“Did you hear that Evan and Owen are playing at the Wayfarer tonight?” Duke asked without looking up from the masterpiece he was creating on McKenzie’s left arm.
“No, I hadn’t heard, but I’d love to go. They’re so great together.”
“That they are. We’re hoping to get there.”
Sierra wondered if Morgan would enjoy doing that.
“How was the big date last night?” McKenzie asked.
“Excellent. It ended this morning.”
McKenzie let out a girlish squeal.
“Don’t move, love, or you’ll end up with something other than a unicorn.”
“Tell me everything. Leave nothing out.”
Sierra laughed. “We had a nice time. Neither of us wanted it to end, so it didn’t.”
“Does that mean… you know…”
“It means what you think it means, and I’m not feeling the slightest bit guilty for putting out on the first date, if that tells you anything.”
“This is the best news I’ve heard all day! Isn’t it, Duke?”
“Uh-huh.”
Sierra glanced at him, noting his intense concentration as he inked the love of his life. Only because she knew him so well did she also see the tic in his cheek, which happened whenever he clenched his teeth. He did that when he was stressed. “Something on your mind, Duke?”
“Nothing other than making sure this lovely skin gets the art it deserves.”
“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”
“What is happening right now?” McKenzie asked.
“Duke has something he wants to say about me hanging out with Morgan, but he’s pretending otherwise.”
“Is he doing that thing with his cheek?” McKenzie asked.
“Yep.”
“Then it’s definitely something.”
“If you ask me, he wants to lecture me about getting involved with a guy who might be a short-timer here. He’s worried I might get my heart broken if I’m not careful.”
“That sounds like something he’d say.”
“Are you two done putting words in my mouth?” Duke asked gruffly.
“We’re just getting started,” McKenzie said with a grin for Sierra. “When you go grumpy and silent, we gotta do the talking for you.”
“Wow, she already speaks Duke, huh?”
“She sure does,” Duke said. “She’s fluent.”
“Ew.”
“What? She is. And I’m not grumpy. I was in a pretty good mood until the two of you started talking about me like I’m not right here.”
