He’s wearing a dark navy suit jacket over an unbuttoned baby blue dress shirt that accentuates his eyes and finishes off the ensemble with dark tailored trousers.
“You get a five-star sister rating. Who is the lucky lady?” I ask because Trevor rarely goes out on dates. Besides, it’s Wednesday evening, not the weekend, so I’m even more curious to find out who has my brother getting all trussed up for a mid-week date.
“Just a friend.”
I bite into a chunk of cucumber. “No offense, big T, but men do not dress like that for ‘just a friend.’” I take a sniff. “Or wear that much cologne.”
He lifts his arm to smell. “Shit. Is it too much?”
Grinning, I shake my head. “I’m just messing with you. You lookandsmell very nice.”
He accepts that and walks over to kiss the side of my head. “Don’t wait up.”
“Hey, Trev, do you have a sec?”
“For you, little A, I have all the time in the world.”
That’s what I love about Fallon and Trevor. Not only are they wonderful big brothers, but they always put me first, no matter what. If Fallon thought I needed him, he would be on his jet and flying back home in a nanosecond.
“Have you ever been in love?”
Trevor pulls out a barstool and sits down beside me. “So, we’re getting philosophical tonight?”
“I guess so.” I pick at a crouton and put my fork down, no longer hungry.
“Alright.” He scratches the back of his neck. “There are all kinds of love. I love you and Fallon. I love my friends. I love my job and my life. I love my car and this house. But I’m guessing that’s not what your question is about.”
I give a soft chuckle. “Good guess.”
He breathes out a short exhale. “No, I haven’t been in love. I thought at one time I was falling in love, but that’s just the effect Elizabeth has on everyone around her. You can’t help but fall in love with her.”
“I’m sorry, what?” I know Elizabeth and Ryder, and yes, she is gorgeous and sweet and funny. But holy shit! How many guys have been infatuated with this woman?
“I said IthoughtI was,” he clarifies. “I guess I just haven’t metthe one, yet,” he says, using finger quotes. “I’m better as a friend who doesn’t mind hooking up every once in a while. No strings. The women I date know this and accept it. If they don’t, I move on to someone who does. I have a lot of friends.” He smirks.
“That’s really sad…and lonely.” I touch his hand. “I wish so much more for you.”
“Why? I’m happy. I’ve seen what love does to people. Yes, there are couples out there like Elizabeth and Ryder, or Julien and Elijah, who were meant to be together. But more often than not, love doesn’t last, and all it does is make you miserable or break your heart. Look at Fallon. Look at me.”
“Or me,” I whisper.
“Do you think you’re finally falling in love with Knox? Is that where this is all coming from?”
I rub the tension from the bridge of my brow. “No. And that’s the problem. I don’t love Knox more than a friend. I don’t think I ever will. But I made a promise to him and now I feel stuck between—”
“Keeping your promise and following your heart,” Trevor finishes for me.
“Yeah.”
“And I’m guessing the sudden reappearance of one JD Hallstead is causing you to rethink everything?” Trevor stands up and bends down to hug me. “Always follow your heart, Aurora. Our hearts speak to us for a reason. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to be late for my friend-date.”
“Don’t forget your eleven o’clock curfew!” I joke as he grabs his car keys and wristwatch off the counter where he must have left them earlier today.
“Hopefully, I won’t be coming home tonight,” he calls out, disappearing around the corner.
I dump my leftover salad into the trash and rinse out the bowl. The house is quiet tonight. Knox is out with Devon and Trevaughn and won’t be home until later. I decide it’s a perfect evening to curl up in a blanket on the sofa with a good e-book and some hot tea.
Low music is playing in the background through the ceiling-mounted speakers in the kitchen. I zap some water in the microwave to heat it up and grab an Earl Grey tea bag from the pantry. While waiting for the water to heat, I tap my foot to the beat of the melody of a Top 40 song.
