CHAPTER THREE

MIA

"I hope you appreciate what a great friend I am," Jules yawned as we crossed the front yard to Josh’s house. "Waking up at the butt crack of dawn to help your brother pack when I don’t even like him."

I laughed, looping my arm through hers. "Caramel mocha from The Morning Roast after. Large, extra crunch toppings. Promise."

She sighed. "Fine. That makes it somewhat worth it."

Jules and Josh had never gotten along, which was ironic since they were so alike—charming, outgoing, smart, and total heartbreakers.

With her glossy red hair, creamy skin, and killer curves, Jules was pure Jessica Rabbit. Meanwhile, as a proud member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee, I sometimes wished for an extra cup size—without plastic surgery.

Ironically, Jules complained about her double-Ds hurting her back. There should be a Venmo for cup sizes.

Most days, I liked how I looked, but no one—not even supermodels—was immune to insecurities.

Besides that, Jules was the most confident person I knew—aside from my brother, whose ego could house the entire East Coast with room to spare for Texas.

"I hope you realize what a great friend I am," Jules yawned as we walked across the front yard to Josh’s house. "Getting up at the crack of dawn to help your brother pack when I don’t even like him."

I laughed, linking my arm with hers. "I’ll get you a caramel mocha from The Morning Roast after. Large, extra crunch toppings. Promise."

She sighed. "Fine. That makes it slightly worth it."

Jules and Josh had never gotten along, which was funny since they were so similar—charming, outgoing, sharp, and total heartbreakers.

With her vibrant red hair, flawless skin, and stunning curves, Jules was like a real-life Jessica Rabbit. Meanwhile, as a card-carrying member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee, I sometimes wished for a little more—without resorting to surgery.

Ironically, Jules often complained about her double-Ds giving her back pain. There should be a Venmo for transferring cup sizes.

Most of the time, I was happy with my looks, but even supermodels had insecurities.

Aside from that, Jules was the most self-assured person I knew—except for my brother, whose ego was big enough to fit the entire East Coast with room left for Texas.

Josh smirked, slapping a hand against his abs. "Me thinks the lady doth protest too much. The only thing you'll be losing is—"

"Okay." I sliced my arms through the air, shutting him down before he could say something that would traumatize me. "Enough talking. Let’s get you packed before you miss your flight."

Thankfully, Josh and Jules managed to behave while we packed up the last of his things and loaded them into the SUV he’d rented. An hour and a half later, only one item remained.

I eyed the massive canvas leaning against the wall. "Tell me you’re donating this too. I don’t even know how it'll fit in the car."

"Nah, leave it. He likes it."

"Who?" As far as I knew, no one had taken over Josh’s lease yet. But it was still July—I figured the place would go fast as the semester approached.

"You’ll see."

I didn’t like the look on his face. At all.

Then, the deep rumble of an engine echoed outside.

Josh’s smile widened. "Actually, you’ll see right now."

Jules and I exchanged a wary glance before sprinting to the front door and flinging it open.

A sleek Aston Martin idled in the driveway. The door swung open, and out stepped Damien, effortlessly gorgeous in jeans, aviators, and a black button-down with the sleeves rolled up.

He removed his sunglasses and swept a cool gaze over us, completely unbothered by the impromptu welcoming committee.

But I wasn’t feeling particularly welcoming.

"That’s… that’s Damien," I stammered.

"And looking mighty fine, might I add," Jules murmured, nudging me. I shot her a glare. Who cared if he was hot? He was still an ass.

Josh grinned and clasped hands with Damien. "Hey, man. Where’s your stuff?"

"Moving company’s bringing it later." Damien glanced at Jules, who studied him with open curiosity.

Besides Josh, Damien was the only guy who’d never fallen for her charms. That alone made him infinitely more interesting to her.

Jules loved a challenge—probably because most guys fell for her before she even had to say a word.

"Wait." I threw up a hand, my heart pounding. "Moving comp—you’re not moving here."

"Actually, he is." Josh slung an arm around my shoulders, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Meet your new neighbor, little sis."

I whipped my gaze between him and Damien, who looked completely uninterested.

"No." There was only one reason Damien Cole would leave his cushy D.C. penthouse for Hazelburg, and I’d bet my new camera it wasn’t nostalgia for his college days. "No, no, no, no, no."

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes," Josh countered, grinning.

I shot him a glare. "I don’t need a babysitter. I’m twenty-two."

"Who said anything about babysitting?" He shrugged. "He’s just looking after the house for me. I’m moving back in next year, so it makes sense."

"Bullshit. You want an eagle's eye on me."

Josh’s expression softened. "It doesn’t hurt to have someone you can rely on, especially with this whole thing with Liam."

I tensed at the mention of my ex. Liam had been blowing up my phone ever since I caught him cheating over a month ago. He’d even shown up at the gallery where I worked, begging for another chance.

I wasn’t heartbroken—we’d only dated a few months, and I hadn’t loved him—but the situation had dragged up all my insecurities. Josh was worried Liam might take things too far, but let’s be real: Liam was a trust fund baby who wore Brooks Brothers and played polo. No way he’d do anything that might mess up his perfectly styled hair.

Honestly, I was more embarrassed I ever dated him than afraid of him.

"I can handle myself." I shrugged off Josh’s arm and turned to Damien, who had been scrolling through his phone, ignoring us. "Call the moving company and cancel. You don’t need to move here. Don’t you have... stuff to do in D.C.?"

"D.C. is twenty minutes away," he replied, not even looking up.

"For the record, I fully support you moving in next door," Jules chimed in. Traitor. "Do you mow the lawn shirtless? If not, I highly recommend it."

Damien and Josh scowled in unison.

"You." Josh pointed at her. "Do not pull any of your shenanigans while I’m gone."

"It’s adorable how you think you have a say in my life."

"I don’t care what you do with your life. It’s when you drag Mia into your harebrained schemes that I have a problem."

"Newsflash: you don’t have a say in her life either. She’s her own person."

"She’s my sister—"

"She’s my best friend—"

"Remember when you almost got her arrested—"

"You have to let that go. That was three years ago—"

"People!" I pressed my fingers to my temples. Dealing with Josh and Jules was like wrangling two toddlers. "Stop arguing. Josh, stop trying to control my life. Jules, stop provoking him."

Josh folded his arms across his chest. "As your big brother, it’s my job to protect you and appoint someone to step in when I’m not here."

I knew that look. He wasn’t budging.

"I assume Damien is the stand-in?" I asked, already resigned.

"I’m not a ‘stand-in’ anything," Damien said coolly. "Just don’t do anything stupid, and we’ll be fine."

I groaned and covered my face with my hands.

This was going to be a long year.