Page 49 of Movers and Fakers

“I’d like that, sir, though I don’t think I can live up to Eric’s praise,” Hayes replies.

“Wait,” Eric interrupts with a wide smile. “Did you drive here?”

My brows furrow. Hayes lets out a knowing chuckle.

“I did.”

“Your McLaren?” Eric asks.

Hayes dips his chin in reply.

“Can I see it? I want to take a few pictures to show my friends.”

Hayes pulls the keys out of the pocket of his dark jeans and tosses them to Eric, who catches them with an awestruck expression.

“Have a look inside. Take it for a spin if your parents are okay with it.”

“Really?” Eric breathes, then looks to our dad, who shrugs.

My brother rushes to the front door, practically sliding in his long Nike socks.

“Wait, Hayes, I don’t think this is a good idea.” I step closer to him, a coil of worry winding through my stomach.

“It’s no big deal,” Hayes says with a good-natured grin.

“He’s cracked the screen of every device he’s ever owned,” I say as I think of all the ways Hayes’s expensive car could be ruined by my little brother. “One time he ran into a pole while walking because he was playing Clash of Clans.”

Hayes laughs and pulls me into his side again, placing an affectionate kiss to the crown of my head. My face heats at the knowledge that my parents are watching.

“It’s just a car, Princess. As long as he comes back safe, I don’t care what happens to it.”

I look down at my shoes. The sparkling white pair appeared at the door to my apartment yesterday morning with my name on the box.

“Is it as easy for you to replace a car as it is to replace shoes?” I mumble under my breath, making him laugh again. The sound fills the room with warmth, and I bite my cheek to keep my smile at bay.

“Not quite, but I stand by what I said that night. It’s not for you to worry about.”

His words are a new concept to me; hearing them feels similar to how I felt my first day of freshman year. Uncertain and out of place. My parents did their best to make sure Eric and I didn’t want for much of anything. They sacrificed a lot, but they weren’t the greatest at hiding the struggle to do so. I found myself spending a lot of time worrying over how they would make ends meet while paying for our activities. Now that I’m in college, I alternate between concern for them and for myself.

Hayes’s suggestion that something isn’t for me to think on or fret over … I don’t even know what that looks like, much less how to embrace it.

“I like you already, Hayes,” my mom says from the kitchen.

Me too, I find myself thinking. And the thought sends my heart skipping like a rock across a lake.

Chapter twenty-four

Relaxed

Hayes Rosewood

Aurora’s family cares about her. A lot. In the kind of way that makes the average parent seem mediocre and the below average almost evil. They dote on her, compliment her, and ask detailed questions about every area of her life. Never with any agenda other than making sure she’s happy.

The only unfortunate thing is that their definition of happy and Aurora’s definition look a little different.

“I’m so glad you’re starting to date and get out. We’ve been so worried about you,” Aurora’s mom, Andrea, says. They’re in the kitchen putting warm apple cobbler and vanilla ice cream into bowls while the guys are in the living room. I’m sure Andrea meant for only Aurora to hear those words, but the living room and kitchen are open concept and small. Aurora’s brother and dad are both watching the Homewood Lions game, but I’m more focused on what’s going on behind me.

“Now you don’t have to worry anymore,” Aurora replies.