Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

I plug my cell into the knockoff iHome. Boot up one of Leighton’s most miserable playlists.

Penny drifts from my thoughts as heavy guitar fills the room.

I only see Leighton’s plum smile. Her blue-green eyes crinkling as she laughs. Her hand on her hip as she defends the song from Brendon’s “I’m not listening to that emo shit” complaints.

I finish cooking. Place the chicken on a salad. Drizzle it with oil and vinegar.

It’s not gourmet, but it’s my hard work.

That makes it perfect.

My phone buzzes as I bring my plate to the dining table.

Leighton: I hear Hawaii is beautiful in August.

Ryan: Don’t.

Leighton: At least think about it.

Ryan: I am.

Penny’s wedding owns my thoughts.

I’d kill to erase it from my mind.

But Leighton—

What the hell does she get out of this?

Ryan: This is all for Hawaii?

Leighton: You don’t know how badly I want to zip line.

Ryan: When did zip lining become part of it?

Leighton: You think I’m gonna go all the way to Maui and not do everything I ever wanted to do there?

Ryan: Don’t make me say no again.

Leighton: Okay. Fine. But I want to state, for the record, that you won’t find anyone better.

Ryan: Agree.

Leighton: And that it won’t make things weird.

Ryan: You agreed to drop it.

Leighton: Okay. Dropping it. I should go soon. I have class at eight.

Ryan: You get up early enough to get somewhere at eight?

Leighton: Go to hell.

Ryan: Already there.

Leighton: Well that takes the sting out of hurting you.

Is she pissed or teasing?