“I don’t date. There’s no need to expand?—”
Drew snorts. “I fall in love too quickly. Married the first girl I ever dated. And you avoid it like the plague.”
Sebastian shifts, runs a hand through his hair, and scratches the back of his neck.
“We’re different,” he says tightly.
“Yes,” Drew agrees. “But it’s more than that.”
“Don’t.” Sebastian holds up his hand. “Don’t start on the unresolved childhood trauma.”
He turns abruptly and heads for the door, muttering about grabbing the rest of Drew’s luggage.
Drew sighs and steps into the living room.
He looks tired. Recently divorced tired.
Well, that was awkward.
Time to introduce myself. Smooth the tension.
I pop out from behind the plant and tap lightly on the glass with a bright, welcoming smile.
Drew screams.
Like—full, high-pitched, horror-movie final girl scream.
I tap the glass again, just in case he didn’t see me clearly the first time.
The coffee machine slips from his hands and crashes to the floor with a catastrophic clatter.
“Oh my God!” he yells, backing up. “What—who—WHY?—”
Sebastian comes running in from outside. “What the hell?—”
He stops short when he sees me.
I step inside, waving.
“Ivy,” Sebastian says evenly. Dangerously calm. “What are you doing here?”
I ignore Sebastian’s rudeness.
Turning to his brother, I stick out my hand. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”
Drew presses a hand to his chest. “Jesus Christ. I thought you were—” He stops. “Who are you?”
“Ivy Hart,” I say brightly, my hand still extended. “I live three doors down. Welcome to the neighborhood.”
He shakes it automatically, still pale. “I’m Drew. Sebastian’s brother.”
“I know.”
Sebastian’s jaw tightens.
Drew blinks. “You… know?”
“Oh, yes. You’re going to be staying here for a bit.”
