Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

“Yeah. She does. Don’t let her forget it’s pretend.”

“She’s into someone else.”

“And you’re hung up on Penny.”

The sound of her name threatens to close my airways.

But I’m not hung up on her.

I don’t want her.

I want her out of my thoughts.

And now.

“I’m getting over it.” I bring a slice of my burger to my lips. “This is good shit. Thanks.” The word is awkward on my tongue. My brother and I have never had an earnest relationship. And our parents aren’t exactly the thank you, you did great, we’re proud of you types.

“You’re welcome.” He takes a messy bite.

“You hate this idiot as much as I do?”

“I know a lot of idiots. You’ll have to be more specific.”

“This guy who doesn’t see how great Leighton is.”

Dean laughs. “He’s an idiot, but what matters is how he treats her. Right?”

Fuck, he knows something.

But he’s not gonna tell me.

I nod. Settle into my chair. Finish half my burger.

Footsteps pad against the concrete.

The sun falls over Leighton’s soft skin.

Dean shoots her a look.

She waves him off.

Slides into my lap and wraps her arms around me.

Fuck. That feels good.

Too good.

She leans in to whisper. “They’re here.”

And for a second I thought that was for me.

Maybe Dean is right.

I need to be careful with this.

I need to keep my head on straight.

Leighton slides out of my lap, offers her hand, helps me up.