Reed swings open his door and greets her with a hug that sends her off-kilter. I hear her laugh, see her smile at her half-brother, and then punch his shoulder.
The mere sight of her within reaching distance has my palms itching.
James clears his throat.
“You getting out, or do you want me to take you to the hotel?” James asks as he starts pulling our luggage out of the back.
“I’m going,” I reply.
I get out of the car and stretch around to the other side, where Reed and Andi are still chatting, and when her eyes move to me, she seems to falter. I try to keep my cool by stuffing my tatted hands in the pockets of my jean jacket. However, she’s already sizing me up, watching me with those doe brown eyes as if she’s surprised to see me.
“Maddox,” she says, her voice almost breathy, and I know I’m a fucking goner.
I love the way she says my full name. She’s always used it. She rarely calls me Mads like everyone else.
“Wow, you…” Her brows raise when she looks me over again. I can’t help it when I feel a small smile rise on my lips.
She’s looking at me.
For fucking once,she’slooking atme.
She clears her throat quickly, and her gaze darts to Reed. “I thought the rest of the band were staying at the hotel,” she asks him.
I chuckle. “Guess that’s my cue to leave,” I say, only halfway joking.
Because maybe it would be wiser for me not to stay here.
“What—no,” she says fast, and I arch a brow in response to her practically throwing the word out there.
“Don’t worry. He can stay in the pool house,” Reed tells her.
“Tina said you were staying in the pool house,” she says as Reed pushes past her. “I’m pretty sure she stocked the fridge and bought you new underwear.”
He pauses to frown at his half-sister. “Where are you staying?”
“Over the garage,” she answers.
“So, what’s wrong with my room?” Reed asks.
There’s a spot in a tree past Reed’s shoulder that Andi’s eyes fixate on, and she doesn’t respond for a beat.
“Ah, well…”
Determination and confusion swell in Reed’s eyes, and he dashes through the door toward the kitchen. “Mom—”
“She isn’t here,” Andi calls to him.
“What? Where is she?” Reed asks.
“She went to pick up Kamden and Koen from the airport,” she answers.
“Ah, fuck. Those little bastards are coming home, too?” Reed asks.
“It’s a Matthews family reunion,” she says sarcastically. “And Kamden is only four years younger than you. If anyone should be complaining, it’s me. Once again, sharing a house with four disgusting teens.”
“We’re adults,” Reed says.
She looks like she might laugh, hands pressed firmly on her hips. “Are you, though?”
