Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

Maybe it's not all my fault.

But we share the blame.

He didn't tell me to dig into my lies.

That was all me.

I shake my head.

He runs his fingers through my wet hair.

Tears well up in my eyes. It feels too good being in his arms. It reminds me of how bad everything else is. But I don't want to say any of it. I just want to soak in this comfort while I have it.

The kettle whistles.

I pour hot water over my bag of vanilla black.

"Go." I press my lips to his neck. "Get ready. I can leave as soon as I finish my tea."

"Eat something."

"I'm not hungry."

"Kay, eat something."

"It's my body. Not yours."

He steps back. Hurt flashes in his eyes. But it can't be over that comment. At least, I don't think so.

He turns and moves toward the living room.

"At least make a sandwich for the plane." He climbs up the stairs and disappears into his bedroom.

It's not the worst advice.

I fill the coffee maker with fresh grounds and filtered water and turn it on.

Slowly, the smell of java wafts over the room.

I find the bread in the fridge and focus all my energy on spreading almond butter over one side and raspberry jelly over the other.

By the time Brendon rushes downstairs all showered and fresh I have my sandwich wrapped in plastic. But my tea is still too fucking hot.

He steps into the kitchen. His eyes catch the sandwich then they meet mine. "Good?"

"Yeah." I bring my lips and take a sip. It's too hot, but it's tolerable. "Have you heard from Emma?"

"No, but Walker said he'd text as soon as she was up. She has work today. She won't skip that."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. She's a responsible kid. And she loves her discount."

I try to muster up a laugh. I'm not sure if he's joking. Emma does love her employee discount. And she's also responsible. But she also ran off last night. She's never done that before. We've fought a lot—who hasn't—but she's never run off without telling me where she was going.

Brendon brings his hand to my jaw. He tilts my head so I'm looking up at him. "It will be okay, Kay."

"How do you know?"