The Rules of Dating(35)

After I finished up his latest design, he asked, “Have you heard about the new bar that just opened in this neighborhood? They have really good tapas.”

Eddie was nothing if not persistent.

I nodded. “I have, yeah.”

“We should check it out. And before you tell me again that you don’t fraternize with clients, I should add that I won’t be coming in anymore since I’m gonna be all set for a while after this one. So, if I’m taking a long break from any more ink…technically, I won’t be your client.”

The word no was at the tip of my tongue. But then I wondered if going out with someone other than Colby was exactly what I needed. I shrugged and forced out the words before I could change my mind. “You know what, Eddie? Sure. Yeah. Why not?”

His eyes widened, and he smiled like a Cheshire cat. He certainly hadn’t been expecting me to say yes.

Then I looked over at Deek, who’d overheard the entire exchange. He looked at me like I had ten heads. Justine smirked from the doorway. She’d apparently heard everything, too. No one in the room had expected me to agree to a date with Eddie Stark—least of all me. I’d never once accepted a client’s advances. And I’d gotten hit on quite a bit. Guess there was a first time for everything.

“Well, that’s about the best news I’ve gotten all year.” Eddie beamed. “What night works for you?”

I picked a night at random. “Wednesday?”

“Okay, sounds good. Shall we meet there or…”

“Yeah.”

“Say seven PM?”

“Sounds great.” I smiled.

After Eddie left, Deek wasted no time. “What the hell was that all about?”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t even like that guy.”

“He’s nice. And he deserves points for his persistence.”

Deek arched his brow. “So he deserves points for persistence, but Colby doesn’t?”

Damn, was that a good point. I crossed my arms. “That’s a different situation.”

“Exactly. Colby scares you, and this guy doesn’t because you don’t really like him.”

I sighed, unable to even deny it.

Justine chimed in. “I’ve always had a crush on Eddie myself. If I weren’t already married, I would’ve tapped that before Billie had a chance. I like ’em big and wide like that.”

“Seriously, Billie?” Deek said, ignoring Justine’s comment. “It’s so obvious what you’re doing.” He shook his head. “Look, I’ll admit, I was a little suspicious about that threesome shit with Colby, too. But you’ve got to give him credit for telling you the truth about that night, even if it sounded shady. And his story matched Holden’s. Sounds to me like he just got wrapped up in his friend’s antics. If I got blamed for everything my friends did or roped me into witnessing…” He shook his head. “Heck, I’d probably be in jail.”

“Colby is pissed at me now anyway. So maybe I should just leave well enough alone.”

“He’s pissed because he likes you,” Deek said. “And all you keep doing is sabotaging things.”

The truth hurt. I couldn’t even conjure a response.

“Okay.” He walked away in a huff, but then came back. “I’m just gonna say one more thing. You’re blind if you can’t see that your knee-jerk reaction right now is all the proof you need that you have true feelings for Colby. You can’t even bear to talk about it because you know damn well you can’t hide it. So, whatever. Go out with Eddie Muscle. Pretend like it’s not just a front. But you’re only wasting time.”

***

Wednesday night arrived, and though I hadn’t been excited about my date with Eddie, once we got to the bar, I found myself enjoying his company. I wasn’t attracted to him the way I was attracted to Colby, and I knew this wouldn’t go anywhere, but overall, I didn’t regret coming out tonight. Not to mention, the tapas were really good.

Eddie dipped a piece of shrimp in some cilantro-lime sauce. “It’s amazing how far the shop has come in the past couple of years. I’m kind of proud that I was one of your original clients.”

“Yeah. Well, I couldn’t do it alone. Deek has been a big help. And the new location has brought in a lot of people.”

“Deek is great, but you’re the real talent in there. Word travels fast when someone is good at their job. I know I’ve recommended you to more than a few people.”

I stared down at the full sleeve I’d inked on him. “Well, I really appreciate that, Eddie. You’re a good egg.”

My phone chimed. When I looked down, I saw a text from Colby.

Nice to know you’re actually capable of going out on a real date. Hope you’re having a nice time.

Adrenaline coursed through me as I looked around the room. What the hell is he doing here? It was a weeknight, so I would’ve thought he’d be home with Saylor.

I typed.

Billie: Where are you?

A few seconds later came his response.

Colby: Does it matter?

Billie: I want to know how you know where I am.

Colby: Maybe you should pay attention to your date and stop worrying about such things.

“Is everything okay?” Eddie asked.