It’s time for coffee. Mass amounts of coffee.
But Dean is back at the counter, staring at his phone, shaking his head. “Inked Wing Designs, huh?”
“Don’t.” My cheeks flush. No. My site is not ready for anyone’s eyes. It’s really, really not ready for Dean’s eyes. “It’s a work in progress.”
“Don’t what? Compliment you on this shit?” He shows off one of my cover mock-ups—a stock photo of two half naked people kissing with the title Desire in a curvy font. “Fuck. This is like porn. But classy.” He turns to Walker’s suite. “You see this shit?”
He’s fucking with me, but he’s being earnest too.
He means the compliment.
He really does think my designs are amazing.
Walker looks up from his sketchbook. Brushes a wavy strand behind his ear. Shoots Dean a knowing look. “I’m sure you’re gonna show me.”
Dean motions come here.
Walker looks to me. “Is that necessary?”
“No. You should stay. Work. We should all work.” And not look at my mock-ups. It’s bad enough that they’re looking at my work. The—
Oh.
Fuck.
“Give me that.” I reach for Dean’s phone.
He holds it over his head. “Shit. This must get good.” He jumps backward. Taps the screen.
I slide over the counter. Follow Dean into the lobby. “Stop it.”
“It’s a public site. I can pull it up anywhere.”
“It’s not supposed to be.” I agreed to let Ryan design my site so he’d agree to let me play his girlfriend.
No one is supposed to actually look at it.
Even if they’re complimenting it.
Is it really good enough they’re complimenting it?
Walker rises from his chair. Steps between us. He studies my expression. “Fuck, this really must be good.”
Dean nods. “So much better than you could imagine.”
Fuck. That must be it.
Dean motions to Walker come here.
He does.
The two of them stare at the screen. Then at me.
Dean shakes his head you didn’t.
Walker nods. “It’s pretty good actually.” He looks to Ryan’s suite. “You have a future ahead of you.”
Ryan’s concentration breaks. The buzz of his gun ceases. He turns to us. Shoots Walker a what the hell look.
Dean turns the cell to face Ryan.
Ryan doesn’t scream profanities.
He chuckles.
Smiles.
He’s… happy about this.
He whispers something to his client, who nods, happy for a break, then he rips off his gloves and joins us in the lobby.
“Was this your idea?” Dean asks.
“Leighton’s,” Ryan says.
“Nice job, Leigh.” Dean winks at me. “This is good shit. I can see women everywhere spanking themselves to it.”
“Can you?” Walker laughs. “Or is there some Flowers in the Attic shit I should know about?”
“Some what?” Dean makes a show of scratching his head. “Is that a book or something?”
“Or something.” Walker laughs. He checks the cell screen again. Really studies the picture. “Book covers suit you.”
“I know.” Ryan runs a hand through his wavy hair. “You two wish you looked this good.”
“Wish? Please.” Dean pulls his t-shirt up his stomach. Pats his six-pack. “Make me your next cover model, babe. Please.”
“Sorry. I can only capture inner beauty.” I force a smile. These guys are my friends. They’re idiots, but they’re talented designers. If they think my stuff is good, it’s good.
Maybe even good enough for me to go for this.
“You’re fucked,” Walker says.
Ryan laughs. “Beyond fucked.”
“One of you must know outer beauty.” Dean tosses his t-shirt on the ground. Strikes a model-worthy pose. “Please.” He turns to Walker. Presses his hands together. “It’s all I’ve got.”
“Sorry, but I don’t see it,” Walker shrugs.
Dean turns to Ryan. “Me and you, bro. Let’s be a matching set.”
Walker looks to me. “You into this Flowers in the Attic shit?”
“Where did you pick up that reference?” I ask.
“Where do you think?” He joins me on the other side of the brotherly… uh… love.
Dean slides his arm around Ryan’s shoulder. Strikes another pose. “Let’s call it Fucked By Both Brothers.”
