Chapter 3
Ariel nibbled her lip, hopping out of the car and flinging herself into Simon’s arms like she was auditioning for a soap opera.
She fake–sobbed, eyes glistening with crocodile tears.
“Simon, I swear, a dog bit me, and then I got jumped! It’s been a total nightmare!“Clinging to him, she shot a teary glare at Joanna.
“Bro, it’s her! That nobody totally came at me!” she shouted.
Simon glanced at Joanna, staying quiet. His eyes narrowed just a bit.
Ariel knew her big bro always had her back. They were seniors at Harvenridge Institute, same grade–Mom had Ariel skip a year just so Simon could keep an eye on her.
Simon was the guy. Total heartthrob, part–time model, already gracing magazine covers at eighteen.
His charm was next–level; girls‘ gifts for him could fill a landfill.
But Ariel knew, no matter how many girls swooned, Simon only cared about her.
Any chick she didn’t vibe with? Simon wouldn’t give them a second glance.
Grinning to herself, Ariel latched onto his arm, waiting for him to roast Joanna.”Simon, she messed with me! You gotta put her in her place!”
“Hey, that bag looks heavy. Need a hand, gorgeous?“Simon cut her off, flashing a cocky smirk at Joanna.
Ariel’s jaw dropped.“Simon?!”
Simon’s lips twitched as he gave Joanna a once–over. ‘Well, damn. Where’d this girl come from?‘
She looked like a stiff breeze could knock her over,
‘But hot damn, she’s a stunner,‘ he thought.
Her tiny waist, slender wrists, and neck like a damn ballerina made her look like she’d snap in a strong breeze.
She came off so gentle, Simon figured Ariel probably steamrolled her without a second thought.
Those big, doe–like eyes and her nervous, twitchy energy? Yeah, to Simon, she was clearly scared out of her wits.
Simon was a sucker for a pretty face, and this one? She hit different.
No makeup, no fake energy–just pure, like a flower fresh out of a pond.
He shook off Ariel’s grip and sauntered over to Joanna, grabbing her suitcase with one hand like it weighed nothing.
He dropped his voice, flashing a warm grin. “You friends with Ariel? I’m her brother. Stoked to meet you.”
Joanna wasn’t impressed. She barely glanced at him, clearly not feeling the Newburn vibe. With a little huff, she turned away.
Simon didn’t sweat it–his smirk just got softer, all bad–boy charm in the sunlight.
1/2
Chapter 3
‘She’s shy,‘ he thought. Too cute to even look at me.
In a crowd of girls chasing his attention, she stood out–a sweet, innocent spark, completely clueless about her own charm.
Unlike the others he’d dodge, this girl? He was ready to chase.
So, Simon dialed up the charm, tossing out small talk, asking about her day like they were old pals.
Ariel was losing it.
She stared at her empty hand, reeling that Simon–her Simon–had just brushed her off.
Brushed her off? That was a first, and it stung like crazy.
“Simon’s my brother!” Ariel snapped, practically jumping. “What’s your deal?!”
Simon just plopped a hand on her head, pushing her down like she was a yappy chihuahua, all while keeping his eyes on Joanna with that easy grin.
“Yeah, I’m her brother,” he said. “But I can be your brother too, you know? Call me Simon. So, uh, you and Ariel have some beef or what?”
Joanna flicked her eyes at him, her voice soft like a kitten’s purr.”No beef.”
Simon, still holding her tiny suitcase, chuckled. “Sweet! No beef means you can swing by anytime. You know, kick it as friends.”
“No beef,” Joanna said, her voice light but sharp. “But I just broke her finger.”
Simon’s grin froze, his brain glitching. “Wait… say what?!”
Chapter 4
