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“We were just looking at our new place.” Theo points behind me at the house covered in windows. “We’re moving in this weekend.”
What the hell? “You didn’t mention that the other night.”
When Carys Murphy gets pissed, she has this tiny tick in her left eye. It twitches. Just a bit, but I’ve always noticed it. And it’s twitching now. Question is, is she pissed at me for asking or him for sharing?
“That’s because I didn’t know until today.” The look she gives Theo is glacial. Good to know he’s the cause of her twitch. “Emerson’s dad just bought the place. So, everything sort of came together quickly.” She stuffs her hands in the back pockets of her shorts, drawing my eyes momentarily toward her ass. “I’m not sure if it’s this weekend or not. But the sooner, the better, I guess. Then I won’t have to live on campus for the summer session. Do me a favor and don’t mention it to anyone back home yet. I’ve got to let Mom know before Aiden finds out and tells her before me. I’m not sure how she’ll take me moving in with two guys.”
“Two?” I don’t like the idea of her living with other guys, regardless of what her mom might say. And when did any guy who isn’t me become other? When in the fucking hell did I start thinking of her as mine?
She glances at Theo, then back at me. “Yeah, Em’s brother, Jack, and Theo.”
Trick laughs like an asshole. “How many bedrooms?”
“Don’t be a dick. There are four bedrooms. And a fully finished basement with a recording studio.” She shakes her head toward Trick, and I kinda like that she called him out. It’s nice seeing her hold her own. She never puts up much of a fight in Kroydon Hills, but I’m beginning to notice she’s different here. More confident maybe?
“I’m hurt. You don’t know me well enough to call me a dick yet. Give it time, and you’d probably come to that conclusion, eventually. But still, it’s early for you to figure that out.” Trick whistles, and Wanda moves eagerly to his side. “I’m heading back to the house. It was good seeing you again, Carys. Let us know if you need help moving.”
“I’ll catch up in a few minutes, man,” I tell him before bringing my attention back to the woman who’s taken up what feels like a permanent place in my mind since I saw her on stage last week. “Show me your house.”
“Was that supposed to be a question, Cooper?” Her voice is sharp, but her smile is soft.
“No.” I slide my hand to her lower back. “Lead the way.”
She silently laughs. “You gonna tell me I’m a good girl too?”
I lean in close. “You’ve got to earn it first, baby.”
A small gasp escapes her pouty pink lips that I force myself to ignore while I think of all the ways she can earn it.
Theo doesn’t say anything but follows us up the beach.
As we get closer to the house, I scan the façade and frown. The rear wall is made entirely of windows. You can see into the whole back of the house.
That’s a problem.
“You guys are going to have to be careful. Those windows are a security nightmare. Anyone on the beach at night will be able to see right inside.”
Carys ignores me and tugs me into the house, where her roommate and bandmate are talking to Stone Fucking Madden. Holy shit.
“Hey, Coop.” Emerson pops up from the bar stool. “Is Linc with you?”
I look around at everyone in the room in shock.
Do they realize Stone Madden is standing in the kitchen?
He’s been on the cover ofRolling Stone.
Twice.
Carys elbows me. “No. Linc’s not with Coop. He and Trick were running on the beach and stopped to say hi.”
Emerson’s face falls. “Aww. Too bad. I could have introduced him to my dad.”
“So introduce me tothisguy, Emmie.” Stone walks over to me and extends his hand, but I just stand there in shock like a complete asshole.
Carys stage whispers, “This is when you shake his hand, Cooper.” She’s making fun of me, but seriously... this is Stone Madden. “I’m sorry, Stone. I think Coop’s had too much sun today.”
I manage to get it together and take his hand. “Sorry. I’m a huge fan.”
