Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

“A little.”

“It is.”

She looks to me. “You like him, huh?”

I clear my throat.

“A lot.”

“Maybe.”

“It sucks, wanting someone you can’t have.”

“You have him now.”

“Yeah.” She pulls up something on her computer. “But I didn’t for a long time. And I hated every minute of it.”

“It would be worse, not having anything.”

“Yeah. It would.”

“He’s good to you?”

“He’s everything.”

I try to focus on my design, but I can’t. Ryan is whispering about something. And Kaylee is here.

She got Brendon to unlock his heart.

He’s not quite as miserable and brooding as Ryan.

But he’s in the same tier.

Fuck, it’s embarrassing asking an eighteen-year-old for advice. But I know when I’m outclassed.

“How did you do it?” I ask.

“Hmm?”

“Get him to open up to you?”

“I’m not sure. But I’m glad I did.” Her pink lips curl into a smile. “I wish I could be more helpful.”

“I think you might have been.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.” I tap my heels together. “He’s not coming in for another hour.”

“I know. I had to get out of the apartment. Emma was driving me bonkers.”

“Trouble in paradise?”

She laughs. “More like trouble with my headphones’ soundproofing.”

“She’s having sex this early?”

Kaylee laughs. “Her music was too loud.”