Libby

“Easton seems nice,” I comment next to Knox in the backseat of the SUV. We’re on our way to his brother’s house after switching vehicles twice to steer away from any possible paparazzi or fans. Knox said Easton doesn’t want people to know where he lives. “So what are the plans for tonight?”

I take in a deep breath and squirm in my seat.

What did I get myself into?

I not only agreed to hang out with Knox and Easton tonight, but I also agreed to spend the night with them. I hate being put on the spot.

“Most likely pizza and games,” Knox answers, raising his arm and resting it at the head of our seats. “We always lay low while I’m here. His girlfriend will kill me if chicks start hunting him down to get their claws in me.”

Understandable. I like this chick already. “That sounds amazing, to be honest. We need a low-key night.”

He laughs. “I think that’s what we do daily on the bus. Eat and Netflix.”

I look out the window when we stop in front of a brick ranch house in what looks like Houston suburbia. Knox lowers his hat, covering his eyes, and ducks down as George pulls in the driveway. The garage door open, and Knox waits until we’re parked inside and the door shuts before getting out. George opens his door and helps us with our bags.

“Go have yourself some fun,” Knox tells him, slapping his back. “We’re going to stay in for the night.”

“Thanks, boss. Let me know if you need anything,” he answers. “I’ll wait until you get inside before leaving.”

The floor flies open, and Easton is standing there with a bright smile and gleaming eyes. My chest warms at the love and adoration he has for his older brother. I’m glad Knox has someone like him in his life because from what I’ve heard about his family is that most of them look at him as opportunities and dollar signs.

I grab my bag, and Knox trails behind me as we walk through the door and into the house. We land straight in the kitchen, and my stomach grumbles at the delicious scent of garlic and pizza.

“Long time, no see,” a woman says, walking into the kitchen with a glass of wine in her hand. Her burgundy red hair is pulled back in a loose ponytail, and a pair of black-framed glasses takes up the majority of her face. She looks over at me with a genuine smile and holds out her free hand. “Hi, I’m Gretchen. I’ll admit, I was a little terrified when Easton told me Knox was bringing a girl with him tonight, but he gave you a good endorsement, which is surprising, considering he can be a judgmental asshole at times.”

“Hey!” Easton yells. “I only want the best for my big brother.”

Gretchen laughs. “That’s what I was trying to say.” She sets her glass down. “Come on, Libby. I’ll show you our guest room.” She goes to turn around but stops. “Are you both staying in there? Or is someone crashing on the couch?” She holds up her hand. “Not trying to make any assumptions here.”

“I’ll take the couch,” Knox says, stopping me before I have the chance to offer.

“No,” I rush out. “I can. I’m the one who’s barging in last minute, and it’s your brother’s house.”

Knox’s eyes dart my way. “I’d be an asshole if I made you sleep on the couch.”

“He does have a point,” Gretchen inputs. She leans forward to slap Knox on the back. “And who would’ve thought this guy could be a gentleman?”

“It’s when you find the right woman,” Easton says. “I was an animal until Gretchen tamed me.”

Gretchen rolls her eyes but cracks a smile at the same time. “He’s still an animal. Now let’s go get rid of those bags.”

I look around as I trail behind her to the guest room. The house is nice, but not what I was expecting. Knox wasn’t lying when he said Easton didn’t accept much except help with his tuition. The house is filled with feminine touches – flowers in colorful vases, furry pillows, and candles everywhere. I have a feeling Gretchen makes all of the design decisions here.

“Bathroom,” she says, pointing to the door as we pass it. “And here’s the guest room.” She flips on the light. It has a nice size bed, a TV, and a dresser. “There’s towels and extra blankets in the closet.”

“Great, thanks so much for having me,” I say.

“No problem at all. They usually outnumber me when we choose movies or which game to play, so I’m happy I won’t be stuck watching some ridiculous man flick.”

A knock on the door catches our attention. “I’m going to jump in the shower real quick,” Knox tells us, a stack of clothes in one hand.

“You know where everything is,” Gretchen says.

Knox salutes her and disappears into the bathroom.

“Gretchen made her scrumptious homemade pizza,” Easton says when we get back in the kitchen. “Is veggies and pepperoni okay with you?”

“I thought I smelled something delicious,” I say. “And yes, that’s perfectly fine.”

“Wine?” Gretchen asks. I nod and thank her after she hands me a glass.

“So what’s going on with you and my brother?” Easton questions.

I choke on my sip of wine.

Damn, he sure cuts to the chase.

“Seriously?” Gretchen asks. “She just walked through the damn door.”

“I can’t ask her in front of Knox, so it was now or never.”

“I work for your brother, and we’ve developed a friendship while on tour.” My answer sounds like I’m making a public statement.

“I’m a smart man. I know attraction when I see it, and I can promise you this, I’ve never seen my brother look at a woman like he does you.”

“What about Stella?”

“At the beginning, yes, but it was puppy love between them. He was young and dumb, but they were so familiar with each other it was hard to move on. They started to grow apart and realized their love was only temporary. Knox is cautious about who he opens up to now, but I can see he’s starting to with you. That means something.”

I fake a playful laugh. “I think you’re seeing things.”

“I’m not, and he might kill me for telling you this, but not only do I see it, he also confirmed it.”

“What?” I stutter out.

“He likes you. He told me himself.”

The wine glass in my hand nearly drops from my fingers.