I hear him laugh as he goes up the stairs.
I was hoping Braden would be the nice one, but he’s an even bigger ass than his brother.
Bored and still hungry, I go out the front door, deciding to explore a little. Maybe there’s a place to eat down the road.
Getting out my phone as I walk, I text Axl.
I hate my cousins.
Why?he texts back.
They’re rude. Obnoxious. And yell at me for eating their food.
Keep doing it.
I smile and text,I plan to.
I miss you.
I miss you too,I respond, my heart aching to be with him. I can’t go a whole year without seeing him. If Brock really gives me all that money for an allowance, I’m going to use it to go see Axl.
What are you doing tonight?I text.
Haven’t decided. Senna wants to go see a band.
Senna is my friend from high school. She’s a really good guitar player. She wants to join a band and go on tour. She dyes her hair pink and shaves it on one side. I haven’t seen her much since school got out last May. Axl is friends with her, too, but only because of me.
Senna called you?I ask.
She came in the store today.
That’s cool, I text, trying to ignore the jolt of jealousy that raced through me at the thought of them hanging out without me.
You think you’ll go?
Not sure. What are you doing?
Trying to find something to eat,I text as my flip-flop catches on a crack in the sidewalk. As I go to fix it, my phone flies out of my hand.
“Shit.” I go to reach for it and collide with something hard.
“Watch it!” a deep voice yells as two big arms go around me, pulling me back to standing.
I slammed into his chest. How embarrassing!
“Sorry,” I say as he lets me go.
He’s huge. And freaking hot. Short dark hair. Gorgeous blue eyes. Dark tan. He must’ve been running because he’s all sweatyand not wearing a shirt. Holy shit, his abs are amazing. And his shoulders. His arms.
Maybe he’s an actor. Or a model. Guys this hot don’t work regular jobs.
He picks up my phone and hands it to me. “Here.”
“Thanks.” I stare at him, drinking in his good looks.
“Watch where you’re going next time. I almost knocked you over.” He takes off down the sidewalk.
“You live around here?” I yell at him.
