We say our goodbyes to Bella and Emma and watch them walk away before he turns to me. “Ready to go? I’ve got strict instructions to take you home byany means necessary,is what he said if I remember correctly,” he laughs.
I roll my eyes at him. “Yeah, I’m ready. Your brother can be a pain in the ass sometimes.”
“Yeah, I know. I think he’s met his match with you, though. I’ve never seen him so worked up about a girl before. You’ve gotten under his skin, and it’s pissing him off.”
“The feeling is mutual, trust me.” He throws his head back and laughs.
“Gorgeous and a firecracker? My brother is lucky I’m loyal to him, or I would steal you for myself.”
I grin up at him and immediately know I’m going to like him. He’s got a carefree, fun energy about him. As good-looking as he is, though, his brother is the one who’s rooted into my being that I can’t break free from.
I’m havingthe best time with the band as they drive me home. Link and Seth are just as fun to be around as Miles. The three of them together must bring the girls in droves to their shows. Like Miles, Link has darker hair but bright blue eyes, while Seth has lighter hair and green eyes. Both are tall and built, with tattoos covering both of their arms. Even though they give off the rocker vibe, most of the songs tonight were country with a little bit of rock mixed in.
Miles pulls up to my apartment building a short time later and hops out before I can stop him.
“You didn’t have to get out. I think I can manage from here,” I say, getting out of the van.
“Bye, Sophia!” Seth and Link holler from the back of the van.
“Make sure to come back this weekend.” Link says as I peek my head back there.
“Will do! Bye, guys.” I shut the door and turn to Miles. “Thanks for taking me home. You can tell Travis I made it safely.”
“I’m told to walk you all the way to the door, so after you,” he says, waving his arm out.
“It’s a bit much, don’t you think?” I laugh and lead the way to the stairs.
“Not to Travis. He’s fiercely protective of the ones he cares about. He must care a lot about you.” Miles glances at me as we walk up the stairs.
“I’m not so sure about that. He’s got a lot going on with Max. I don’t think he needs anything more on his plate right now. He’s made it clear it’s better if we distance ourselves.”
“Look,” he says when we reach my door. “Don’t give up on him, okay? He’s been through a lot, and trust doesn’t come easy to him anymore. I promise you, if you’re patient and wait for him to come to terms with what he is feeling for you, you won’t find another person with a heart like Travis. When he loves, he loves hard. Just don’t rule him out just yet.”
I nod my head. I know every day that goes by, a little bit more of my heart gets invested not only with Travis, but with Max as well. We can deny all we want, but this connection we have isn’t going away like we both thought it would.
“Now open your door so I can tell Travis, who I know will come at me as soon as I get back to his house, that I saw you go inside and lock it behind you.”
I laugh and turn around to unlock my door before meeting his gaze again. “Bye, Miles. It was nice meeting you.”
“It was nice meeting you too.” He smiles and motions for me to go inside.
“I’m going,” I laugh. I go in and lock the door before I see him walk away.
I lean against it and pull out my phone.
Sophia
I made it home. Miles just left.
He immediately responds.
Travis
Good. And Sophia?
Sophia
Yes?