“Is this a fantasy I should know about?” Ryan’s tone stays dry. But there’s a lightness in his eyes. He’s teasing.
“Depends on how much you’re into it.” Walker laughs.
“Zero,” Ryan says.
“The fantasy isn’t for me. It’s for the ladies.” Dean winks at me. “Tell me you wouldn’t let us double-time you.”
“Ew. Ew. Ew. I’m going to throw up.” I make a show of gagging.
“How about one at a time?” Dean offers.
“How about I don’t want your dick anywhere near me. God knows where it’s been,” I say.
“That’s slut-shaming, Leigh. You’re better than that,” Dean says.
The bell rings and Kaylee steps inside.
She surveys the scene with a curious stare. Decides it’s normal. Cuts through us to go to the counter.
Walker laughs. “She could not give less fucks about you.”
“Kay, you wound me,” Dean calls out.
She nods okay.
He mimes being stabbed in the gut.
“Dean has a new concept for you,” Walker calls to her.
She shoots him a curious look. “Does he?”
“Yeah. Fucked by Both Brothers.” Walker motions to Dean—who’s still posing—and Ryan, who’s standing there, pretending he isn’t amused.
“Hard pass,” she says.
“How about just me?” Dean drops his arm. Moves toward her. “Model for your next book?”
“I don’t have a model for my first book,” she says.
“Will you let me read it?” Dean asks.
“You don’t read,” she says.
“Will you give me a play-by-play of all the good parts?” he asks.
“Sex isn’t the only good part of a book! God!” I roll my eyes.
Kaylee nods to me. “What she said.”
“All right. How about we play Truth or Dare. You fill me in on all the dirty details of Brendon tying you up.” Dean raises a brow.
“Is one of you going to explain why you’re being extra weird?” Kaylee asks.
“I’m starting a cover design business.” My limbs get light. This is really happening. I’m really doing this.
I’m admitting it aloud. To all my friends. While they mock me.
It’s absurd, but it’s right too.
I love these idiots.
“That’s awesome.” Kaylee’s smile is bright. “Are you using Dean as a cover model?”
“If he’s willing to pose for free.” I turn to the guys. “You’re all welcome to pose for free.”
Ryan shakes his head. “My model fee is outrageous.”
I can’t help my laugh. “What is it?”
“Fifty percent royalty,” he says.
“That is steep.” Kaylee pulls her computer from her backpack. Sets it on the counter.
“Leigh designed a cover for your book,” Ryan says.
I shoot him a cutting look. How could you say that?
He mouths you’ll thank me later.
Kaylee blushes. “Oh, really? It’s, uh… Can I see it?”
“You don’t mind?”
“No. It’s awesome. I have no design skills.” She plays with the edge of her pastel pink cardigan.
I join her at the counter. Open my laptop. Pull up my designs—the simple abstract one, the one of Ryan, the sexy couple that reads Desire.
We start with the rose.
“Oh my God.” Her green eyes go wide. “Tha
t’s amazing.”
My cheeks flush. Kaylee is always earnest. There’s no way she’s messing with me.
“Like something I’d see on a New York Times bestseller.”
“Show her Ryan,” Dean calls.
She turns to me. “Ryan?”
“Yeah, I, uh… he makes a great model.” I tab to Ryan’s design.
Kaylee studies it carefully. “Yeah, he does. That first cover is gorgeous, but I think this one would sell more books.”
Ryan’s eyes go wide. “You’re not—”
“Can we?” I press my palms together. “Please.”
“Ryan, come on. You’re too beautiful to stay anonymous.” Dean nudges his brother.
“You’re indie publishing?” Walker asks.
“If I had a cover this hot, I’d have to.” She giggles as she studies the guys’ reactions.
I turn to Ryan. Push him with a bluff. “You wouldn’t deny a young woman her dreams?”
“You heard my fee,” he says.
“Let’s cut that down to a flat rate.” She motions show me the next one.
