Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

"Maybe. He's offering it to us first. Any of us."

"Hmm."

"Hmm?"

"You only have a few years left on the mortgage. What's a few more to be the proud owner of Inked Hearts?"

"It's Emma's house too."

"You know she'd say yes."

She would. She's always wanted to run her own business. This would be perfect training wheels.

Which is why she can't know.

I protect Emma from this kinda thing.

I'm not sacrificing her stability.

There's got to be another way.

"I'll think about it," I say.

"Lies, lies, lies." Kaylee laughs. "You've already decided."

She knows me too well.

"Someone at the shop will tell Emma. You really want her finding out from Dean?"

She has a point. But I will find a way to do this without sacrificing Emma's future. Period.

"How much cash do you have on hand?"

"Why? You pitching a business."

She folds her arms. "Could you buy a quarter of the company?"

I nod.

"You could buy it together."

I've thought about it. A lot, actually. I could stretch to cover half the company. But if anything happened, shit would be hard.

A quarter is safer.

Half of me is over the moon at the idea of owning Inked Hearts with the three guys who are essentially family. The other half is screaming hell no, I don't want to be legally tied to those annoying assholes.

Either way, I don't want her worrying. "I've got it under control."

"You always do."

Huh.

There's something in her voice.

Like she knows about my penchant for handcuffs and riding crops.

Dean has a big mouth.