Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

I want to take her right here on the sidewalk.

It’s a good way to put off asking.

But I have to do this.

I have to get a yes.

She pulls back with a sigh. “Lead the way.”

I nod as I take her hand.

We walk the two blocks to the apartment hand in hand. This place is closer to the beach, but it’s farther into a residential area. The city sounds drop to a murmur. The streets fill with trees. There are lawns and parked cars everywhere.

There.

I push the gate open for her.

She looks up at me. “Ryan… are you…?”

“Yeah.”

“And you want to…”

“Let me show you before you say anything.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Yeah, I do.” I take her hand. Lead her into the complex. Past the small courtyard. Up the steps. To our new place. Apartment 205.

Her eyes go wide as I slide a key into the lock. “You already—”

I nod.

“But you didn’t ask me—”

“It’s time for me to live somewhere else.” Somewhere Penny’s never been.

Not because she haunts my memories.

But I’m done with that part of my life.

And I need Leighton to know how fucking sure I am.

I push the door open. Motion after you.

She steps inside. Flips a switch.

Florescent light bounces off the sleek white walls.

Leighton’s heeled boots tap the hardwood floors as she walks down the hallway. She takes in the new, stainless steel kitchen. “It’s you.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course.” She turns to the room on the left. Her eyes go wide as she takes it in. “That’s a view of the ocean.”

I

nod.