Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

Fat chance. Being around him all the time only makes me want him more.

He's so close, but he's so far away too.

I hate him for bossing me around. So what if his intentions are good? Nobody tells me when to shower or eat. Especially not someone who's withholding the kinds of demands I want. "I'm only going along with this because you're holding my laptop hostage."

"Tell me something I don't know." He takes another step backward, into the hallway.

I follow. Watch him move downstairs and set up the dining table.

There's my laptop, closed, untouched.

This is the perfect chance to invade my privacy.

But he's keeping his eyes to himself.

I push the thought aside as I move into the bathroom. We need normal. And me telling him I've seen his sketchbook—not normal.

It's an excuse, sure, but it's true.

There's a plate next to my computer. An almond butter and jelly sandwich cut into tiny squares.

The perfect snack.

At least he's being...

Ugh, I hate him more for being sweet.

His eyes go to the timer on his cell. "Fifteen minutes."

Fifteen minutes until I set my fate for the semester.

That's nothing.

I take a seat. Try to avoid the lure of the delicious sandwich.

The bread is toasted. Warm.

Strawberry jelly is spilling from its sides.

And almond butter too.

Maybe just one square...

I pop it in my mouth, chew, swallow. It's perfect warm, sweet, gooey comfort food.

But that half-smirk on his face—

No, I love that too.

He's so beautiful.

I could get lost in his eyes. Dark. Like a strong cup of coffee.

Shit. I'm staring.

I force my attention to my laptop. School website. Login. There. I'm ready to register. And I can even handle it.

"Ten minutes." His voice is soft. Sweet. The Brendon only I know. "You nervous?"