Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

His expression gets intense as his eyes bore into mine. "Kay—"

"You don't talk about this with Dean?"

"You and I aren't friends like me and Dean."

"Well, yeah, I'm not an asshole. If you're embarrassed or something—"

He raises a brow try harder next time. He motions to the backpack, swiftly jumping over the subject. "It is perfect for you."

"Because it's feminine?"

He nods. "And innocent."

"Yeah?" We are friends and friends can talk about sex. "Like an untouched flower?"

"Didn't realize you were into that."

I nod as I slide the backpack off. Examine its pockets. "You know me. Boy crazy."

"You've dated."

This really is a nice backpack. Laptop pouch. Plenty of space for books. "Mostly double dates with Emma."

"You want to go on those?" There's an edge to his voice. But is it because he's looking out for me or because he's jealous?

"Sometimes." I try to focus on the pouches on the table. They're perfect for makeup. School supplies. Tampons.

He stares back at me. "You ever like any of these guys you date?"

"Sometimes."

He steps forward, planting his foot in front of me. "You kiss them?"

"Sometimes."

"More?"

His posture is strong, powerful, from his all black converse to the tip of his dark hair.

How am I supposed to answer when he's looking at me like that—like he's in control of the entire universe?

I pick up a fuchsia pencil case and undo its zipper. "You want to know this because?"

"Making conversation." His voice wavers.

It's more than that.

I want to know how much more. To know how far along he is on the I'll never think about you again/we're totally just friends journey.

I move away from the bags—this is enough—and start wandering through the first floor.

He follows. "Do you?"

I stop at the jewelry counter and pretend to examine a set of silver earrings. My eyes flit between him and the glass display case. Is he jealous? I'm not sure. "I have."

His jaw cricks. His hands curl into half-fists then unfurl.

He is jealous.