Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

This is still happening.

I need her to say yes.

I need it so fucking badly.

I wrap my arms around her waist, pull her body into mine. “All right. No haircuts.”

“Promise?”

“For a while.” I press my lips to hers.

She groans against my mouth. “Did I already say I missed you?”

“Yeah.” I plant another kiss on her lips. “I missed you too.” It’s only been two days since she last fell asleep in my bed, but neither of us brings that up. Two days is plenty of time. It’s an eternity.

But after this…

Fuck, I need a yes.

I need it like I need oxygen.

At Eleventh, I turn right instead of going straight.

“Ryan.” Leighton squeezes my hand. “Did you forget where you live?”

“No.”

“So, we’re…” The cross sign flashes white. She follows me into the intersection.

“It’s a surprise.”

“A good surprise?”

I hope so. “Great.”

“Does it involve dinner? I’m starving.”

My stomach is in knots. Fuck, I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous. Being with Leighton is everything. But the possibility of living with her?

Of waking up next to her every morning, fixing her breakfast, designing side by side, arguing about what we’ll watch, falling asleep next to her every night…

“Ryan?” She steps onto the sidewalk. Turns so she’s staring into my eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

No, but I will be. If she says yes. I nod.

She offers her hands. When I take them, she pulls me into the sidewalk with her. “You’re worrying me.”

“It’s good. I promise.”

She looks up at me, staring into my eyes, looking for meaning.

We’ve been here so many times.

I never get tired of it.

“Come here.” I bring my hands to her waist. Lean down. Press my lips to hers.

She arches into me, opening her lips to make way for my tongue, groaning against my mouth.