Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

"Why would you bet Dean about that?" Emma grabs Kaylee's pink purse as she pushes herself to her feet.

"We get bored. Look for stuff to do." More bullshit.

Walker shoots me an incredulous look.

I shoot him a shut the fuck up.

Leighton shakes her head I don't think so, but Emma doesn't notice.

My sister moves toward the door. "I'll take her home." She grabs the door. "I'm tired anyway."

I nod. "You okay walking?"

"It's only five blocks." Emma steps outside without glancing in my direction. Pure cold shoulder.

Walker shakes his head. "You're lucky Ryan didn't hear that." He looks to Leighton for support.

She wraps a pink strand around her finger. It matches the cherry blossom tattoo on her forearm.

"You have something to add?" I ask.

She brings her hand to her other arm. "Kaylee deserves better."

"I'm aware of that."

"But the heart wants what it wants. And she's clearly in love with you." Leighton pushes herself to her feet. "If you care about her—and we all know you do—then grab onto her or let her go."

"I do—"

"No. I see the way you look at her. The way you flirt with her. You keep tossing her I want you breadcrumbs. You're keeping her in waiting." She reaches for the door. "She deserves better than that."

* * *

At home, Kaylee is on the couch in a tiny tank top and smaller shorts, her arms wrapped around her knees, her hands on her Kindle.

She looks up at me as the door swings shut. Her eyes fill with frustration. Then regret.

"Hey." I toss my keys on the table. Leave my shoes by the door. Like tonight never happened. "Emma go to bed?"

"Yeah." Her voice is shaky. She looks back to her Kindle. Taps her fingers against its edge. "So, we're... we're gonna act like everything is normal?"

Not exactly, but close.

Leighton is right.

I need to let Kaylee go.

To be her friend, and nothing more.

"That's for the best," I say.

"Yeah."

"Oh." Her voice is hollow. "So, we're..."

"We're friends."

I wish there were some way to make this easier for her.