“I know you love Ace and I can tell he loves you, but I know he comes with a lot of damaged baggage but if you really want to be with him then you are going to have to learn to deal with all this. Kissing Enzo is not the way to do it. Lying to Ace is only making the situation worse. You need to tell him the truth before he finds out from someone else.”
I shake my head. “No one else knows.”
She raises her eyebrows. “Are you sure about that? You didn’t think anyone knew last time when you lied to Ace but Pierce knew. If that happens again and he finds the truth out from someone else then you might as well throw your relationship in the dumpster.”
****
Ace
I stopped on the way over to my family’s shop to grab some coffee. Normally, the stuff at home wakes me up just fine, but not today. As I pulled into the parking lot of the shop I notice Axell’s and a few of the other workers cars are already here. I’m not shocked to hear the sounds of the 80’s radio station blaring through the speakers inside the shop.
Once I’m inside I go in search of Axell. I find him in the back of the parts room, where we store all the parts we have on hand. The smell of metal and rubber hits your nose the instant you enter the room. Some of the fluorescent lights are flickering so I make a mental note to change them out later. I find Axell a few rows over taking inventory. “Good morning Ace.”
“Morning, you need help?” I offer.
He shakes his head. “Nope, I can finish later. Let’s head into my office and we can see about the schedule for this car’s modifications.”
I follow behind Axell. “So, this guy asked for me specifically?”
“Yep, he said you are the best and that he’d only pay for the best to do the work. I mean the list of modifications that he wants can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Axell explains.
I choke on my coffee at the amount of money he just mentioned. Hell, just ten thousand dollars would help the businesses out, but hundreds of thousands would have them set as well as kick start Jovi’s college fund. I was sure he’d get some scholarships but I’d be damned if he had to give up college due to the lack of finances. I know my brothers feel the same way. Axell slaps me on the back a few times trying to help clear my air way. Once I can finally take a deep breath again I tell him, “I’m in. I have appointments the next two days, but as soon as those are done I’ll schedule my tattoo appointments around the car.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want this to be in the way of your tattoo shop.”
I shake my head. “It’s not besides we both know we could definitely use that kind of money. Not to mention how much traffic that could bring into the shop once the word gets around. This could be huge for us.”
Axell nods his head while taking a seat behind the desk. I follow suit and take a seat in one of the chairs on the other side of the desk. “Your right but I don’t want you to have to compromise your name and tattoo shop for the sake of this one. It’s not worth that to me.”
“I won’t. Hell, most people want their appointments in the evening anyways. I just usually don’t tattoo at that time because of Kynlee but with her new lingerie campaign she’ll probably be moving to evening shifts at Wild Wild Wes’ on top of having to do the publicity tour for the line. Plus, I’ve been thinking about adding another artist to the shop. Inkredible has been gaining a lot of popularity recently and I think I could use it. You know take one of the extra rooms and rent it out to an artist. It’d help cover the cost of the building.”
“You know I don’t think any of us say this enough but I’m so damn proud of you Ace. We all are. Mom and dad would be too. You’ve grown up so much recently. I’m glad I’ve got to see it,” Axell says, and the look of pride in his eyes leaves a burning sensation in mine. I nod my head and get up from the chair. “You know Bowie’s friend Roscoe is moving back and would probably be interested in coming into the shop, just to throw out a suggestion. Okay, so Mr. Jones should be here any minute to let us see the car and discuss everything he is hoping for.”
Axell and I fall into a conversation about sports when a knock on his door has us turning toward it. Rodney, one of our best employees is standing at the door. He’s a tall, burly man probably in his thirties’. “Boss, the fancy car is here.”
Axell tells Rodney thank you then looks at me, “Let’s do this.”
Once we step outside it’s hard to miss the tangerine orange of the Lexus SC 400. My mouth waters with envy for a moment. This was one of the best street racing cars. Excitement courses through my veins and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. The driver gets out of the car which causes me to come to an abrupt stop.
Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones. Of course! Enzo walks nonchalantly up to my brother and shakes his hand. The excitement has now turned into anger and I can hear the muffled conversation happening between Axell and Enzo, I see the piece of paper passed between them, but the ringing in my ears makes it impossible to decipher anything.
Axell turns around and motions toward me, no doubt he is about to make an unnecessary introduction. I step forward.
“Enzo.”
Enzo smirks at me and even though his eyes are hiding behind those sunglasses I know they are lit with amusement. I’m sure he finds this shit funny. “Ace, I’m so happy you were able to clear up time to meet this morning. When I had spoken to Axell yesterday he wasn’t sure.”
“Do the two of you know one another?” Axell asks, looking between us.
“Somewhat,” I answer simply. I hear the small stifled laugh escape from Enzo and I’d like nothing better than to knock the air right out of him. Instead, I try to take a deep calming breathe through my nose. I won’t cause problems for Axell or the shop. I will put my differences with Enzo aside for the time being. Axell hands me a piece of paper with the list of modifications. It’s extensive and can easily take up to six months, but I’ll get it done in three, the sooner the better. “More or less what I expected. I’ll get it done within three months.” I watch as Axell’s head whips around to face me. I know he knows that’s half the time it could take but I don’t care. I won’t sleep if that’s what it takes. “If you’ll excuse me,” I tell them both while I take the list and leave them to discuss whatever else they want. I need to get away from here because if I don’t then I might just beat Enzo’s annoying face in.
****
It’s been a very long day. I’m tired, hungry and just really want to have Kynlee in my arms. I want to curl up on the couch with her and watch a movie. Breathe in her smell and let her body heat warm me back up. I need to press my lips to hers, to let our tongues mingle, to remind myself that I have her. Much to my disappointment when I get home Kynlee hasn’t made it home from work yet.
I order a pizza and hop in the shower. When I get out of the shower, I had expected Kynlee to be home but she is still a no show so I send her text. Maybe she had to work late. Sitting on the couch, eating pizza and watching a movie by myself was not what I had in mind. I check my phone again and see there’s still nothing from Kynlee. I make myself more comfortable while my eyes grow heavier.
Blaring music wakes me up. After rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I realize the blaring music is my phone. Looking at the screen I see it’s close to two in the morning. I almost expect it to be Kynlee who still isn’t home by the looks of it, but instead I see Farrah’s name on the screen. What the hell could she want at this time? Putting the phone to my ear I answer, “Hello.”
Chapter 22
Kynlee
I headed to work after leaving Kenndrix on campus. The entire atmosphere was down as I entered. Usually, Wild Wild Wes’ is full of music and energy but today something was wrong. No one has a real smile on their face and the energy has seemed to have left the building. Jessica is coming out of the break room as I was entering. She gives me halfhearted smile. “Jess, what’s wrong?”
“You haven’t heard?” Jess asks. I shake my head no. “Wild Wild Wes’ is restr
ucturing. They’ve been struggling to make a profit for the last two years apparently so now the company is going to restructure.”
I got a sinking feeling in my stomach that I already knew the answer to this question but I ask it anyways. “What does that mean…exactly?”
A sad look appears in Jess’ eyes. “It means that over half of us are going to be without a job. The menu and hours will probably change. They have to cut in order to try and save what’s left of the company. They have to try and figure out a way to make more money.”
“Oh no,” I whisper. Jess nods her head sadly and pats me on the shoulder as she passes by. I clock in for work then head out to the floor. I’m half way through my shift when Mrs. Lawrence, the manager, calls me into the office.
