Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

I move into my bedroom. Bright light flows into the room. It falls over the perfectly made bed and bounces off the shiny hardwood.

And off that mirror across from the bed.

The one I use to watch.

Does she realize that?

There's no way she thinks it's for checking out my outfit. The only time I wear something that isn't jeans and a t-shirt is... never. Em and Kay's graduation.

That meeting with our lawyer Friday. The one where we make this shit happen.

My head fills with other images. Kaylee and me at some fancy dinner. Her in that blue dress. Me in a suit. Staring into her eyes as I take her hand.

Fuck.

This isn't working.

I move into the bathroom, run the water until it's freezing, splash it over my cheeks.

It's not enough.

I pull my cell from my pocket. Go straight to the last voicemail Mrs. Hart left. I need the reminder that I'm supposed to protect her. That she trusts me. That her entire family trusts me.

"Hey Brendon. How are you? I hope work is going well. Mike is happy to be back in New Jersey. His old team is still here, and they're much easier to work with than the team at the Santa Monica office. And being near my mother—it's been wonderful."

She lets out a heavy sigh.

"You're doing so much for us. I want to repay you, but here I am asking for more. Kaylee hasn't been picking up my calls. I know she's angry with us for leaving her out of the decision. And I understand. We knew she wouldn't be happy about this or about us deciding to stay here. But we couldn't give her the choice."

She pauses.

"We wanted to protect her from that. She'd never choose herself over Grandma. And if she did, can you imagine the guilt she'd have over putting her future first? Sorry, I'm rambling again. I'd like anything you have. A text even. My mother is doing better. She hasn't needed as much help. But she would love to hear from Kaylee. We're going to fly Kaylee out in a few weeks, but we don't want to interfere with school. If you have any suggestions for a weekend, we'd appreciate it."

The message beeps.

My head gets it—I'm supposed to take care of Kay, not picture her naked in my bed.

But my body—my body is whining for more of her in that sweet sundress.

Maybe Ryan was right.

These blue balls aren't helping any.

This isn't what I want to do.

But it's a lot better than crossing the line.

Chapter Eleven

Kaylee

Damn, I'm tired. My back is tight. My arms are aching. My legs are trembling.

I collapse on the bed—my bed. It's a simple white frame, a cheap but comfy mattress,

white sheets.

I stretch out like a snow angel. Try to breathe deep, something to soothe my sore muscles. It doesn't help.