Page 74

ME

Goodnight, Sofia. You’re a beautiful dancer.

I may not get a response, but that doesn’t matter. As long I know there’s a chance that she’s thinking about me, I’m on track to making all this a reality.

The following morning, earlier than I’d like, I tussle out of my bed with a groan. I should’ve just stayed awake. Sleeping two hours only made waking up that much more grueling.

Alpha has a chapter here in Boston, but I don’t feel like being out of Fia’s orbit, so with great reluctance, I opt for the hotel gym.

If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll steal a glance at her before she leaves for practice.

Working with what’s in the hotel gym, I settle into the stationary bike. A heavy twenty miles later, I unclip my feet from the peddles and catch my breath. Between the treadmill and the bike, there’s a bench that provides great comfort for my cool-down. When my blaring rap music lulls in my headphones, the robotic voice command informs me that Ivan Parker is calling.

Double-tapping the device in my ear, my lively brother’s voice immediately draws a smile to my face.

“Do you miss me?” Ivan asks cheerfully as I continue to catch my breath.

With a chuckle, I respond, “Don’t I always.”

“How would I know? I haven’t heard from you in almost a week.”

Guilt follows the sweat as it trickles down my face.

Ivan and I have always been joined at the hip. With only a year between us, we were inseparable growing up.

So much so, people used to refer to us as twins. With only a small difference, he’s almost over six-five and black, while I’m six-three, and not exactly sure if I have any other ethnicities mixed alongside being just white.

The twin thing only lasted until my other brother bit the bullet and had a family. We were happy to be replaced by our nephews, Marz and Major.

“I know, I’m sorry. This trip has been more time-consuming than I expected.”

It isn’t a total lie. The tour is strenuous, but it’s not the strain of flying that’s causing my absence. It’s the serenity of being in a special woman’s vicinity that consumes my every moment.

“Did Maddy end up getting you everything you needed?”

“She did. Thanks for that.”

“Looking for a new spot?” he asks, still oblivious to what I really needed his help for.

Ivan has his hands in several different pots. While real estate isn’t his main gig, our family benefits significantly from him having a broker’s license.

“Just shopping around,” I joke to save my nerves.

“You guys are off to Indianapolis tomorrow, right?”

“Checking my literary? You really do miss me.”

A humorous laugh travels from the other end, and I can just picture Ivan shaking his head.

“Do I have to send flowers and chocolates to prove myself to you?”

Damn, I miss my brother.

“You know I’m a whore for some dark chocolate and caramel,” I counter, letting our banter keep my cooling body warm.

Ivan chortles. “I’m actually calling because I’ve got to come to Indy for some investment meetings this week. I was going to see if you had time for dinner with your big bro.”

I roll my eyes. “Easyyy.”