“There was no—youknow what? If it helps you sleep at night.”
Hina grins at me through the mirror. “Can’t blame me. You snuck back in through the balcony looking likethat.” She waves the end of her brush up and down.
Right. The robe. Unbrushed hair.
Makes sense, of course.
“Please tell me you can’t see my bra.”
“Nope,” she pops theP. “But if it helps, you got nice tits.”
“Amazing,” Both of our phones buzz.
Sharing a look, I grab mine.
“I can’t go downstairs looking like this,” she groans. She isn’tdone doing her makeup, but it being blended is a win.
Laughing, “At least you look better than me right now.”
She gives me the middle finger on our way down.
Everyone sits in the living room. Last night’s silence is replaced with boisterous energy.
My heart stumbles when I see Dean. His chest exhales deep and steady, broad shoulder releasing tension.
“Nova,” Rhys calls me over to sit next to him.
One last look at Dean and the empty spot to his right, I gnaw at the inside of my cheek.
Dean gives me a small, reassuring nod. His lips tracing inaudible words.
It’s okay.
“You have to know how terribly sorry I am for last night,” Rhys turns to face me, apology written all over his face. “But Ihateorchestras. You have to explain to me how that’s on your list.”
Google search how to reject a kind man without his ego taking a boost.
“There’s something I need to talk to you?—”
“Actually,” Rhys interrupts and talks away.
I find Dean hiding his amused smile.
Love starts with roots.
A romantic at heart, this Dean of mine.
I’m used to my family being gentle with me. I’ve always been the baby of the family and honestly, I’ve loved every moment. But the way older siblings explain things to you like you’re stupid and can’t understand a coherent thought will always trigger me.
Dean managed to undo a bit of it this morning.
“Nova?” Rhys follows my gaze. “Oh.”
I snap out of it. “Sorry, what were you saying?”
Lock in, girl.
He bores an understanding expression, then smiles. “Nothing, just that Austin’s here.”
