Free Surrender of a Tattooist: Obsessive Dark Romance Alpha Bad Boy (Tattooist Series Book 2) by Lexy Timms

else. It’s not perfect. It’s crazy expensive. There’re earthquakes. There’re too many people and not enough jobs sometimes. There’s a lot of division between the haves and the have-nots. But I do love it.”
    Cliff spread his hand out across the view through the windshield. “What’s not to love? The weather’s awesome and the scenery will knock your eyes out. There’s no winter to speak of, and the people are generally friendly.”
    “I can’t even imagine living back home again. It’s all flat land and no trees. No ocean either.”
    Cliff took a few turns and got onto a less congested highway, then they drove higher into the hills. Pixie laughed. “Beware of mountain lions,” she said, “I always forget that sign is there until I see it.”
    “It’s just part of L.A. Sharks wear suits and mountain lions stalk multi-million dollar homes. It’s crazy.”
    Pixie watched the mountain lion in the seat beside her. “When I was flying in, I looked down and all I could see were the freeways and the buildings and so many neighborhoods spread out so far. I was scared to death, worried about how I was going to make a life here in all of that.”
    “You’ve done a good job of it.”
    The praise, casual but well-meant, made her happy. “Thank you. I live with my heart on my sleeve. Not always smart, but I don’t know any other way.”
    “I can’t imagine you any other way.” He smiled and put his hand back on her thigh.
    They rode the rest of the way to Mitch’s house in a comfortable silence. When they arrived, it was to see a lot of other cars, including Hawk’s. The guy at the gate let them in and they parked not far from the entrance; the place was already packed. Hand in hand, they headed around the back of the semi-modest home perched on the hill. People were dancing wildly to live country music, others gathered around a giant smoking barbecue grill that Mitch was manning.
    Pixie moved towards the pool, but had no intention of swimming; she’d had enough at the beach, but she saw Joy by pool.
    “I’ll go grab us a few beers.”
    Pixie squeezed his hand before he let go. “Sounds good. I’m going to go see Joy.” She kissed him on the cheek as Cliff headed for the beer and few other guys who worked with Hawk.
    Joy waved as Pixie came up to her. “How was your date?”
    “Good. Too good.” She took a seat next to Joy, who looked amazing in a black halter and shorts. “He’s a really nice guy, believe it or not.”
    “Oh, I believe it.” Joy surveyed Cliff over the top of her designer sunglasses. “Hawk has a sort of sixth sense when it comes to people.”
    “I know. I’m so glad the two of you are together. Maybe I should start a matchmaking service or something.”
    Joy laughed. “Or maybe not. Do you remember when you set up Melissa and Dan? They wound up—”
    “Yeah, you’ve got a point there.” Pixie interjected hastily. The party was in full swing and she was content to just sit and watch as others had a great time. She was tired in a good way, relaxed in a way she hadn’t been in a very long time.
    Mitch ambled over. “Hello, ladies. You both look lovely sitting here. Pixie, I’ve got veggie hamburgers and hot dogs. If you can call those things hamburgers and hot dogs, that is. I’ve got a second grill just for them but I have no idea how to cook them. Could you give me a hand? Cliff said you were an expert.”
    She smiled and stood, giving Mitch a hug. “Of course.” She went to the grill and checked it to make sure it was good and hot, and started adding the veggie things to it. Cliff came up behind her and nuzzled her neck. His body pressed against hers and she shivered as yet another thrill of desire ran through her.
    He handed her a cold beer and kissed her lips after she’d taken a sip. He moved away again and she continued to grill the food then set it on plates. People were helping themselves to what they liked and she spotted Cliff unabashedly tearing into a