~Joan~
“I’m going to miss this place,” Rhoda mourned as we both packed our bags.
Even though I would never admit it out loud, I knew I was going to miss it here too. The building and the -memories.
Speaking of which, I had quite a handful. Aaron and I… Well, we’d been sneaking around lately to avoid being seen by either Rhoda or his girlfriend.
And goodness, the library was my favorite spot.
“Are you sure it’s the house you’re going to miss or your boyfriend? ” I asked and she pouted.
Now, here is my answer.
“I’m going to miss him. I won’t see him for the next two weeks till he visits New York, ” she muttered and I hummed.
Just like I’d predicted that night, Lucas had asked Rhoda to be his girlfriend that night and she’d said ‘Yes’.
Lately, she spends the nights at his house, though Aaron wasn’t at all comfortable with the idea at first. He was left with no choice.
After all, she had no idea I was banging her big brother. Our relationship would be ruined if she found out, that was one thing for sure.
But then again, I was finally having a story. I was going to leave with one.
The door to our room was flung open and I turned around just as Rhoda did. Angelina stood at the doorway, a scowl on her face as she took both of us in.
“Jet has arrived, we’re leaving in five minutes, ” she muttered, shooting me a glare before storming off.
I pursed my lips. Wow.
“That’s surprising. Let me guess, Aaron forced her to,” Rhoda said and I chuckled.
That much was obvious because Angelina wasn’t the kind of woman who’d inform us that we’d be leaving soon. And as for the glare… I’d let it slide.
Rhoda led the way and I followed, dragging my luggage behind me.
When we got to the sitting room, it was surprising to see that neither Aaron nor his girlfriend was there.
My mood immediately soured just as a thought occurred to me. What if he was banging his girlfriend against the wall with his hand over her mouth or fucking her from behind?
I had no right to feel downcasted whatsoever because we’d both agreed it was a no-strings-attached relationship. We fuck and we leave.
No cuddles, no whispers. But why does the thought of Aaron fucking another lady make me uncomfortable?
“You’ve informed Shayne about your switch to romance, right?” Rhoda asked, dragging my thoughts off the path that led to destruction.
I blinked.
“Right?” She raised a brow and I pressed my lips together, tucking a strand of my blonde-dyed hair behind my ear.
Well, Rhoda and I had gotten quite a do-over yesterday and dyed our hair. Rhoda had gotten a hot pink that was a far cry from her natural brown hair and me? I’d gotten blonde.
It was safe to say Aaron hadn’t seen us yet because we returned pretty late after our shopping and all.
Rhoda clasped her hands together, exasperated.
“Jo, you haven’t? We know how strict Shayne is and you writing romance instead of thriller is a no-no,” she said, her brows drawn together.
“You told me you were going to inform her,” she muttered and I shrugged.
“I just couldn’t tell her over the phone, okay? I just started writing again and I wouldn’t want her to squash it with her criticisms and all,” I rolled my eyes, but I knew Rhoda was right.
I had Shayne to face once I was back in New York and the thought of that? Hell, it made me quite nervous.
“Jo…”
“I’m going to inform her, I just need to do it in person, ” I muttered and Rhoda’s eyes softened a tad.
Of course, she understands.
“I get you, but…”
“What the fuck?” a low curse came from behind us and we whipped around to see a surprised Aaron.
But it morphed into something unreadable as fast as possible.
“What the fuck did you do to your hair, Rhoda? ” he asked, taking quick strides towards his sister. I glanced towards the hallway to see Angelina leaning against the wall with her bag in her hand and looking royally pissed off.
I refused to acknowledge the relief that I felt. Her looking pissed was better than looking freshly fucked.
“I dyed it as you can see,” Rhoda replied dryly and I turned my attention to them. Since he was taller than her, he just glared down at her like it would immediately change her hair color.
“You’re changing this,” he stated and she took a step back, glaring at him.
“No, I’m not. You don’t get to tell me what to do, okay?” she snapped and he raised a brow.
My lips curved up a little. I think I like this version of Rhoda better.
“You look ridiculous in this color,” his voice was cold. I blinked, stunned. Now, that was harsh.
I could see the flash of hurt in Rhoda’s eyes. As usual, he was stepping too far.
“She doesn’t look ridiculous in pink. What the fuck are you saying? ” I asked and those dark eyes zeroed in on me.
Taking me in like he hadn’t just walked past me a few seconds ago. We might be shagging each other but nothing has changed between us.
“I see you got a disaster yourself,” his voice was unusually chilly. His eyes traced every strand of my hair and his jaw twitched. Absolutely nothing.
“It’s called blonde, Thompson. Not. A. Disaster, ” I said, emphasizing each word.
Angelina huffed, as she walked out of the room, dragging her luggage behind her. Someone was angry.
“You’re changing that hair,” Aaron turned his attention back to Rhoda who rolled her eyes.
“I’m not. Lucas likes it, so it’s staying,” Rhoda said before she turned around and walked out.
“So it’s about him, huh?” Aaron mumbled under his breath. I knew it wasn’t something I was supposed to hear, but I did anyway.
An expression ghosted over his face and I narrowed my eyes. Was he jealous of his sister’s boyfriend now?
“I’m so done with this,” I muttered, grabbing my bag when those eyes turned to me.
“I deal with red, kitten, and red suits you better. The earlier you change that thing the better for you,” he said and without giving me a chance to respond he walked out.
I stood, stunned into silence.
Who the fuck does he think he is?