Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

He laughs as he joins Dean’s slow clap.

Then Brendon steps out from his suite—what is he doing here this early?—and surveys the scene. He shoots me his usual paternal look. “These idiots bothering you?”

“No.” I fight my smile. This is sweet in a Dean kind of way, but it’s so not his business. “They’re just confused. They don’t know what a satisfied woman looks like.”

Walker mimes rolling up his sleeves. “Those would be fighting words if I thought you meant them.”

“I mean Dean.” I laugh.

Walker nods. “It’s new for him. You’ll have to give him a minute.”

Dean jumps—actually jumps—onto the counter. Continues his slow clap. “Sorry, babe, but that is not a satisfied woman.” He looks to his brother. “Tell me you didn’t skimp on the manual—”

Ryan cuts him off. “I’ll tell you to get the fuck to work.”

“I’m not working today,” Dean says.

“Go fuck with someone else.” Ryan feigns irritation, but his smile breaks through.

Brendon shoots me that same paternal look. “You and Ryan?”

“Yeah.” I brush my hair behind my ear. “Does anyone else have an opinion?”

“No. It’s good.” He offers me a hug.

I lean into the gesture.

He whispers in my ear. “You sure you know what you’re getting into?”

“You know how it is when you can’t get over someone.” I pull back. Turn to Dean. It’s impressive how obnoxious he is standing up there clapping. “You’re gonna hurt yourself.”

“Or get your ass kicked.” Walker motions to Brendon and Ryan. “He’s overdue.”

“I’m a loveable scamp,” Dean says.

“A what?” Walker asks.

“A rogue,” Dean says.

“Where’d you learn a D&D class?” Walker asks.

“Nerds don’t own the word.” He jumps off the counter and turns to Ryan. “Why’d you leave your girl hanging?”

Ryan shakes his head you’re insane if you think I’m answering that.

Dean turns to me. “Come on, Leigh. You’ll give me the dirt.”

“Nope.” I take my spot behind the counter. Set up.

“Are you dating now?” Walker runs his hand through his wavy hair. “Or is this—”

“He’s wearing last night’s clothes,” Dean says.

Walker nods.

“And he smells like pussy,” Dean says.

Walker nods obviously.