Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

He shakes his head. "Everybody makes mistakes. Fuck knows I've made a lot. You too. But it doesn't have to be a life sentence. We can all grow. Change. Get better."

I squirm in my seat. This kind of earnesty is not my thing. "Thanks."

"You want to watch this weight loss bullshit or you want to watch something good?"

"Depends on your definition of good?"

He chuckles. "Trust me."

"Not sure I do."

"You should. You need somebody's help to figure this shit out. And I don't see you calling Ryan or Dean."

"Have you always been this much of a know it all?"

He nods. "But it's very fucking lucky for you that I do know everything."

Chapter Twenty-Four

Kaylee

A shower, makeup, and the perfect skater dress oxford shoes outfit do wonders to hide the ache in my gut.

But they do nothing to lessen it.

This is all my fault.

I fucked up.

I need to find a way to fix it.

Later.

Right now, I have to survive my first day. And that starts with choking down breakfast.

I do one more makeup check. My eyes look perfectly awake.

My lips and cheeks wear just the hint of color.

I look cute, effortless, vibrant.

Hell, with my glasses on, I'm a bona fide cute nerd.

But my smiling reflection only twists the knife in my gut.

"Hey," Emma calls from downstairs. "You need to leave soon."

"You too." I force myself to head to the kitchen.

She jumps to her feet and throws her arms around me. "I wanted to see you off."

I squeeze her back.

"You okay, Kay? You seem... sad." The word is a struggle. It sounds odd on her tongue. She's as bad at talking about feelings as I am.

"Tired."

"You sure that's it?"