Sid turned to me, leaning close to murmur in my ear, “You okay out here for a little bit while I go meet with the guys?”
I nodded, setting Trixie on the ground and making myself comfortable in one of the leather chairs near Sarah’s desk.
Sid dipped low, placing a chaste kiss on my mouth before sauntering back toward the conference room.
“Things happen fast around here.” Sarah laughed as I sat blushing profusely.
“You could say that,” I replied. “But really, this has been in the making between us for a while. It’s weird how I see it so clearly now but I couldn’t before.”
She nodded. “Life’s funny that way sometimes. You look good together.”
I smiled. “Thanks. It’s still really new and all feels a bit like a dream,” I admitted, surprised I’d shared that with her.
“Isn’t everything good like that?” She sighed wistfully.
“Maybe,” I allowed cautiously. I was still slightly scared to believe this could really be my something good.
Christ, I sounded like Mary Poppins.
“Do you want a coffee? I’m about to brew a fresh pot.”
“Sure, thanks.” I nodded, scooping Trixie into my lap.
After a cup of coffee and a nice conversation with Sarah, Sid emerged. “Ready?” he asked with a lifted brow.
I nodded, standing up and gathering my things. Sid picked up Trixie, patiently waiting for me to pack my purse up.
“She’s really taken to the two of you,” Sarah commented, watching Trixie thoughtfully.
“Is that surprising?” I asked her.
She shrugged. “Dogs are all different, but a lot of times Chihuahuas are really loyal to their owners and indifferent to other people. She looks like she’s known the two of you her whole life.”
Interesting.
“Are we ready?” I asked, looking around me to make sure I hadn’t left anything behind.
I almost always did.
“I’m ready.” Sid nodded. “See you later, Sarah.” He offered her a chin lift as he took my hand.
“Bye, Sarah,” I chimed in with a wave. “Bye, Trav!” I hollered toward the back.
“Call you later!” he hollered back.
“You still want to go to the shop?” Sid asked me as we walked toward his truck.
“Yeah,” I replied.
I watched him scan our surroundings, always vigilant, before we climbed in.
Caden’s tattoo shop, Sacred Heart, was just across town. When we pulled up in front, I couldn’t help but feel like this was the Sid and Sam relationship roadshow. We left Trixie in the truck with the windows cracked; we didn’t plan on staying long.
The buzz of a tattoo gun and the low murmur of voices met my ears when we walked in.
“Cade!” Sid shouted toward the back of the shop. Caden had hired a shop girl part-time who scheduled appointments and greeted customers, but obviously, she’d left for the day.
“Hey, bro, just wrapping this up. I’ll be out in a sec,” Cade’s voice called back.