Page 49 of From Drummer to Gamer

It had tournament-level mechanics that felt so smooth, like satin gliding off my fingers. And I couldn’t get enough of it.

Then I’d go make Matty his coffee and breakfast. An act that brought a certain gleam to his eyes. It made my heart happy when I finally did go to bed.

My brows furrowed when I came to the sight of Matty, standing by the windows with a flicker of a smile dancing on his lips while he peered at a girl, a few inches shorter than him with luscious blond hair cascading down her waist.

My stomach burned like a coil flame.

This was the closest to a smile that I’d seen on his pretty face.

And it was for someone else.

A girl.

I willed my feet forward, and as if sensing my presence, Matty looked up. I didn’t know if I was imagining things, but the flicker of his smile softened when his gaze bore down on me.

“Sierra,” he called out, his voice holding the same gruff tone. “Come here. Meet my sister.”

His sister?

My spine jerked when the blonde snapped her attention toward me.

A slow smile spread across her beautiful lips, and her eyes, the same shade as her brother’s, gleamed under the bright sun seeping through the window.

“Hi,” I mumbled, stepping forward as I straightened my hair. I hoped Matty had given me a heads-up that she was coming in today because I was pretty sure I looked like a dork with a pimple patch on my chin. I was so used to being with the boys that I hardly cared about the way I looked. They didn’t bat an eye at my messy pj’s or makeup-free face. But that was a different story when it came to new people. My mother taught me better.

Katy Evans was a vision. Even in her matching sweatpants and tight T-shirt combo, she looked gorgeous, her skin glowing and clear with full lips and bright eyes.

“Sierra.” She smiled, pulling me into a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

I prayed to all gods of heaven that I didn’t smell like stale Cheetos amid her sweet rose perfume.

“Nice to meet you as well,” I said, mustering a poised tone.

“My brother tells me you need a dress for the event,” Katy said. “You free tomorrow? You would look amazing in gold. The color will make your eyes pop.” Her gaze zoned in on mine.

Upon closer inspection, the green in her eyes didn’t have the amber specks that Matty’s did.

The twins had similar features but were distinct enough to tell them apart.

“Yes,” I answered her, knotting my fingers along my hoodie. “I’m free tomorrow.”

“That’s great. I’ll pick you up at nine.”

“Sierra wakes up late,” Matty added.

Katy frowned. “Oh, is that so? Then let’s make…”

“No,” I interjected, flushing. “I can do nine.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind switching it,” Katy offered politely.

“I’m sure. I’ll be ready. Thank you so much for taking me,” I said softly.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I love shopping.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Somehow, I didn’t feel it was directed toward me. But still, I didn’t want to linger any longer.

“I’m gonna get myself some coffee.” I poked my thumb toward the kitchen and quickly darted out of there.