Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

"What do you do?"

"Does it matter?"

She laughs. "No."

"How do you know Sandy?"

"I live next door."

"You want to get out of here?"

She finishes her glass. Her eyes fix on mine. She nods. "Yeah."

I take her hand and lead her to the door.

Chapter Two

Iris

The cool air is a welcome reprieve from the heat of the party.

My heels click against the walkway. What am I doing in these things? They're job interview heels. They're comfortable, yeah, but they're something Mom would wear. I'm pretty sure Mom has this exact pair in her closet.

It's only a few dozen steps to my apartment.

Thankfully, it's quiet.

I pull my key from my purse and slide it into the door. I don't want to be at that party. Going home is the right call.

But inviting a stranger with me?

I press my lips together.

I turn back to… him. "I never asked your name."

"Walker." He offers his hand to shake.

"Iris." My palm presses against his. It does something to me. Makes the air feel hot again.

His dark eyes fix on mine. They light up with desire. Anticipation.

He seems like a good time.

And he's hot.

Obscenely hot.

Tall. Broad shoulders. Strong arms covered in ink. And I mean covered in ink. I've never found it appealing before—Lily and I used to argue about that all the time, back when she spoke to me—but it looks good on him. It makes him seem even more carefree. Even more like a perfect distraction.

God knows I don't want to listen to the thoughts racing around my head.

I turn the key and press the door open. "Come in." I suck a breath between my teeth. It's been a long time since I've slept with anyone. And that was Ross. I've never slept with a stranger.

Am I out of my mind?

"Thanks." He steps inside and presses the door closed behind him. His eyes move over my apartment slowly, like he's assessing every detail. His gaze stops on the bookshelf. His lips curl into a smile.

"What?"