Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

“Dean’s pool party’s at my parents’ place.”

“Really?”

“They’re out of town.”

“How high school.” I play with my seatbelt. “So he doesn’t have a pool?”

“It’s a shitty apartment complex pool.”

“But he still sits out there in his swimsuit, flirting with all the women who walk by.”

“Leigh—”

“What?”

“Don’t bullshit about this.” The family steps onto the sidewalk. Ryan looks left. Then right. He taps the gas, moving the car forward. “I’m not gonna fall apart over you wanting to fuck Dean.”

“I know.”

“I’m not gonna tell him.”

“I know.”

His blue eyes find mine. “Why won’t you admit it?”

“Why won’t you believe me?”

He settles into his seat. Turns back to the road.

Ugh.

Fine.

I guess we won’t talk.

He’s so…

UGH.

I pick up my cell. Check my emails. My texts. My social media. Sure enough, our post is popular.

What a cute couple!

OMG, girl, your hair looks amazing.

That eyeliner. Muy caliente!

I knew you two were doing it.

Gwen Stefani’s breathy vocals fills the car. Ex-girlfriend. The ultimate I should have known better anthem.

Ryan and I are still trading cold shoulders.

Still silent.

Still running from every chance at vulnerability.

Am I going to be playing this song in two months?