Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

Yes. A double. Triple. Hell, bring the bottle. A few shots and I'll be dancing on the counter. I'll be happy. Free. Void of any concerns except fun.

"No, thank you." The words feel like a lie. But they aren't. A part of me still wants that drink, but most of me is thinking about waking up in Ross's bed with memories of the last night a blur. Combining drinking with opiates… bad idea. Good way to OD. I knew better.

I know better.

My first few weeks out of rehab were tough, but since I found my footing, I haven't really been tempted. I'll have a passing urge here and there. But I never want a buzz or a high enough to actually consider using. The bad memories outweigh the bliss.

He releases his grip on my waist. "You don't drink?"

"I don't like the person I am when I drink."

He nods. "I'll skip it."

"You don't have to."

"I don't mind." He slides his hand over my ass. "You're more intoxicating."

"That's cheesy."

"What if I drag you to the back room and fuck you against the wall."

Yes. Great idea. My breath catches in my throat. "You should."

"You think I won't?" His eyes fill with determination. "Say the word, sweetness."

I shake my head. He will do it. And part of me wants him to. But the rest of me is too shy to even consider it.

"Too bad. Would have been fun." He takes my hand and leads me around the room, re-introducing me to everyone.

Ryan forces a smile.

Brendon is nothing like he was on the hike. There isn't a single sign of annoyance on his face. He has his arms around Kaylee and he's happy as a clam.

She is too.

They're like a poster for a teen drama. The cute innocent blond and the tattooed bad boy. How will it play out? Tune in tomorrow at ten.

They're clearly the endgame couple.

Leighton—the girl with the purple-grey hair—smiles like she can't believe how relieved she is to see me. "It's always such a sausage fest here. Nice to have another face."

Dean steps in. He shakes his head, sending his wavy hair in every direction. His blue eyes fix on hers. "Please. You love being surrounded by dick."

"Not like this." She winks at him. "Stop reading my journal."

"It's too hot. I can't," he teases back.

"Uh-huh." She shakes her head isn't he ridiculous?

I nod. He's a lot of things. Ridiculous is pretty high up the list.

I turn back to Walker. "Go. Talk to your friend. I'm fine."

He arches a brow. "You sure?"

"Yeah. It's his birthday. Tease him about getting old. And—what did you get him?" I ask.

Walker's smile spreads over his cheeks. "Dean and I went in on that together."