks that involved threats of physical harm or claiming to prefer death over seeing his face again, and instead, I offered him a cold stare. Then I turned around, and walked away without a word, forcing myself to walk instead of run.

...

I was quiet, peeking up at Tate who walked silently next to me as we moved out of the building and into the parking lot. I could see the wheels turning in his head, but he wouldn't push. He knew I'd talk about Ashton when I was ready. He wouldn't push for details. Not about something this big. That's just who he was.

"So..." I finally said as we reached the car. "You've been tempted to get a barfing unicorn tattoo?"

"Or a dragon," Tate added turning to look at me as he leaned against the hood of his car, eyes unreadable.

"RIIIIGHT," I replied with several quick nods that made me feel like a bobblehead. Gosh, this is uncomfortable. Just thank him for confusing Ashton and tell him about why your ex-boyfriend sucks. Do it. Do it. Do it. Don't chicken out.

Tate moved to pull out his keys, changed his mind, and tucked them away again. Taking out his phone, Tate shot off a message and looked back at me. "That encounter ruined your mood didn't it."

It wasn't a question. And the direct way he broached the subject startled me. I shrugged, hoping to admit the truth without expressing how deep that truth ran. "A bit."

Tate's phone chirped. He glanced down, shot off another message, and put his phone away bringing his attention back to me. Reaching for my fingers, he tugged me closer, forest green eyes full of tender concern. "What would you like to do?"