Mrs. Lawrence is a in her mid-thirties with mousy brown hair and wire rim glasses. She is pretty in a not so obvious way. Mrs. Lawrence motions for me to take a seat in front of her desk. Once I’m seated she meets my eyes. I see the apology in them before she even speaks. “I’m sure you’ve already heard about the company and the struggles. I’m trying to pull everyone into my office to go over what will happen over the next few months. Unfortunately, you are one of the ones that will be laid off. I’m so sorry for this but we can only keep half of the current staff. I’ll be more than happy to give you an outstanding recommendation anywhere that you apply. You’ve been a fantastic worker and the customers have loved you. I really hate to lose you and I wish you all the best.”
I nod and force my smile onto my face. “It’s okay Mrs. Lawrence. I understand. I’ve had a wonderful time working with all of you. I will really miss this place and thank you for the recommendation. I appreciate that.”
Mrs. Lawrence reaches forward and pats my clasped hands that are resting on her desk. “Thank you, Kynlee. I’m really going to miss seeing you around here. Hopefully, I’ll be seeing you all over town and TV someday.”
“I hope,” I tell her, “So, do I work today?”
“Yes, you’ll work out this schedule,” she tells me.
****
After work I decide to go out with a few of my coworkers. My life feels like it’s caught up in a tornado that is never ending. I have basically lost both of my jobs in one day. A part of me is devastated. I haven’t even bothered to check in with Ace. I just feel like I need some kind of release.
My coworkers and me, Jess included go out to a few bars and clubs. Our fourth stop is JamesTown, at this point we are all pretty loaded. I see Farrah behind the bar as soon as we enter. I call out to her as we make our way to the bar. She waves, but I see her eyes narrow as she studies me.
Carmen, one of the other girls from work that had come with us, goes to get drinks. The rest of us hit the dance floor. “Let’s go to the beach!” Carmen says, jumping up and down after a few dances. As we are heading out I start to really feel the effects of all the drinks I’ve had. I’m a little wobbly and somehow manage to ignore my name being called from behind. I’m just about to step off the curb when I hear “Kynlee!” I go to turn around only to lose my balance and fall down, landing in the street.
My head is spinning around and my ankle has sharp pains. I feel the wetness running down my leg while the gravel bites into the skin of my hands. I’m trying to get up when the blinding lights come around the corner. I try to shield my eyes, but I’m not quick enough. The lights leave colorful spots in front of me.
Screaming breaks out around me as I manage to get to my hands and knees when I feel a set of arms come around me. They yank me up and pull me back to the safety of the sidewalk-- just in time. The car comes speeding by seconds later. My head falls back to rest against a chest, looking up I see Ace.
How did Ace know I was here? I see fear and anger in his eyes. I reach up and run my fingernails up and down the back of his neck when I realize I’m just smearing blood on him. “Ace…” I say, trying to sound sexy but it just comes out sounding slurred.
His hand closes around mine to stop my movement. “Don’t.” I make a pouty face and I see him shake his head. Ace turns around and looks at someone. “Do me a favor make sure they all get home safely.”
“Sure thing,” I hear Bowie answer followed by, “Hello ladies.”
Ace takes my hand and tries to turn me around. Once I’m facing him I try to wrap my hands around his neck. “Let’s dance,” I say as I start to sway back and forth.
“Stop. We’re going home.”
I cross my arms over my chest and stomp my foot. “No! I want to stay. I want to dance,” I say, as I try to start dance but stop when the pain returns to my ankle.
Ace glares at me “We’re going home.”
“You can’t make me!” I holler at him, and I watch as he smirks at me which only infuriates me more. I turn around to walk away but my ankle is killing me so I end up nearly falling again. Ace’s arms come around my waist and swing me over his shoulder while he mumbles a string of curses.
****
Ace
When Farrah had told me that Kynlee was at JamesTown more than a little tipsy I didn’t believe her at first. Even as she spoke I had wondered through the apartment in search of her. When I couldn’t find her I finally let myself believe her. It made no sense though. Kynlee wasn’t much of a drinker and I couldn’t remember ever seeing her drink more than one drink. So why was she drinking like this tonight?
