AllFreeNovel
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I stomp my foot on the tile. “Damn it, Derek. I can already tell you’re going to be a pain in the ass about this.”
“It’s good to see you too.”
“Is it? Or do you have someone coming here? Is that why you want to have the whole place to yourself?”
“No.” His tone is sharp and short.
I must have hit a nerve.
I smile at him and push my own long brown strands out of my face. “Great, so beach time with Derek,” I say dryly.
“We’re both adults. I can stay out of your way, and you can stay out of mine.”
“And what about me getting this place ready for sale?” I look around at the pizza boxes on the counter. The empty beer bottles in the sink. The trash can overflowing so badly that the lid won’t even close. “This is a big mess for someone who hasn’t been here that long.”
He shrugs. “I was hungry. Come on, Audrey, once upon a time, you and I actually hung out together. It was civil,” he reminds me.
“Yeah, it was.” Little did he know, I was always staring at him a little too long and wishing that just once he would notice me as someone other than Aiden’s little sister. But that never happened.
“I can help with some repairs if you need me to,” he says. “How long are you planning on staying?”
He’s staring at me so intently that it causes my cheeks to heat. I smile and look away. “Just for a couple of weeks. I have to be in LA for a shoot.”
“Still doing that personal trainer thing, huh?” He throws the statement out there the same way my parents did when they first learned what I was doing—spending my time working with individuals who are either wanting to get stronger or wanting to lose weight.
It took off for me. The videos I used to shoot and place on YouTube found their way to Beachbody, who hired me as a super trainer and nutritionist. When I’m not working on getting workouts together for them, I’m training soccer players from the North Carolina Courage, a local National Women’s Soccer League team. But everyone assumes I’m just playing around on YouTube because I heavily use social media to market my fitness groups, still place videos up, and even do live Q&As. I’ve found my fans really want to learn about me, so I do my best to be vulnerable and open, all while instructing them on nutrition and fitness.
“I am. Still doing that rock-star thing?” I throw back at him.
“Touché,” he replies.
My brother and Derek had their share of naysayers when they were putting Crave together. Most people felt they wouldn’t make it. Sure, they’re talented, but so are a lot of bands. And with my brother’s talent on bass, Brent’s on drums, and Derek’s smooth-like-honey voice, they really have something. Now it’s about three years, two albums, and one tour later, and they’re doing alright for themselves.
“So, are you out here to work on the new album?” I ask. I’ve heard rumors that Crave is in the recording studio after finishing up their tour. But Aiden hasn’t mentioned it, and honestly, I haven’t asked either.
I also heard that Derek has been seeing Serena Fox, a singer he performed a rather steamy duet with for her album. They get together and perform it as much as they can. The electricity and publicity it brings the band is worth the travel every time. Rumor has it that the chemistry between the two of them isn’t fake; they’re becoming quite the item both on and offstage.
It wouldn’t shock me if that was the case. She’s gorgeous. Serena is tall and all legs. Her large blue eyes, pale skin, and long black hair with blue streaks running through it make her an absolute knockout. She really looks striking beside Derek too; I’ve notice that from the photos I’ve seen online. And the many hours that I’ve spent Googling Derek and the band.
“No, not what I’m doing here,” he says, the sharpness returning.
I don’t bother asking about Serena, but I make a note to save that one for another day. When he seems to be in a better mood.
“Okay,” I reply, shifting awkwardly on my feet. “Well, listen, it’s been a long drive and I’m really tired. I’m going to bring the rest of my stuff in and some food for me before heading off to bed.”
He nods. “I have some food here.”
“Thanks. I think I wanna grab some of my essentials.”
He nods again. “Need help bringing anything in?”
“No, I’ve got it. Which room are you in?”
“Aiden’s.”
“Okay, great. Then I can go in my old room.”
Another nod. Then he turns and walks away, leaving me standing there.
