“I’m probably being overly cautious, but just let me stick someone on you when I’m not around. I need that after yesterday.”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Call Jewel. Arrange to go shopping tomorrow. I’ll get someone to go with you. Jason would love to go shopping, I’m sure.”
She rolled her eyes at that.
“Thank you, baby girl.”
“What for?” she asked in surprise.
“For giving me peace of mind. For not telling me I’m a paranoid bastard.”
“I’ll just think it instead,” she teased.
* * *
She was so tired that she could barely see straight. She poured herself another cup of coffee, knowing she was going to need it to get through the afternoon.
“Hey, babe, pour me one too, will you?”
She glanced over at Duke, noticing he looked tired as well. Guilt filled her. “I’m sorry I woke you up so early this morning.”
She brought him his coffee and he took both cups from her, putting them on the small table in the break room. “I’m not. I’m glad you were in my bed and not alone.” He tugged her close, hugging her. She leaned into him, taking in his scent.
“Me too.”
A throat clearing had her trying to pull back. But Duke held her close.
“Rory. You’re late.”
“Doesn’t look like you’re all doing much work anyway,” Rory sneered. He slammed his locker door shut and left.
Duke sighed. “That asshole is on his last legs.”
She didn’t say anything, just drew away and picked up her coffee.
“I’ve got a client coming in soon,” he told her. “Don’t drink too much coffee.”
She snorted after he left. Right now it felt like caffeine was the only thing keeping her upright.
18
Sunny groaned silently, rubbing her sore stomach as she yawned. She was tempted to have another coffee, but it felt like the caffeine was eating her stomach lining. Her hand shook as she filled up a glass of water. She should probably eat but she felt slightly nauseous.
Duke had been with his last client for the past two hours. This client had been in each week for the last three weeks. Today they were finishing off a large tattoo on his back. Today was pretty quiet, a few regular clients with longer bookings so there wasn’t much for her to do.
She yawned again, her eyes watering. Crap. She needed more coffee. Her stomach would just have to cope. She poured a cup and then sat at the table with a slump. Her hand shook as she took a sip.
Sugar. She couldn’t wait for bed tonight.
“Hey, little rebel,” a deep voice said and she sat up with a smile. Whoops. Even though he was her boyfriend, he was still her boss and seeing her sitting around looking half-dead probably wasn’t a great look.
“Finished with your client? I’ll go rebook them. Sorry, was just having a short break.”
He waved his hand. “It’s okay. All dealt with.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you’d be with them a bit longer.” Now she really felt like shit.