I do.
Her eyes glue to the screen. “This one is gorgeous too. Leighton, you’re good at this.”
My blush spreads over my cheeks.
“Really. I look at expensive covers sometimes. Consider how much it would cost to put a book together. This—this is top-tier.”
“I’m just…” I swallow hard. “Thanks.”
Dean interrupts my moment. “What do you say, Kay? Need a model for book two?”
“I’m not offering a fee,” she says.
He laughs. “Cold-blooded negotiator. I can see why Brendon likes you.”
“That must be it,” she says.
Dean turns back to Ryan. “You want more good news?”
“I’m terrified,” Ryan deadpans.
“I set up interviews for new artists. A few are coming in tomorrow.” Dean smiles wide. “Gonna be great.”
“Yeah.” Ryan runs his hand through his hair.
The shop quiets as Dean pulls him, and Walker, into a private conversation.
Kaylee settles onto a stool next to mine. Catches me staring at Ryan. “I’m not clear on your relationship with Ryan.”
“His ex is getting married. I offered to pretend to be his girlfriend.”
“Oh. That seems—”
“Foolish?”
“A little.”
“It is.”
She looks to me. “You like him, huh?”
I clear my throat.
“A lot.”
“Maybe.”
“It sucks, wanting someone you can’t have.”
“You have him now.”
“Yeah.” She pulls up something on her computer. “But I didn’t for a long time. And I hated every minute of it.”
“It would be worse, not having anything.”
“Yeah. It would.”
“He’s good to you?”
“He’s everything.”
I try to focus on my design, but I can’t. Ryan is whispering about something. And Kaylee is here.
She got Brendon to unlock his heart.
He’s not quite as miserable and brooding as Ryan.
But he’s in the same tier.
Fuck, it’s embarrassing asking an eighteen-year-old for advice. But I know when I’m outclassed.
“How did you do it?” I ask.
“Hmm?”
“Get him to open up to you?”
“I’m not sure. But I’m glad I did.” Her pink lips curl into a smile. “I wish I could be more helpful.”
“I think you might have been.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” I tap my heels together. “He’s not coming in for another hour.”
“I know. I had to get out of the apartment. Emma was driving me bonkers.”
“Trouble in paradise?”
She laughs. “More like trouble with my headphones’ soundproofing.”
“She’s having sex this early?”
Kaylee laughs. “Her music was too loud.”
“Emma has great taste.”
“But I can only take so much of it.”
Ryan breaks from the conversation. Moves toward the counter. “You really gonna take Leighton’s cover?”
“Not this one. But I’d love if she designed one.” She looks to me. “I can pay you.”
“No. It’s on me.” My lips curl into a smile. It feels good, being appreciated.
“We should finish your portfolio tonight,” Ryan says.
I nod, even though it’s nearly finished.
“My place. At seven. We can walk over after work,” he says.
“I’ll be here.” I watch him return to his suite.
Kaylee turns to me. “You’re sure it’s one-way?”
“I was.” But now…
Now it seems like there’s a chance.
Chapter 19
Leighton
“I still say we should get street tacos.”
Ryan shakes his head you’re ridiculous as he locks the front door. He kicks off his shoes and tosses his keys on the dining table. “I’m cooking.”
I slide out of my sandals. Set my messenger bag on the floor. “What if I want street tacos?”
“When’s the last time you ate a home cooked meal?”
“You made me breakfast.”
“That I didn’t make you?”
Uh… It’s been awhile. “I don’t cook.”
“Exactly.” He slides his backpack off his shoulders, sets it on the plain black dining chair. “I want to know you’re eating food.”
My chest gets light. He’s insisting on feeding me. It’s some deep seated, primal love.
I argue anyway. “Tacos are food.”
He makes that get real sound.
“They’re a balanced meal. Meat, bread, vegetables.”
“Vegetables?” He moves into the kitchen. “Really?”
