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“She was a model, right? I think Austin mentioned it once.” But he didn’t talk about her much.
Come to think of it, he didn’t talk about any of his family much, including Aurora.
“Something like that,” she murmured. “Unless you have any more burning questions, I really do need to go.”
“I’m not stopping you.” The conversation had been weird enough without prolonging it.
“In that case, I’ll see you around, Noah.” I watched her take off down the street like she couldn’t get away quickly enough.
But I couldn’t resist calling, “See you back at the house, shortcake.”
Aurora scowled over her shoulder at me, almost tripping up the sidewalk as she crossed the street. For a second, I contemplated swooping in to check that she was okay. But something told me she wouldn’t appreciate my attempt at chivalry.
And I wasn’t sure I could take another dent to my ego.
CHAPTER 7
AURORA
Gruff laughter greeted me when I finally got back to the house. After yet another strange run-in with Noah, all I wanted was to retreat to my room and shut away the world.
But Connor and Austin had other ideas.
“Rory, get in here,” my brother called.
“What’s up?” I peered around the door, hoping it wouldn’t take too long.
“Settle an argument for us,” Connor said as if this was a regular occurrence. “Pineapple on pizza. Hot or not?”
“Not.”
“Thank you.” Austin slapped his hand down on the table. “This asshole is determined to get me to try his Hawaiian, but like I tell him. Every. Damn. Time. The only place pineapple belongs is decorating my piña colada at TPB’s Happy Hour.”
“Don’t even get me started on the fact you drink that shit.” I smothered a laugh, and Connor jabbed his finger in my direction. “See, even little Hart thinks her brother is a pussy for drinking that girly shit.”
“Fuck off, both of you,” Austin grumbled. “And you”—he pinned Connor with a hard look—“keep the pineapple off my pizza.”
“Okay, if we’re all done here, I’m going to head up to my room.”
“You don’t need to leave. You just got here. Stay. Hang.” Austin smiled, pulling out a chair.
“Rain check?” I said.
Disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he quickly recovered. “Sure. We might head over to Lakers House later if you want to come? They’re having a thing.”
“A party thing?”
“It’ll be nothing wild. Dumfries is in full captain mode,” Connor said. “Ella and Dayna will be there. I think a couple of Ella’s friends are going too. Maybe a few of the regular bunnies.”
“Regular bunnies?” My brow lifted. “I didn’t realize there were different categories.”
“Oh yeah, there’s a sliding scale.”
“A sliding scale, wow.”
“Yep.” He leaned back in his chair and kicked his feet up, a playful grin plastered on his face.
I liked Connor. I liked how easy he made it. No pressure. No expectation. Just easy acceptance. He treated me like I’d always been here, and for that, I was grateful.
