Moments in Ink

by Carrie Ann Ryan

“Hey there,” I said. “Sorry about this.”

  “Never be sorry. We’re here for you.”

  “You are too perfect to be real sometimes,” I said, being truthful. “I just figured that, of course, I would meet my new neighbor while I was dancing in my underwear.”

  “Well, it could be worse. You could be naked,” Marcus said. I heard the car starting in the background.

  “You have not seen these panties,” I said. “I’m pretty much there already.” Marcus barked out a laugh, and I heard the phone switch to speakerphone in their car.

  “Stop trying to woo my fiancé,” Bristol joked.

  I snorted. “I’m just saying. You already have a triad in the family. We could make a great threesome,” I said, clearly joking. It was a jest we had made more than once, and I liked that they didn’t take me seriously. After all, I wasn’t anywhere near serious in that. Simply because Bristol’s mom loved me and had wanted me to be a part of the family, didn’t mean I was going to marry a Montgomery. I liked being part of the extended family in the way that I was.

  “You keep saying that,” Marcus began. “And one day, you’re going to end up married to both of us, and you won’t know what to do.”

  “That is true. I am a bit much for anybody.” I was only teasing, but the others were silent enough that I was afraid I had said something wrong. “You are perfect in every way. Well, practically perfect in every way if we’re going for the pure Mary Poppins spirit,” Bristol said with a laugh.

  “I’m nowhere near perfect,” I said.

  “None of us are,” Marcus began, his tone serious. “But that’s what makes us human. Now, are you warm enough?”

  “I guess,” I said, my teeth chattering. “But you’re on your way, right?”

  “We’re maybe thirty seconds away. Make sure you’re safe. We’re coming for you.”

  “Thank you,” I whispered, closing my eyes as tears stung the backs of them.

  “Always,” Bristol whispered.

  I let out a shuddering breath, the sound of their car pulling into my driveway the sweetest music to my ears. I was trying to figure out how to be the Zia I needed to be after breaking part of myself with my poor decisions. And now, here I was, meeting my new neighbor in ways that I shouldn’t, and even having sexy images of that person in my mind. I shouldn’t have even let myself check her out. I didn’t know if Meredith liked women. And I didn’t need to be with anyone else. I just needed to remember who I was.

  I was Zia Clarkson, a girly girl who was finally home. As Bristol opened the door with a smile on her face, I wrapped my arms around her and sank into her hold. Marcus was there too, wrapping his arms around us both, and I inhaled their scents, feeling like I was home.

  I might not have found my happily ever after with Bristol, but I had found a friendship that I would do my best to never walk away from again. Because I still didn’t know exactly who Zia Clarkson was, even if I did my best to put as many labels on myself as I could. Now, I needed to figure out the next step, and remember that I was here to heal, to breathe, and not stand outside in my underwear making stupid decisions, one right after the other.

  Again.

  Chapter 2

  Meredith

  * * *

  “I’m never sleeping with you, Aaron Montgomery.”

  The man with the strong jaw, panty-dropping smile, and blue eyes winked at me. “Really.” He paused. “You mean you’re never sleeping with me. Again.”

  I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my dirty martini. “Again,” I corrected. “I’m never sleeping with you again.”

  “Well, as long as we know what we’re in for, we can make this relationship work.”

  “There is no relationship. Only drinking and sarcasm. And our book club.”

  “Is it truly a book club if it’s only the two of us? At this point, it’s just us talking about what we love about books.”

  “It’s a book club because you know I don’t like people. Therefore, I don’t want to have to deal with others in said book club.”

  “Whatever you say, Meredith Legend.”

  “What’s with us using both of our given names? It’s a little weird.”

  “You did it first,” Aaron said. “I needed to change my speech patterns and match you since, you know, we’re in the club and everything.”

  “Now it sounds like we’re in a cult.”

  “Please do not talk to me about cults.”

  “Uh, yeah, the whole family thing?” I said with a laugh, taking another sip of my drink. He’d already told me the family cult joke that I found hilarious, but not everyone would get it if they didn’t know the Montgomerys.

