Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

"He was nice." I fold my arms. That's really all he was.

"She could have done better you know." Athena looks at Ethan. "Whenever we go out, Violet has to turn down at least a dozen guys. They love that hot goth chick who won't take your shit thing."

"I'm sure you do alright on that front," Ethan says.

"Alright?" Athena looks to me and winks. "He better be as good in bed as you say he is to treat your friends this way."

"Oh God." Hiding behind my hands does nothing to help me here.

Ethan smiles.

My break from mockery is short lived. Athena blows me a kiss and goes right back to embarrassing me.

"Once, she scribbled out a model's face on a tabloid page. It was really tacky." Athena mouths I love you to me.

My blush spreads to my chest. I have to hide behind my hands. "I got that magazine at the dentist."

"That doesn't make it right," she says.

"I hate you," I mutter.

"I hate you too." She moves in for a hug and squeezes tight. Her voice drops to a whisper. "You really okay with him here?"

"Yeah."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure."

She pulls back and shoots Ethan a knowing smile. "I'll get out of your hair for a few hours. This project is kicking my ass. I'll concentrate better at the library." She packs her laptop in her messenger back and steps into her boots.

"Thanks," Ethan says. "Owe you one."

"You could send us tickets to a show. Your band is just okay, but Sinful Serenade is fucking awesome. And their drummer is so…" Athena fans her face.

"You know he's got a cock piercing," Ethan says.

Her eyes bug out of her face. "I thought that was just a rumor."

"Rumor's true," Ethan says.

Athena blushes.

Ah, at least she's suffering embarrassment too.

"Damn." She winks at me then looks at Ethan. "Drummers are the hottest."

He laughs. "Are they?"

"Oh yeah. But guitarists aren't bad either. And Violet speaks very highly of your skill with your hands," she says.

Ethan looks to me and smiles.

I'm blushing so hard my entire body is burning.

She pulls him into a close hug and whispers something I can't hear. He whispers back.

Athena nods goodbye as she steps out the door. "Be good or be discreet!"