Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

I want to feel safe, strong, desired, competent. My website is finished. It’s ready. But I’m not.

I’m not ready to leave the security of Inked Hearts. To ask people to part with their money for my designs.

To give up seeing Ryan every day.

“Ms. Black, he’s ready for you.” The salesman offers me his hand.

I nod a thanks and follow him into the dressing room.

“Usually, we don’t allow women in here, but seeing as how we’re empty, I can make an exception.” He winks at me. Keep this between us and buy something really expensive to thank me in commission form.

I shoot him my best smile then step into the dressing room.

My jaw hits the floor.

Ryan.

In.

A.

Suit.

He…

I…

Uh…

He runs a hand through his wavy hair. “That bad?”

“No.” I shake my head. Study every detail of him—the grey jacket hugging his shoulders, the white oxford shirt snug against his chest, the black belt securing his slacks to his hips.

The shiny black dress shoes.

Like he’s ready to stand at the altar next to me.

I mean…

He…

Uh… “You look perfect.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Too perfect.

He picks up the lilac tie draped over a hook. “Can’t remember how to put this on.”

“I do.”

“An ex?” He hands over the tie.

My fingers brush his as I take it. “My first serving job.” I slide the short end under his collar and loop it twice.

“Bet you looked adorable.”

“Definitely not.”