Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

It’s still a good deal.

I take her hand.

Shake.

Let the warmth of her touch fill me everywhere.

Chapter 7

Ryan

Leighton’s phone clicks as she snaps a picture of her lunch.

We spent the last few days ironing out the details of our arrangement.

She gets one day of photos with free rein over what we do and how we pose.

I get one nig

ht to put her website together.

And one month of her actively seeking out and accepting clients.

“What happened to fries?” She glares at the sautéed kale that comes with her burger. Nudges her iced coffee into place.

“Less disturbing than coffee with a burger.”

“No. This is America. You’re unpatriotic.”

“You wore all black at Walker’s Fourth of July Barbecue.”

“So did you.” She looks to my plate of shrimp curry. “The food. Then you. Then both of us.”

I nod sure.

She arranges the food just so, snaps a picture, turns the camera to me. “Look natural. No. Smile. No. Natural.” Her finger slides over her cell. “Your call.”

I pick up my water, take a sip, stare at the hotel across the street.

It’s modern, expensive, beachfront. The kind of place to spend your wedding night after a ceremony by the pier.

The kind of place Penny and I would have—

Click. “Contemplative Ryan. Classic. I’ll add a caption about how the beautiful weather is making us think about our big day.”

I shake my head.

Not going there.

Not letting Penny infect my thoughts.

Even if this expedition is to… to make my ex feel something.

Leighton is after something specific.

But why? She keeps insisting she should play my girlfriend at this wedding.

There must be a reason.