Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

* * *

The bell rings.

Sun streams through the sliver in the door frame. It's the middle of the afternoon. Walker is supposed to come in for his shift. That was the only way to make this plausible.

Dean and I decided a blindfold and an I'm surprising you, baby, just follow me would be too obvious.

Well, Dean complained that it would be too disappointing. That any follow me surprise should lead to dirty sex, that no matter how fucking awesome this party could be, it could never compare to fucking in some shady bar.

And… well, I agree.

A Converse clad foot plants on the mat. Walker's sneakers. And that's his leg. I think. It's hard to tell his calf from any other muscular, skinny jean clad calf.

Someone nudges me.

Someone else whispers.

My heart thuds against my chest. Did I drop too many hints? Is this way too obvious? Effort is more important than surprise. What matters is that we care enough about Walker to plan this. What—

The light flicks on.

Walker blinks hard—that light really is bright.

"Surprise." Someone yells it. Then everyone is yelling it. I'm yelling it.

The door swings shut behind him.

He looks around slowly. "Fuck, can't believe I didn't see that coming." His eyes lock with mine. "The blinds are never down in June."

I mouth do you like it?

His lips curl into a smile. His eyes light up with something dirty and devious. An I'd like you naked in my bed a hell of a lot better.

"Dean, you're so good at planning shit." Dean mimes offense. "I'm so fucking lucky you're my friend."

Leighton laughs. "No one has ever said that."

He looks to her with faux offense. "That hurts, Leigh. That cuts me deep."

"Uh-huh." She taps her heeled sandals together—she's sitting on the counter.

Dean is leaning against it, next to her. Ryan is on her other side, with his usual glum look. Well, he looks a bit less glum than usual. I'm pretty sure this is happy by Ryan standards.

"Thanks." Walker smiles. "You're the best." Walker offers a high five.

Dean takes it, pulls him into a hug, pats him on the back. It's not one of those guy hugs where they seem afraid to get too close.

They're comfortable. Like brothers.

Walker steps back. Looks to me.

I motion to the room. Go ahead.

He nods and moves on to thanking/accepting Happy Birthday's from everyone else. Brendon and Kaylee are here. As is Emma and a male date. Or maybe a friend. It's not clear from the way they're standing. He's cute, but he seems a little uptight for her.

There are another half a dozen people I don't know—plus Sandy and John. Dean really went all out. He is a good friend. A great friend even.

Dean nudges Leighton with his shoulder. "You want a drink?"