Page 54 of From Drummer to Gamer

I nodded. “Makes sense.”

“They’ll be at the event. Speaking of which…” She flipped her phone and groaned when her eyes landed on the time. “I have a meeting for it in a few.” She twisted her lips, grimacing. “Why don’t you take the car back to Matty’s? I have a full day ahead of me, and the meeting spot is only a few blocks away.”

I frowned. “You sure? I can call an Uber or something.”

“No, I’ll be perfectly fine.”

“Well.” I stood, discarding the tissue on my plate. “It was so nice to meet you, Katy. Thank you for everything.”

“Come here,” she grumbled, pulling me into a tight hug. “The next time you thank me, you’re buying me ice cream. But it was so nice meeting you as well.”

I laughed.

“Bear with my brother if he’s being an ass,” she whispered, just before letting me go. “He’s a softie on the inside. He just…doesn’t know how to show emotions.”

I gave her a shaky smile as I nodded.

As I walked back to the car, something about her parting words played on a loop inside my head.

It clawed my heart more than it should.

It clawed my heart more than I allowed.

It ticked an intense yearning in me.

A yearning that wanted to see all his emotions.

His happiness, grief, fear, anger, and sadness.

I wanted them all.

Selfishly, to myself.

CHAPTER 13

SIERRA

I lightened my footsteps as I entered the apartment, trying hard not to let my presence be known. In case I run into a big, burly bear that would hold me hostage with his unwavering eyes or his astounding presence.

Not my day,it seemed.

Because I ran straight into him, literally and figuratively.

My forehead almost cracked in half when it clashed against his hard, muscular chest, which certainly was anything but human, given the buzz that slithered open a headache.

It was definitely made of hard rock.

“Careful,” he grumbled, clutching my arms while I tried to steady my disoriented puppet legs.

My fingers pressed against the throb that was already pulsing furiously.

“Are you hurt?” A hint of concern laced his tone, and before I could say anything, two thick, calloused fingers grasped under my chin, lifting my eyes to him. “You okay?”

I swallowed, my body finally comprehending my proximity to him. An invincible shiver electrified my veins as the heat of his body poured into mine.

My eyes slowly dragged over his thick neck, his sharp chin, pursed lips, and finally, his piercing gaze that burned straight to my soul.

My breath hitched.