Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

"No arguments there." I have no idea what Leighton's ex did to hurt her, but right now I feel like the scum of the Earth. Fuck, the way Kaylee stared at me like I tore her heart out.

"What the fuck, Brendon? Are you going to explain?" Walker asks.

"How many times are you going to ask the same question?" This isn't what I want. It's how things have to be.

"Until I get a straight answer." He shakes his head. "Why would you break up with Kaylee?"

"She shouldn't be with someone like me," I say.

"What the hell does that mean?" Leighton asks.

"God. Still with this shit? Get the fuck over yourself." Walker's voice gets angry. "Do you treat her well?"

"Of course," I say.

"You make her smile?" he asks.

"Yeah. And?" I fold my arms.

"You support her?" he asks.

"I try." I do.

"You listen when she needs that?" he asks.

"You make her come?" Leighton jumps in.

"Of course. That's a stupid fucking question," I say.

"You're a stupid fucking idiot." She slams the table. "You make her laugh. You make her feel safe. You make her come. Explain to me how she shouldn't be around you."

I... I can't.

"She lights up like a pinball machine when you're around," Walker says. "She loves you. You love her. The two of you are a million fucking times more pleasant when you're around each other. Whatever bullshit you're selling about her being better off without you—nobody is buying it but you."

Chapter Fifty-One

Kaylee

"Kay-bear." Grandma's voice is soft. Quiet. She's smiling. Her eyes are a little fuzzy.

According to Mom, she's on a lot of painkillers.

But she doesn't look like she's dying.

She just looks tired.

How can she only have weeks left?

Or less?

I swallow hard. "Hey, Grandma."

Mom squeezes my hand.

"You look terrible, Kay. Haven't you heard of under-eye concealer?" Grandma teases.

It's the same as always. Except for the circumstances.