Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

"Maybe later. There's not much time left." And I'm not a good actor. I can't pretend that I haven't seen every inch of that sketchbook.

He nods. "Five minutes."

"Five minutes." I refresh the school's website for good measure. It's the same. The same Registration Not Available is there in all red.

"What else are you taking?"

"Huh?"

"Besides creative writing."

"Oh. Advanced American literature. Chemistry. Latin four."

"Latin four?"

"Yeah." I chew on my fingernail. "It was supposed to be my elective. But now I have creative writing too."

He chuckles.

"What?" I move on to the nail of my middle finger. Hit refresh. Registration not available.

"That's perfect for you."

"Thanks. I think." Ring finger nail, here I come.

His hand curls around my wrist. "Kay."

"Yeah?" I turn toward him. Get stuck staring into his eyes. God, those eyes are beautiful.

"You're gonna be okay."

In theory.

He moves closer. "You're the smartest, strongest person I know."

The compliment warms my cheeks and chest.

Even if it's not true. I'm not strong. Certainly not as strong as Emma.

But I'm not going to argue. I'm not willing to offer the details to explain it.

He opens his mouth to say something but the timer's beep cuts him off.

Refresh.

Registration Available.

Yes.

I add each class to my schedule. Latin Mondays and Wednesdays at ten. American Literature after lunch. Chemistry and Creative writing Tuesday and Thursday. Recitation Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

There.

It's done.

Brendon smiles as he offers me his hand.

I take it.