Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

She's flirting.

What the hell?

I take a deep breath. Turn to the road. Attempt to get my thoughts in order.

Nothing has changed.

I'm the guy who's supposed to protect Kay.

Even from herself.

That means we need a new subject.

"Is this that band Emma is in love with?" I ask.

"The one band?"

"One of the bands."

"Yeah. But it's more the lead singer and that sexy, breathy voice of his." Kaylee motions to the radio. "He sounds like he's in the middle of... you know."

"I know?"

"Sex."

He does. Which means it is the band. And even though the singer does sound like he's in the middle of a fuck, this is a much safer topic than handcuffs. "You know two of the guys get their work done at Inked Hearts."

"They do not."

I nod then attempt to turn my attention back to the road as I take the 10 to the 405. It's a straight shot for another fifteen miles. Luckily, we're late enough into morning to skip traffic. Mostly.

Kaylee turns toward me, her smile brightening her light eyes. "Brendon Kane, I can't believe it."

"Yeah?"

"You're a name dropper."

"Didn't say a name."

"Brendon Kane, the celebrity name dropper. Who else do you work with, oh great tattoo artist?"

"A lot of musicians."

"Yeah?" Her voice perks. She clears her throat, trying to play down her interest. Kaylee and Emma were obsessed with a few bands for a while. And I mean know the guys' birthdays, tattoos, and favorite foods obsessed.

Only all those bands sound the same to me.

"Not that you care," I tease back.

"Yeah. Of course not." She smooths her dress. "Who was it?" When I don't respond, she motions to th

e stereo.

"Artist client confidentiality."

"Tease."

Fuck yeah. "And that's a bad thing?"