“Avocados.”
“Are a fruit.”
“Salsa.”
“Tomatoes too.”
“Onions.”
His eyes light up as he chuckles. “Whatever you want to believe, Leigh.” He grabs a pan, sets it on the stove, turns the burner on. “Come here.” His voice drops to this demanding tone. One I never hear.
My sex clenches. “Oh?”
“I’m gonna teach you how to make stir fry.”
“I’d rather you make it for me.”
“Me too.” He coats the pan with oil. “But we’re not gonna be able to do this forever.”
“We’re not?”
His eyes tinge with disappointment as he turns back to me. “Don’t make me bring him up.”
“Who?”
He shoots me a really look.
Oh. He means Mr. Powers. Because he still doesn’t know I’m actually head over heels for him. “Why would that matter?”
“Let’s not do this again.”
“Yeah, but…” I bite my lip. I want Ryan to know. But only if he wants me back. Only if he wants more.
If he doesn’t…
There’s too much risk of losing him forever.
I follow him into the kitchen. “I don’t see why you can’t cook me dinner if I ever decide I’m dating again.”
“'Cause it’s fucked.”
“How?”
“'Cause it is.” He points to the fridge. “Get out the chicken breast.”
“Do we have to use chicken breast?”
He arches a brow.
“It’s slimy and weird.”
“You like eating it.”
“Thus proving my point about how it’s better if you cook. You love cooking. I love eating. It’s a perfect arrangement.”
He shakes his head.
“Why not?”
“I’d never let some guy cook for my girlfriend.”
“You’re not some guy.”
“I’m your best friend. It’s worse.” He taps the fridge with his sock-clad toes.
“Oh. Yeah. Sorry.”
“We can use shrimp.”
“Yes please.”
“It’s fussier.”
“I’m used to dealing with you. I can handle it.”
His chuckle wipes away that last hint of frustration. His eyes brighten. His posture softens. He turns toward me, inviting me into…
Into something. I’m not sure.
I press my lips together. “Where’s the shrimp?”
“Freezer.”
I reach into said freezer, find the package on the top shelf, next to a dozen packages of frozen spinach. “You’re ridiculous.”
“You get to be my age, you have to watch what you eat.”
My laugh dissolves the last hint of tension in my shoulders. Playful Ryan is a rare treat. And he’s all mine.
He’s happy.
“You’re right. That was insensitive of me.” I set the package on the counter between us. “Forgive me?”
“If you ditch the sass.”
“Not sure I can promise that.”
His smile spreads over his cheeks. “Don’t I know it.” He brushes a wavy strand from his eyes. “What do you want in this?”
“Whatever is the easiest.”
“Carrots and broccoli are hard to overcook.”
“Perfect.”
He motions to the fridge. “Bottom drawer on the right.”
“I know.” I pull the door, crouch, dig through said drawer. I look up at Ryan as I hand over a bunch of carrots and a head of broccoli.
He looks down at me with a lazy smile.
The same as this morning.
The same affection.
The same intimacy.
The same easiness.
My head spins as I rise to my feet. But it’s not my head. It’s the world tilting on its axis.
There’s a chance he’ll be mine.
It didn’t seem possible before, but now it’s clear as day.
His eyes bore into mine. “You okay, Leigh?”
“Tired. I sat too much. I should have gone for a run.” Or we could go to your room and get our hearts pumping the fun way.
“Not too late.”
“I don’t have my stuff.” My cheeks flush as my eyes meet his. A giggle rises up in my throat. I try to distract myself by grabbing the cutting board, but I’m a nervous school girl. All thumbs.
“Maybe I should lead.”
“Good idea.”
“Hang back and watch.”
I nod sure.
Ryan fills a small pot with water. “Easiest way to cook frozen shrimp is by boiling.” He sets the pot on the stove, turns the burner to high. “You want to cook them until they’re a light pink.”
Pretend You're Mine Page 14
