Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

Even after everything they've done for me.

I don't think I'll ever trust anyone on that TV best friends kind of level.

Still, it's fun mocking TV shows and commercials with Piper. I get so caught up in it, I don't notice the time until the picture in picture pops up to show us the ball's about to drop.

"I was just kidding about you kissing me." She sets her empty mug on the coffee table and presses her palms to her thighs. "I wouldn't even want to kiss you if you'd been kissing that trashy groupie. Not that I'm judging but—"

"You're judging."

"Maybe."

"I didn't kiss her."

"Oh, so you just told her to get on her knees and that was that?"

"Pretty much."

"Oh." Her cheeks and chest turn red. "Well, it's just... if you want. It is a tradition, to kiss someone at the stroke of midnight. It's good luck." Her eyes go to the TV. "We only have a minute left."

I'm tempted to spend the entire minute seeing how nervous I can get her.

But I'm not that evil. "It's good luck."

She nods.

"It's just a peck between friends."

"Yeah. Right. We're friends." She forces a smile. "You swear you didn't kiss her?"

I chuckle. "You don't want some groupie's sloppy seconds?"

She nods.

"I swear on my left hand."

"Which do you need more for the bass?"

"They're both integral."

"Okay. I guess that works then." She looks from the TV—down to fifteen seconds—to me.

I grab the remote to turn the volume up. I can't remember the last time I actually counted down to the New Year. Want to do it right.

The TV booms. "Ten, nine, eight."

Her cheeks flush as she scoots closer. "You don't have to."

"You telling me you don't want to?"

"Seven, six, five." The crowd at Times Square goes crazy.

Piper shakes her head. "I want to." She moves closer.

"Four, three."

I move closer.

"Two, one."