Kynlee and the group of girls from work that she was with are easy to spot when I pull into the parking lot. All of them re walking like brand new baby deer. Farrah was right they had definitely been drinking; and a little too much from the look of it. I throw my car into park and hop out, hollering out her name but she keeps walking, completely oblivious to what is going on around her. I let out a string of curses in frustration. Then the first flare of anger courses through me. How could she be so careless with her own life? Anything could happen to her in this state of mind. It’s absolutely uncalled for.
She goes to step off the curb and I holler her name with everything I have in me. This street is far too busy for a bunch of drunken girls to be stumbling around on. Where the hell do they think they are going anyways? Finally, I get her attention as she goes to turn around I see her wobble and then she’s down before I can even take a step towards her. Great! Just great! I look up towards the sky trying to find just an inch of calm in me when I see the head lights come into view.
In an instant I’m running toward Kynlee but I still don’t know if I’ll get to her in time. She’s still in the road and the car apparently doesn’t see her because they aren’t slowing down. I run harder than I’ve ever ran before. Kynlee manages to get to her hands and knees. I reach down and wrap my arms around her waist and pull her back onto the sidewalk.
My heart is pounding in my chest. Seeing Kynlee like this has made me so angry. Watching her almost get hit by a car has been terrifying. Then she has the nerve to stand there and tell me she isn’t coming home, the hell she isn’t! I clearly can’t leave her on her own. I do the only thing I know to do. I pick up her up and carry her back to the car. We’ve almost reached my car when she pats me on the back and says my name in a whiney voice. I don’t reply but then she tells me, “I think I’m going to be sick.”
Quickly, I sit her down on her feet and pull her hair away from her face just before she gets sick. I sigh heavily from the unnecessary stress. Once I’m sure Kynlee is done I help her walk around the car to the passenger side. Opening the door, I help her sit down and then buckle her in. By the time I make it around to the driver’s side her head is resting against the seat and she is asleep.
I don’t know why Kynlee is acting like this but I know it isn’t like her. As soon as she’s sobered up tomorrow I plan on finding out what the hell had happened tonight. I reach over and sweep some stray locks of hair away from her face. Once we get back to the apartment I carry Kynlee up the stairs and into the bedroom. I take the time to change her into something comfortable and even grab one of those wipe
s she uses on her face to remove the makeup. Before crawling into the bed, I grab a cold bottle of water and some Tylenol and sit them on the table next to Kynlee’s side of the bed. I know she’ll need them in the morning.
I crawl in next to Kynlee and press a kiss to her forehead. I lay there and study her beautiful face for quite some time. I would love to know what is running through her head right now, what had happened during her day to put so much distance between us, what had brought on her actions tonight. I could only hope that tomorrow would give me some answers.
Chapter 23
Kynlee
I wake up the next morning with a splitting headache and unexplained soreness to my body. I can’t sense any light in the room, so I figured it’s still dark out but when I dare to squint, I see that Ace had taken the time to cover the window with a blanket. Slowly I roll over and see a bottle of water and some Tylenol. Sitting up in the bed only makes my head feel as if it’s about to split open.
Ace appears in the doorway and I study him the best I can over the bottle of water, my blurry vision, and the darkness in the room. He stands there shirtless and a pair of sweats that hang low on his hips. His body is basically on display and I can’t complain. His body is like a dream to me. Every muscle is defined even under all his ink. “I figured you could use those,” he says motioning towards the Tylenol.
I nod slightly. “Thanks. What the hell did I do last night? I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus.”
Ace crosses the room and comes to sit down on the bed. He pulls the sheet back and I see my legs are scraped and bloody. “You just about did. I don’t know how much you drank. Farrah called me when you guys started to get a little rowdy at JamesTown and by the time I got there, you guys were heading to the beach but you ended up falling off the curb, into the street and almost got hit by a speeding car.”
Breaking the Limits Page 13