Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

“It is an eggplant.”

“That really why you ordered it?”

I’m not sure. It’s burnt into my brain, the idea of Ryan in my mouth, his hand knotting in my hair, his groans filling the room—

Uh.

“It’s delicious.” I take another bite. Let out another soft moan. Maybe I’m overdoing it, but I don’t care. This is amazing. The perfect antidote to Penny’s saccharin smile.

“Nothing is that good.”

“This is.” I cut a slice of eggplant. Offer it to him.

His hair falls in front of his eyes as he leans forward. Sucks the eggplant from the fork.

It falls back to his ears as he settles into his chair. Chews. Swallows. “Amazing.”

“Told you—”

“But not that good.”

“But being here—” I motion to the cozy dining room. This Italian restaurant is a tiny place. And it’s empty. We’re well before the usual lunch rush. “And not there. It’s that good.”

He nods it is.

And being with him, with my Ryan, the guy only I know…

It’s amazing.

Even if his heart is still locked.

And I’m still desperate to unlock it.

I find my cell in my purse. Motion to the table. “Should we?”

“Are we gonna document every meal together?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I’m in charge—”

“I have veto power.”

“Just get over here and pose with me.”

“You get over here.”

“I’m gonna sit on your lap.”

He pushes his chair back. Drops his arms to his sides. Pats his thighs. Do it.

“You know better than to dare me.”

He nods of course.

I wipe the tomato sauce from my lips, leave my napkin on the table, move to Ryan.