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CHAPTER TWO
Casey
Casey squeezed intoa pair of black leggings and yanked a tight gold skirt over her hips, meeting her sheer black blouse at her midriff. Easing over to the full-length mirror, she frowned. A thick crack in the middle split her reflection in half and she shook her head.
What are you doing, Casey McDaniels? This isn’t a date!
She tore the shirt from her body and pulled the skirt down in disgust, a flood of disappointment settling in her gut. “You’re just his excuse to not have to sit and watch Mavis and Josh kiss all night,” she whispered to herself. “It’s not like he’s actually interested in you.”
Austin’s sweet and sad grin tugged at her heartstrings, an instant connection of understanding resonating in her heart from the moment they’d met in the stairway—a sense of loss and defeat she recognized only too well. His eyes said it all, reaffirming the angst and turmoil consuming his being. Sadness... sorrow...and now he has to watch his brother marry the girl he loves.
Casey shook her head, a rush of determination radiating through her body. “Just show him a good time tonight. Help him take his mind off of it,” she told her reflection. With an exhale, she tossed on a vintage Cubs jersey and slipped her feet into a pair of royal-blue flats; her big toe threatened to pop the seam.
Geez, I need new shoes.
After checking her teeth for leftover pizza in the mirror, she tugged the door open and stepped down the hall.
“Where are you going?” Mavis stuffed another piece of pizza in her mouth, her brow furrowing as she chewed.
Casey rammed a blue Cubs hat on her head and smashed her blonde curls. “Celebrating a Cubs victory, of course.”
“Oh...” Mavis’s gaze fell to the floor. “Okay...”
“Hope you don’t mind.” Austin yanked his sweatshirt back over his head and entered the kitchen. “Casey offered to show me more of the city while I’m here.” He snaked his arm around her waist.
Oh!
Her skin sizzled at his gentle touch, an ignition of fire warming her body.
He’s not interested. He’s not interested. He’s not interested.
“Sounds like a good idea,” mumbled Josh as he rose from his seat at the dining room table. “Thanks for coming to help pack.” His hand extended in Austin’s direction.
Wrinkling her nose as the twins begrudgingly shook hands and avoided each other’s gazes, Casey gulped.
No wonder he’s dying to get out of here tonight. Talk about awkward...
“Umm, yeah... have fun, guys.” Mavis drew Casey in for a hug. “Be safe, okay?” she whispered.
Casey nodded and pulled away, grabbing her purse and jacket from the table. “Don’t leave without waking me in the morning.”
Mavis smiled and stepped aside, leaving the path to the apartment door clear. “Wouldn’t dream of it, roomie. But I know you like your sleep. We’re planning to leave around nine, okay?”
Grief gripped her, the loss of her best friend weighing heavy on her heart as each footstep carried her closer to the door and away from the last night they’d call each other roommates. Her gaze fell as her vision clouded. A gentle touch on her lower back urged her forward as a whispered, “You okay?” met her ear.
Casey nodded and stepped into the hallway. The door’s latch clicked behind them, and she swiped away the sorrow filling her eyes. “This... this just sucks.”
He nodded. “I know the feeling.”
With an inhale, Casey blinked away the unwanted tears until Austin’s face came into focus. His hat shadowed his eyes, but the light-blond stubble on his chin caught the light. Her heart fluttered as she peeked at him beneath the brim of the L.A. Dodgers logo.Get a grip on yourself, Casey.With a forced smile, she gestured toward the steps. “Sorry. I’m done with the tears, I promise.”
He sighed and looped his arm around hers, escorting her down the staircase. “Let’s go forget them both, huh?” A devilish grin consumed his face, his blue eyes blazing in the dim lighting.
“I know just the place for that.”
