Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

Leighton's blue eyes find mine. She tilts her head to one side. Mouths are you okay?

I nod a yes, even though it doesn't feel accurate.

"I just wanted to... uh..." I play with my backpack strap. "Give this back." I set Brendon's keys on the counter.

Leighton turns toward the brooding tattoo artist. "You want to grab those now, Brendon?"

"Yeah." His voice is even. Like he doesn't hate me. Like he doesn't feel anything toward me.

"Did you guys sign the paperwork?" I bite my lip. He hates me. I know it.

"Yeah. We did," he says.

"That's great. Congratulations."

He pushes off the wall. Takes a dozen steps toward the counter. Slides his keys into his pocket without looking at me.

It's like I don't exist.

His coldness is contagious. It sucks all the warmth from the room.

Walker steps forward. "Hey, Kay. You coming to our celebration?"

"Huh?" There's a celebration?

"For signing the paperwork. It's tonight. I know just the thing. It will be fun." He looks back to Brendon with a smile. "For all of us."

"You really step up when Dean isn't here," Ryan says.

"Do what I can." Walker turns to me. "It's my treat. Bring Emma too. And any other hot friends."

I shake my head. "I'd never sink that low."

He chuckles. "Fair enough." He smiles at Brendon. Then at me. "Tonight. Meet here at eight. Then we'll... well, it's a surprise."

"It's Walker, isn't it?" Emma pulls open a Vitamin C cap and lets the powder fall into the glass below it.

"No." I bite my lip. That's a good lie. Maybe I should say it's Walker. Dean. Ryan even. Emma wouldn't try to make things happen with Ryan. I think.

"Hmm..." She opens another cap.

"That's enough." I motion to the dozen cellulose caps in the sink. Then to the glass filled with orange power.

"I don't want to do it again." She glances in the mirror, pushing now light purple hair behind her ear.

This is her third Vitamin C wash. For whatever reason, mixing vitamin C with your shampoo is a great way to gently fade color from hair.

After doing Emma's hair for the last few years, I'm an expert.

"One more," I bargain.

She nods. Cracks another capsule. Tosses its remains in the sink. Motions to the shower. "Will you?"

"Of course."

She pulls her bathrobe over her dress. Pushes the shower curtain aside, plants a towel over the edge of the bathtub, then leans back. "Maybe Walker is into Leighton."

"Possible."