  “Stop it. I already have to deal enough with cults. Let’s not get into it again.”

  “Okay. I believe you. And anyway, we’re not here only to talk romance books. However, the new Lisa Kleypas release? My God,” I said, and Aaron leaned forward, his eyes bright.

  “I know. I was shocked about who she picked as the hero, but it was perfect by the time you reached the end.”

  I shook my head, grinning. “I will never feel sorry for the day that I forced you to read Derek Craven’s book.”

  “Forced me?” Aaron asked, laughing.

  “Okay, so I left it lying around, and you picked it up. But you kept reading. It makes me happy.”

  “I’ve learned a lot about women by reading what I do. And I get to lord it over my brothers. That’s the best reason to keep doing it.”

  “That is true. Although, you make your brothers sound larger than life.”

  “You’re too late to meet any of them and marry into the family. They’re all taken. Even my sister.”

  I grinned. “You and I went on a single date, realized we weren’t suited for each other—even after we slept together, and it was pretty hot,” I said, and he rolled his eyes.

  “Only pretty hot?”

  “I mean, we were laughing the entire time. Though it was fun. And hot. And amazing. We’re still totally better as friends.”

  “Fine, and I guess I wouldn’t have wanted you to date any of my family members because that’s just weird.”

  “Even if they were still single, I would never date any of your brothers. Or your sister. I don’t play in the same sandbox where I’ve already been, so to speak.”

  “That’s a picture, and good to know. Although Bristol is probably your type, now that I think about it.”

  I frowned. “Wait. Bristol. I know that name.”

  “You know it because I’ve mentioned her before most likely.”

  Aaron and I were friends of a sort, had dated at one time, and did talk books. I was also his accountant, not that tonight was really about work. But I didn’t speak to him about personal things all the time. He might’ve mentioned his sister before, but admittedly, I was terrible with names.

  “I think my neighbor mentioned a Bristol. At least, what I overheard. Bristol is a popular name nowadays, so it’s probably not the same person.”

  “Your neighbor? Oh, right, you moved into that new home of yours. Good on you for already meeting the neighbors.”

  I imagined those very dusky pink nipples peeking through the pale cream lacy bra she’d worn and swallowed hard, grateful that I wasn’t drinking any of my martini at the moment.

  “Uh, yep. Just the one. I don’t know if anybody else lives there. But, oh, yes, I met her.”

  “Her?” Aaron asked, waggling his brows.

  “Yeah. Her. Anyway, I don’t know if I’ll see much of her.”

  Not any more than I already have.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “I don’t plan on spending a lot of time hanging out with my neighbors. I want to be at home to breathe.”

  “I get that.” Aaron frowned. “I know it’s been a hell of a long time since you and I talked books, and even longer since you and I met up, but if you want to talk about it, I’m always here for you. I promise.”

  He didn’t reach out and to
uch my hand or try to console me. He was merely nice.

  And maybe I needed that, but I didn’t feel much like it just then.

  “It’s not a big deal. I’m okay.”

  And I was. Or at least I was learning what okay meant to me.

  “Speak of the devil,” Aaron said and looked over my shoulder. He grinned, and I looked in the direction of this gaze and froze. My whole body warmed, almost as if the heat surrounding me wouldn’t let me breathe.

  A sexy-as-hell man with dark skin, close-cropped hair, and a sweet smile prowled toward the table, looking like sex on a stick. But I still wasn’t sure he was the sexiest of the three that walked towards us. A woman with sinful curves, dark hair, and Aaron’s eyes walked by the man’s side, her plump lips tipped in a smile.

  But yet again, still not the sexiest of the three.

  No, that was Zia. My neighbor, fully clothed this time and still making my mouth water.

  Zia wore a lacy shirt that showed some of her stomach, a thin line of tan skin that looked lickable. Over that, she had on a leather jacket that was cut to accentuate her shape and looked as if it had been made especially for her. She wore suit pants with a leather strip down the side that clung to her legs, and her ass looked delectable as she turned slightly. She had on high heels, ones that were even taller than mine, and I tended to wear sky-high shoes.

