Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

Mal makes a pot of coffee and another of tea. Without a word, he places a cup of green tea on the table.

I nod thank you.

He nods back don't mention it.

Joel and Kit take turns fixing coffee. Joel really doesn't need more caffeine, but I have enough tact to keep that to myself.

I shift back into work mode. This time, I finish three problems before I’m interrupted. Ethan steps onto the bus. He's in tight jeans and a snug v-neck. His hoodie is hanging around his shoulders, unzipped.

He looks sleepy. Even so, he doesn't stop for coffee. He goes straight to me.

Ethan slides into the seat across from mine. "Hey."

"Hey." I'm already melting from his smile. I force my gaze back to my textbook. Work will wash away all the confusing feelings stirring in my stomach. Somehow.

"I'll let you study." He leans in to kiss me.

I should pull back. I really should.

But I don't. I lean in to kiss him back. His lips are soft and he tastes good, like mint toothpaste and like Ethan. His lips are expert.

He doesn't kiss other women.

Only me.

That must mean something, but I don't know what it is.

I sigh as he releases the kiss.

I don't know what to think. Hell, I don't know which way is up and which way is down.

Joel interrupts my train of thought. "Damn, Strong, didn't you get enough of that shit last night? Or… don't tell me Valentine is selfish." Joel shoots me a faux accusatory look. "Think we all know Ethan spends a lot of time buried between your legs."

"Jealous?" I ask.

Joel shrugs. "You're not my type."

"You have a type?" I ask.

"News to me," Mal says.

"Me too," Ethan says.

"You want to chime in with your thoughts, Rhythmic One?" Joel shoots Kit a knowing look.

Kit shakes his head. "Did you just ask Violet if she sucks Ethan off?"

"Didn't use those words," Joel says.

Again, Kit shakes his head.

"What?" Joel shrugs. "What's the big deal?"

Kit laughs.

Then Mal.

Fuck, even I laugh. Ethan's eyes catch mine. He raises his brows like we're sharing a secret. I'm not sure what the secret is, but I like sharing it with Ethan.