Audrey gives me her best side-eye. “Yeah, Noah. Obviously Ken is the father. But his name isn’t Ken. I rename my Barbies … imagine how confusing it would be to have seven Barbies and five Kens?”
I look down at my feet, fighting back a laugh.
God, she’s quirky. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Before anything else can be said, Connor comes barrelling out of the house with his camping gear.
“Later, small fry! I’ll see you Monday,” he calls out to Audrey and I follow behind him slowly as she gathers her Barbies up.
“See ya, Audrey,” I whisper, but I don’t think she hears me.
As I reach the bottom step I swear she says, “Come on Audrey and Noah, time for an outfit change.”
Connor snaps his fingers in front of my face, a smirk on his lips. “I hate when you get lost in your memories, she’s my sister, dammit.”
“Sorry.”
Connor looks down at the table for a moment. “I know you’re both adults now and no one’s asking my permission, but I want you to know that I’m okay with it. Let’s be clear though, if you fuck up or break her heart, I’ll choose her every time … and I’ll probably deck you.”
“Glad we have that in common, I’d choose her over you every time, too.” I chuckle, putting my beer on the counter. “Are you ready to go? I’m beat.”
“Yeah, let’s go,” he replies, standing.
We say our goodbyes to the team and make the short walk back to the hotel.
“Don’t wake her up,” Connor whispers as we move into the room.
No shit, Sherlock.
“Guess you’re my teddy bear tonight,” he adds, making a kissy face.
We quickly move around the dark room to get ready for bed. Connor takes the side closest to the wall while I take the side closest to her.
I blink until my eyes adjust enough to make out her silhouette.
I spent so many years sleeping one wall away from her at their house, but being an arm’s length away, seeing her hands tucked under her face so sweetly, it makes my heart flip flop in a whole new way.
Twenty-One: Audrey
Better With You - This Wild Life
Istir at the sound of a door closing. Checking my phone, I see that it’s barely past six and I have a text from Connor.
Connor:I’ll be out for a few hours, do with that what you will.
I close my eyes as the “you’re alone with Noah” devil on one shoulder is battling with the “don’t rush into anything” angel on the other. But when a long exhale escapes Noah the devil wins and my eyes betray me.
Suddenly, I’m met with the bluest eyes and the sexiest bed head I’ve ever seen.
“Morning.” His voice is soft, and his smile is contagious.
Fuck. I was not prepared for grown-up sleepy Noah, especially in the same room as me.
Seeing his bare shoulders peeking out from under the blanket is sending me over the edge.
“Hi,” I reply with a squeak, hoping my hair doesn't look like a complete mess.
He rubs his eyes in the most adorable way. “Sleep well?”