  Her hair was purple, a bright shade that made gazes stray even if it was a current trend at the moment. She looked as if she had started the trend instead of following along.

  She had ink in strategic places, bare hints of it that begged for someone’s tongue. Her makeup was perfectly done as if she had gone to someone to have it applied professionally.

  It was that smoky eye thing that had the perfect hues of purple that matched her hair and nails.

  I had seen Zia practically naked, looking fresh-faced and sexy as hell, and she had looked beautiful then.

  This well made-up and perfectly poised Zia looked sexy as hell, as well, and I had no idea which one I preferred. Then I asked myself why the fuck it mattered because it wasn’t as if I was going to act on any of these inappropriate feelings going through my mind just then.

  “Hey, there, sister of mine.” Aaron kissed his sibling’s cheek, and Bristol grinned.

  “Hey, there, baby brother,” she said before smiling at me. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were on a date. Sorry, hi. I’m his sister. And I promise I’m not evil and judgy, so I really hope you’re having a fun time.”

  “Thanks,” Aaron said, rolling his eyes.

  “We’re having a great time, but this isn’t a date,” I said, laughing. There was something about Bristol that made me smile.

  “Oh? Then I’m not interrupting awkwardly. This is my fiancé, Marcus, and my best friend, Zia.”

  “We’ve met,” Zia said, waving awkwardly.

  I lifted my chin, not exactly sure what to say.

  “You’ve met?” Bristol asked, narrowing her eyes, looking between the two of us. “Where? When? And why am I being so nosy?”

  Marcus leaned forward and kissed his fiancée on the temple. “Because you’re always nosy, but that’s why we love you?”

  “I’m delighted that he said it and not me because you’re not going to hurt him, but you would probably try to hurt me,” Aaron said, leaning back.

  “That is true,” Bristol said. “So, Zia? Where did you guys meet?”

  “This is my neighbor,” Zia said quickly, blushing up to her purple roots. “You know, the one that I met when I was wearing, well...”

  “Really?” Bristol asked, interested curiosity in her expression.

  Marcus met my gaze and seemed apologetic.

  I had no idea what that meant.

  “Wait? What were you wearing? What happened? Here, they set us at a four-top, but we’re only here for drinks. Come. We’ll get another chair. Join us.” Aaron looked at me. “If that’s okay with you.”

  “Oh, that’s fine.” I cleared my throat, trying not to sound as awkward as I felt. “Seriously. Join us. It’ll be good to get to know other people in the area.” See? I wasn’t that awkward. Or maybe I was, and I needed to get better at it.

  “If you’re sure,” Bristol said, looking between Aaron and me.

  “Really sure. Totally not a date. I’m his accountant.”

  I watched Zia’s face as her eyes widened, taking in my undercut paired with my professional clothing. I didn’t look like a typical accountant, especially when you saw the ink that I hid under my clothes. Still, I could look professional and straitlaced if I had to. And most days, I needed to.

  The hair was new, something I had done after my divorce, and I was getting good at figuring out who I needed to be in each situation I was in. But for now, I was the accountant, perhaps the friend, but nothing more.

  “If this is a business meeting...” Bristol began.

  “Sit,” Aaron barked. Thankfully, the waiter came by with an extra chair as if hovering and waiting for us to make up our minds. The other three sat down and ordered a bottle of wine to share. I got my second martini, as did Aaron, though his wasn’t dirty.

  “So, hi,” Bristol said, clapping her hands together.

  “Stop it,” Aaron said with a laugh.

  “What? Aaron never introduces us to his friends,” Bristol said.

  “There might be a reason for that, babe,” Marcus said and let out a laugh when Bristol tried to elbow him in the gut.

  “I hurt my elbow,” Bristol said, rubbing her joint.

