Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

He has money now. He's worthy of her attention now. Never mind that he was always worthy of attention. Even before he was hotter than the sun. Even before he had enough money to rent a place like this.

I bite my lip. No reason to get upset with this woman for doing her job. It's not like she invented capitalism.

"I'd like to sign the lease now," he says. "Before my... Kara changes her mind about me."

The woman laughs like she doesn't consider this a possibility. After all, who changes her mind about the rich, hot rock star?

"I have a copy in my car," she says. "Feel free to look around the place."

Drew nods. He waits until she leaves to pull the sliding door open and step into the backyard.

"We never got the chance to go swimming at Miles's place," he says.

"And you're going to get naked, jump into the pool, and get dressed by the time she's back with the lease?"

Drew smirks. "She'll still approve us if I'm naked in the pool." He turns back to me. "If anything, it will help our case."

My body buzzes. He offers his hand like he's beckoning me to follow him.

I shake my head.

"You used to be brave, Kendrick."

"Shove a sock in it." I move toward the stairs. "I'm checking out the bedrooms."

I turn so he won't see my face flush. Heat spreads through me. It calls all of my attention. It's like dancing. I'm acutely aware of every part of my body. Every sensation, every muscle, every stretch or strain.

Drew follows me up the stairs. He grabs my hand and jumps into the lead, pulling me into one of the upstairs bedrooms.

It's about average for Southern California. Cozy but not tiny. There's room for a bed, a desk, a dresser, and just enough empty space for floor work.

Drew takes in my expression. "You like it."

"Good thing since you already agreed to sign the lease."

He shrugs like he knew this would happen. His hand intertwines with mine and he leads me to the other bedroom.

The master bedroom. It's bigger and it has a mirrored closet door.

Drew stands next to me and stares at his reflection. We make a strange pair—me busting out of my blouse and skirt and him exuding effortless charisma in his perfectly fitted jeans and t-shirt. It's not that I don't hold up to him. It's just, right now, we look like opposites. My dark brown hair is in a tight bun. His black locks are hanging in his eyes. My outfit is light and neutral. His is dark and bold. I'm all soft, round curves. He's all hard lines.

Don't get me wrong. I'm decent looking. I may not be as thin as my mother is, but I'm just as good with my hair, makeup, and wardrobe. I work with what I've got. Cobalt eyeliner to bring out my brown eyes. A cinched waistline to play up my curvy frame. Three-inch heels to give me enough height to make eye contact without craning my neck.

But Drew is in a whole other tier. Even when he's trying to keep out of the spotlight, he stands out. Girls flock to him and he bats them away like it's nothing.

"How do you want to settle this?" he asks.

I shoot him a quizzical look.

"This is clearly the superior room. I'm willing to let you have it, but not without a fight."

"You can have it," I say. "Since you'll be paying—" I look around the room again. It looks outrageously expensive. "Ninety percent of the rent or something."

He frowns. "I don't want to hear anything like that again. We're equals here."

"But you're paying—"

"I don't care. Everything is even between us." He folds his arms across his chest. "Deal?"