Malea’s POV
“Lucian! Help me zip up my suitcase?” I called from the bedroom. Lucian didn’t go to work and instead spent the day packing with me. I jumped onto the large black suitcase and waited for Lucian.
Lucian walked out of the closet with two hangers in his hands, the one on the left with a three piece suit and the other with a really expensive looking black suit. “Which one of these will your parents like the most? The Ferragamo or the Armani?” He looked up from his choices with worry in his expression.
I hopped off the suitcase and took both hangers from his hands and placed them on the bed. I leaned in and pressed my lips to his. He relaxed into the kiss and wrapped his arms around my waist. I pulled away and looked into his eyes, a small smile tugging at my lips. “My parents are casual freaks and aren’t the most knowledgeable when it comes to formal wear. And besides, I recommend you opt for casual clothing. Its hot in California.”
Lucian placed a kiss onto my forehead. “What would I do without you?”
I pulled away from him and ushered him to my suitcase that was nearly bursting at the seams. “Now. Help me zip this up.” I jumped back onto the suitcase and Lucian leaned in to zip it up by placing a hand on my thigh to steady himself and the other on the zipper.
After he helped with that, and we were absolutely sure we finished packing everything we would need, we went downstairs to watch a movie. Halfway through the movie, I realized something. “Did you buy a plane ticket?” I asked, turning in his arms so I could look up at him.
Lucian raised an eyebrow. “What for?”
I rolled my eyes, annoyed with his nonchalance about the whole situation. “The flight to California. Have you bought your ticket yet? Because I haven’t bought mine and we could buy it at the same time so we’ll be on the same flights.”
Lucian pulled me closer to himself. “What’s the need for buying a ticket to a public plane when I have my own private jet?”
“I’m not even surprised.” I dipped my hand into the caramel popcorn bowl and threw a handful of it into my mouth. I stood up from the couch so I could go and get my laptop.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“I’m getting my laptop so I can book a flight before the prices get too high.”
“Again I say, I have a private jet so why buy a ticket?” Lucian chuckled and pulled me back onto his lap. “No need to book any flight. You’re coming with me.”
***
I miss California so much. True, I didn’t miss the hot, humid air, but the air felt like home. I missed the palm trees and the feel of energy in the air. I hopped off the plane with my luggage, Lucian in tow. He insisted that he carry my luggage but that wasn’t going to happen.
My mother told me that my brother would be here to pick us up from the airport so I kept my eye out for Rhys. I felt so comfortable in my sweatpants but I knew I looked a mess from the 5 hour flight.
“Do you see him?” Lucian asked. He also was in a pair of joggers, a loose white tshirt, and Nike roshes, but he made it work. He looked a sportswear model whereas I looked like I just woke up. I tried to ignore the fact that almost every woman was looking at Lucian longingly.
“Not yet.” We made our way out of the terminal and to the main area where families stood with signs and smiles. I scanned the crowd for my brother’s bright red hair but couldn’t see him. Lucian tapped my shoulder and pointed to the far left corner. My brother stood there with a large sign saying ‘Malea Hayes and Lucian King.’ How could I have missed him? He stood at least 5 inches taller than when I last saw him 8 months ago and his red hair looked more vibrant than ever and he looked like a man now. I felt a tear gather in my eyes.
Then we begun making our way over to Rhys. “His red hair is so cool. How come you were born with really dark brown hair?”
I shrugged. “Mom is blonde, dad is a brunette. Recessive gene took over and Rhys was born.” I turned to Lucian to make sure he was still listening. “Literally Rhys is the only one in my family with red hair and everyone else is either brunette or blonde.”
Before Lucian could respond, we already reached Rhys. He dropped the sign and pulled me into a hug. He pulled away from the hug to look at me, a large smile on his face. “Mali. I missed you so much! Are you okay? I heard what happened and almost shit my pants.”
I scrunched up my nose and playfully ruffed up his hair. He tried to duck but didn’t make it as my hand sent his hair in different directions. “I’m fine, Rhys.” I turned to Lucian and took his hand. “This is Lucian.”
Lucian shook Rhys’s hand while Rhys looked Lucian up and down condescendingly. “You’re the rich guy Malea goes on and on talking about.” I slapped Rhys’s arm. “You better not hurt her or else I’ll-”
“Okay, Rhys. No need to threaten my boyfriend just yet. At least wait for dad and Cam before you start harassing him.” I hissed before rolling my eyes.
Lucian laughed. “No don’t worry about it. This is standard protocol for meeting the family.”
Rhys raised an eyebrow in question. “Are you saying that you’ve met many of your girlfriend’s families?”
“That didn’t even make any sense, R. Now, where is the car? My arms are aching.”
“I could carry one of your bags for you.” Lucian offered.
