Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

This is doing something to her.

Something that isn’t pretend.

I should stop.

But I can’t.

It feels too good, my hands on her skin.

“No.” Penny’s gaze goes to my hand. She watches as I trace the lines of Leighton’s tattoo again and again. “Mom always loved you. She still does.” She turns. Watches Frank laugh at something Dean is saying. “She’s had a lot of unkind words for me.”

“She wasn’t big on you cheating on Ryan? Imagine that?” Leighton snaps.

The anger in her voice wakes me from my trance.

We’re not doing this to send blood to my cock.

We’re not doing it to fill that gaping hole in my gut.

She’s doing this to protect me.

I need to protect her too.

Dean is an idiot, but he’s right about one thing: I need to be careful with Leighton.

The sun fades behind the clouds as I pull my hand from her skin.

Her sigh is heavy. Needy. She shakes it off. Turns to Penny. “I’m sorry. That was—”

“No. You’re right.” Penny smooths her sundress. “I shouldn’t have done that to you, Ryan. I am sorry. I understand if you don’t believe me. But I hope you do. I really want us to be friends.” She looks to Leighton. “Would you mind?”

Leighton clears her throat. “Would I mind what?” Anger drips into her voice. Her eyes narrow. Her heels dig into the concrete.

“If I spoke to Ryan alone?” Penny’s smile is soft. Disarming.

The girl I fell in love with.

But it doesn’t mean shit to Leighton.

She looks to me. “It’s up to you. I’d rather we go up to your room.” Her fingers trail the waistband of my board shorts.

Fuck.

I want her hands on my skin.

I want these clothes gone.

I want her naked in my bed.

Thoughts of baseball do jack shit to cool me down.

“Give us a minute, baby.” I brush Leighton’s wet hair behind her ear.

Leighton frowns. “Are you sure?” Concern fills her blue-green eyes. She folds her arms, glares at Penny. I’ll kill you if you hurt him.

Or maybe I’ll kill you if you touch him.

“Yeah.” I need her gone or I’m gonna touch her. I’m gonna forget this is pretend. I pull back. “Go. Eat. You look starved, baby.”