  “Probably because the man you’re going to marry is built as fuck. Sorry,” Zia said, not apologetically to Marcus.

  “Oh, I’m not offended at all. She tried to elbow my abs, and she got what she deserved,” Marcus said with a laugh. I grinned, liking the chemistry between everybody, though I didn’t know Zia’s connection to the others.

  “So, accountant?” Zia asked, and I raised a brow, annoyed.

  “Yep. What, don’t look like the typical accountant to you?” I asked, my tone a little snippy. She’d hit a sore spot, and apparently, I was done pretending that I was okay with everything.

  Aaron winced, and Bristol and Marcus looked between us, sharing a look I didn’t understand. Couples had their own secret language, one that I’d never quite learned with my ex.

  “No, I was actually on the hunt for an accountant. And I think you’re hot, so you do you.”

  Luckily, the waiter came and performed the wine ritual then, with Bristol doing the tasting. But as it was served, and we all clinked glasses in cheers, Zia’s gaze never left mine as she took a sip of her drink.

  Aaron cleared his throat. “She’s my accountant, and she’s pretty kick-ass. And she deals with artists and small businesses, so she’d probably be able to understand all the weird crap that will come up with your business.”

  I frowned. “What do you do?”

  “I’m a makeup artist. And I had an accountant, but I need one that’s local now that I’ve moved back to America.”

  “Where were you?” I asked, confused and not surprised at all that she was a makeup artist. Her talent was evident on her face.

  “I was in England for a while, but no longer. I’m back home. We’re neighbors and all, so I guess you being my accountant wouldn’t be smart because that’d be mixing home with business.”

  I noticed that she didn’t say the common saying of business and pleasure, but with the sparks emitting from both of us just then? Even if the chemistry wasn’t necessarily polite, pleasure wasn’t something that either of us would have with the other. Mostly because I wanted nothing to do with whatever Zia had. Because it scared me. I felt that heat there, but I told myself I needed time to be me.

  “Okay, let’s get back to talking about me,” Bristol said.

  Aaron snorted. “Subtle,” he said, laughing.

  “What? My wedding is coming up, and I want to make it perfect.”

  “Really? When are you guys getting married?” I asked, lean
ing forward, genuinely interested. I might not love love anymore, but I did love weddings. Mostly because I liked what people did with them to make them theirs. And given what I knew from Aaron about his family, the Montgomerys were good about adding their own flair.

  “Our engagement was…let’s say unusual. So I want our wedding to be a mix of classic and very much unusual, as well.”

  I raised a brow in question, and Bristol explained the very unusual reason Marcus and she had gotten engaged. I just shook my head at the unbelievable and romantic story as the two looked at each other, kissed softly, and then stared into each other’s eyes as if they were the only two people in the world.

  I looked at Zia and saw the longing in her gaze and wondered what the story was there.

  But it wasn’t my place to ask.

  When Zia got up to use the restroom, her voice soft, my gaze followed her, moving to all her curves, and I wondered what she was thinking.

  Red alert. I told myself that this was dangerous. I shouldn’t wonder too much about her.

  I couldn’t.

  “Well, I am the fifth wheel here,” Aaron said after a moment.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’m only saying, between these two making googly eyes at each other, and you and Zia acting like peacocks trying to figure out exactly what you feel towards one another, I’m totally the fifth wheel.”

  “She’s my neighbor. Your friend. That’s it.”

  “I don’t know,” Bristol said softly. “She never looked at me the way she looks at you.”

  “You two used to date?” I asked, wondering why I was surprised.

  “Yes, but we were better suited as friends. And I just want her happy.”

  I didn’t know if there was a warning in that or not, but it didn’t matter.

  “Not happening,” I said.

  “I don’t know,” Aaron began. “I think I’m going to be singed by looking at the two of you by the end of the night. And while Ethan might be fond of having two loves of his life, I’m not getting in the middle of that.”

  Marcus and Bristol snorted, and I shook my head. “Not that you’d ever be invited, Montgomery,” I said, doing my best version of a haughty tone.