“I can handle ’em.” I shot him a grateful smile. Rhys began to lead us out of the airport. He turned around and shot me a sly grin.
“Hey, Mali. Guess who’s waiting in the car right now?” Rhys asked as we made our way over to the large family van that was waiting outside.
“Who?” I asked. My mom told me only Rhys would pick me up. “Is it Zoya? Because she told me she had her drivers test today and couldn’t come.”
“Guess again.” Rhys said but I didn’t have to guess anymore because I could see who was waiting next to the car. Adam.
Without thinking, I dropped my bag and flew into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me tighter to himself. He then stepped back from me and looked me up and down. “Wow, Mali. You look amazing.”
I rolled my eyes but still felt myself blush at the compliment. “Sure. I look like I just rolled out of bed.” He looks amazing. His blonde hair looked a lot fuller and his blue eyes looked brighter than ever.
“You might think that, but I beg to differ. Were your eyes always this beautiful?” He grinned and I couldn’t help but smile back.
“Its been so long, Adam.” I pulled him into another hug. I heard someone clear their throat. I jumped away from Adam. How stupid am I? I looked over at Lucian who stood uncomfortably with his and my luggage in his hand, his face tight with an emotion I couldn’t depict.
“Adam, this is Lucian King, my boyfriend. Lucian, this is Adam McCullen. We used to be really good friends back when I used to live in California.” Lucian stepped forward and shook Adam’s hand a little harder than normal.
“You are one lucky man.” Adam smiled tightly and something passed between them as they stared each other down.
“Are you guys going to stand there and secretly plot against each other, or are you going to help get the luggage inside the trunk?” Rhys asked with an eyebrow raised.
“I’ll help.” I offered, already dragging mine and Lucian’s bags to the back.
“Babe, I’ll handle it.” Lucian took the suitcases form my hands and pressed his lips onto mine. He placed his hand on my lower back and deepened the kiss. Adam cleared his throat. Lucian continued the kiss for a beat longer before dragging the suitcases to the back.
I felt my face flush as Adam walked up to me. “We might as well get inside the car. We could catch up while they finish up at the back.” I nodded and began making my way to the back seat.
“Malea and I will sit in the back. Adam can sit up front.” Lucian said before I could get in.
“I’d rather sit with Malea so we can catch up.” Adam challenged with his arms crossed and his blue eyes set in persistence.
“Thanks for that offer, but no thanks. I’ll be sitting with my girlfriend.” Lucian said, his deep voice beginning to sound irritated. I have to stop this before they bite each others head off.
“I think it’s best if I sit with Lucian.” I said. Adam nodded once, his eyes hardening as he watched Lucian usher me inside. What’s going on with them?
Rhys shut the trunk and got into the drivers seat and then we were off to the house.
“So, Adam. Is Francesca still living in San Fransisco?” I asked, leaning forward so I could get a better look at him while we talked.
“No. She moved to Nevada. She actually heard that you were going to visit and she’s driving into California to see you tomorrow.” Adam grinned, his blue eyes lighting up with interest.
“How is she? Is she still dating Kenya?” I asked and wiggled my eyebrows playfully.
Adam laughed. “Yeah. They’ve been together for a long time. I’m thinking Francesca might pop the question sooner or later.”
How exciting! “What about you? How’s Candice?”
Adam’s smile wavered for a split second. “We broke things off about a month ago. She moved back to Illinois with her family.”
“Seems like everyone’s moving away.” I said sadly although it was so true.
“Yeah. I still keep in touch with her though.”
“So Rhys. How old are you?” Lucian’s voice cut through the conversation. I almost forgot he was still here.
Rhys glanced back for a second before returning his attention to the road. “I’m 18. Turning 19 next week.”
“Oh shit! I totally forgot you and Cam are having your birthday next week!” I exclaimed.
“Are Cam and Rhys twins?” Lucian asked.
I turned to face him and nodded. “Fraternal but they both managed to be annoying even though they claim they’re complete opposites.” I turned back to face the front. “How come Cam didn’t come?”
“He has a doctor’s appointment but he should be home before we are.” Rhys turned into an exit on the highway.
“So, Lucian. You work in King Enterprises, right?” Adam asked, turning around to face Lucian who was busy texting someone.
Lucian looked up from his phone and a cocky smile made its way across his lips. “I don’t work there, Adam,”
“Aw, that’s too bad,” Adam said before Lucian could finish.
“I own King Enterprises,” Lucian said as if it weren’t a big deal. Adam’s jaw dropped open but he quickly shut it and gritted his teeth together in annoyance.
The rest of the ride was spent talking about old friends and overall catching up.
Soon enough, Rhys pulled into our driveway and turned off the car. “We’re here.”