Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

She pulls back with a sigh. "Can we go home? I need… I need things to make sense."

"Yeah." That is a brilliant idea. But—"I have a stop planned."

"Something good?"

"Yeah."

"What?"

"You trust me?"

"Yeah, but—"

"You trust me or not?"

"Of course."

"Then let me surprise you."

She stares into my eyes. Slowly, she nods.

I offer her my hand.

She takes it and I pull her to her feet. I pick up her shoes, then scoop her into my arms and carry her into the kitchen.

She laughs. "Show off."

But she still slides her arms around my neck.

She still sighs as she rests her head on my chest.

* * *

I find a spot on the street, in between a Tesla and a Prius. It's so Santa Monica it hurts.

All right, being sandwiched by an electric car and a hybrid isn't all that entertaining. It's more my desperate need for a distraction.

I turn the car off, pull my keys from the ignition, force my voice to an easy tone. "After you."

Iris stares into my eyes. "After me?"

"All right. After me." I undo my seatbelt, step outside, close the door. The cold air wakes me up. Even after twenty-five years in Southern California, I forget how much the temperature drops at night.

I'm freezing. But there's no way I'm reaching for my leather jacket in the backseat.

If I look Iris in the eyes again…

I take a deep breath. Exhale slowly. Slide my hands into my front pockets. This is the logical next step.

But, fuck, what if she says no?

What if I'm reading her all wrong?

I let nerves settle in my gut. I'm doing this tonight. No matter what.

Iris steps out of the car. Hugs her purse to her shoulder. "You're shivering." She holds up my jacket.

"You are too."