Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

I let out another nervous laugh. "Yeah, I get to brag in class tomorrow. I have a rock star study buddy. Who else can say that?"

"You've had two rock star study buddies for a while. I'd put good money on Ethan and Mal insisting they help you."

"They do."

"Joel would help too. That makes four."

"I feel popular."

"You are."

"Yep. I'm the band pet."

"It's not like that. You're a nice girl—"

"I will hang this phone up right now."

"No you won't," he teases. "You want to talk to me."

I admit nothing.

"I could go on and on about what a nice girl you are, but you'd still stay on the line."

I bite my lip to keep from begging him to go on and on about what a nice girl I am. I'm getting the feeling it ends with and I'm going to corrupt you.

I'm getting delusional.

I need sleep.

His deep voice flows through the speakers. "But, I won't torture you. How about a sweet girl?"

"Better."

"People want to see you do well. I get it. I've known you since you were sixteen. You were a kid then. Now, you're a woman."

"You really think so?"

He's quiet for a long moment. When he speaks, his voice is too even to give anything away. "You're a sweet girl, Piper."

I'm not sure what that means, but I like the way his voice feels in my ears.

Chapter Five

Kit

The lights in the club go down.

Then it's applause.

Screaming.

I'm about to move forward when Ethan steps in front of me. He shakes his head and runs a hand through his dark wavy hair.

He motions one more minute.

Gotta make the crowd work for it. Gotta make them wait. This is shit I know, but I lose track of it the second I get near a stage.

My chest is light. My heart is in my throat.