Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

"Yeah. Sure."

She grabs her purse from the table and waves goodbye. "I love you."

After Mom and Dad, we always close with an I love you. Even if we want to kill each other. "I love you too."

She runs out the door.

I'm focusing on this sale. On the shop. And even on how I'll really fuck things up with my sister—my only family, the most important person in my life—if I give into all the thoughts running through my head.

The meeting is quick. Seamless.

We've all got our finances figured out.

We're going to make everything official next week.

And Emma is sitting there with a serious, studious look on her face. It's a side of her I never see. It makes me so fucking proud.

I'm over the fucking moon.

Until we're walking back to the parking lot.

And Dean is nudging me and leaning in to whisper. "What do you think Kay's going to wear tonight?"

I say nothing.

"What do you think she'll say if I offer to take her to the back room? You think she'll be into it."

"Go fuck yourself."

"Nah. I'd rather save myself for her."

I know h

e's saying it to fuck with me.

I know Dean has no intentions of touching Kay.

But, fuck, I still want to punch the smugness from his smile.

Chapter Sixteen

Kaylee

"Kay-bear, you're going to have to be more specific if you want my help." Grandma's voice is irritated. It's the fourth time she's pressed for details, and the fourth time I've denied them.

Not that she can talk. She's being just as secretive about how she's doing. She's still towing the party line. I need more help, but, really, I'll be fine. Focus on school. Don't worry about me.

"It's not like I'm gonna know the guy," she says. "Aren't you too old to keep your crushes a secret?"

"Are you ever too old for that?"

"Hmm. I guess not. I've taught you too well." Her voice lifts. Back to hearty. Vivacious even.

But that only makes me think about the possibility she isn't full of life. "Are you really okay?"

"I'm not the one with boy problems."

"Okay, answer this. Are you doing better or worse than just after your heart attack?"