Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

More than her wanting to help me.

“Ahem.” She clears her throat.

We have a deal. I need to hold up my end of the bargain.

I settle into my chair.

Stab a shrimp with my fork.

Leighton moves around the glass table and takes the seat next to mine.

She rests her head on my shoulder and turns the camera to selfie mode. “What do you see for your wedding?”

Penny.

I still see her. In a flowing gown, holding a bouquet of pink flowers.

Staring into my eyes.

Smiling like she’s so happy she could die.

I blink and it’s gone.

Replaced by the lemon sun bouncing off the glass tables.

The planters of succulents lining the patio.

The bright green umbrellas casting shade over the busy restaurant.

“Ryan?” Leighton’s fingers brush my stomach, pressing my t-shirt into my skin.

“Yeah?”

“I guess that’s a no on the wedding planning.”

I nod.

“You ready to do this?” She motions to her cell.

“Yeah.” I slide my arm around her. Settle into the pose.

Click.

She turns to me. Pushes my hair behind my ear. Laughs as the wind blows it over my eyes.

Click.

“One more.” Her palm plants on my neck. “Like this.”

She leans in.

Brushes her lips against my cheek.

She’s soft.

And she smells like cherry ChapStick.

It fills someplace that’s usually empty.