The silence Alex left behind didn't last long.
Footsteps echoed from the staircase.
I looked up just as a boy appeared at the top, one hand sliding along the railing as he came down.
Mr Cole's posture shifted immediately. His shoulders relaxed, and his expression softened.
"This is Sebastian," Mr. Cole said proudly. "My second son."
"Seb," he corrected gently. "Everyone calls me Seb."
He stepped fully into the light.
Brown hair, slightly messy like he'd run his hands through it. Glasses sat low on his nose, the lenses kept catching the light and hiding his eyes…..until he pushed them up.
His eyes were green.
When he smiled, it was soft, as his dimples pressed into his cheeks. And just behind that smile….small fangs peeked through, making him so attractive that it made my stomach flutter.
I hadn't expected him to be…so cute.
He turned to Mom first, offering his hand.
"You must be Marianne," he said. "It's really nice to finally meet you."
Mom hesitated, then shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you too."
Seb's smile widened. "You're even more beautiful than Dad described."
Mom blinked, caught off guard and smiled. "Oh…thank you."
Then his eyes shifted to me.
"And you must be Evelyn."
He stepped closer, holding out his hand.
I froze for a second before taking it.
His grip was gentle.. It lingered just long enough to feel intentional, but not uncomfortable.
"I'm really glad you're okay," he said softly. "We heard what happened. That must've been terrifying."
He was too smooth.
I nodded.
Mr Cole beamed. "Seb's the scholar of the house. Straight A's. Never missed the honor roll."
Seb laughed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Dad, stop."
"No," his father said. "I'm proud of you son."
Seb shrugged. "If Evelyn needs help when she starts school, I'd be happy to tutor her. Especially math. Most people struggle with that."
School?
"That's… very kind of you," Mom said calmly.
Seb tilted his head toward me. "You'll like it here. Estrella has great schools."
I swallowed.
Before anyone could say anything else, Mr Cole glanced around.
"Where's Drew?"
Seb sighed. "In the garage. He's been there for almost an hour."
We were still talking when…..
The side door opened…followed by footsteps.
I lifted my head…..
…And my breath caught.
A boy stepped inside, wiping his hands on a rag streaked dark with grease.
His shirt hung loosely over one shoulder. He had perfect abs, and a very slim waist.
His dark hair fell into his eyes, damp at the edges.
He didn't look at us.
Didn't even glance our way.
He crossed the room without acknowledging anyone, heading for the stairs.
Something about the way he carried himself made my skin prickle.
My throat went dry.
"Drew."
Mr Cole's voice cut through the room.
He stopped and sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw.
"What?" he groaned. His baritone echoed in the room.
He didn't turn right away.
When he finally did, his eyes lifted..and landed on me.
His eyes made my chest tighten. Green or blue eyes. I wasn't sure, because it reflected both colors.
"This is Andrew," Mr. Cole said firmly. "My first son. He's in senior year. About to enter college."
Drew crossed his arms over his chest, widening his broad shoulders.
Mom straightened, forcing warmth into her voice. "It's very nice to meet you."
Drew didn't respond.
No greeting. No smile. Not even an effort.
Just dismissal.
Seb stepped forward slightly. "Drew, relax. You don't have to be like that."
Drew turned to him.
"And you don't have to pretend," he said.
Seb cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing between us.
Then, Drew's gaze flicked back to me.
His Adam's apple moved when he swallowed. And his stare….was dangerous.
This is wrong, I told myself.
You don't get to notice things like this.
I wish he could stop looking at me like that.
"Don't get too comfortable," he shrugged. "You're going to hate it here."
And with that, he turned. And walked up the stairs.
Mr Cole straightened, clearly displeased. "Drew. Be respectful."
"Sure," he waved it off.
I realized my hands were shaking.
Seb laughed too quickly to ease the tension.
"Well," he said, clapping his hands together. "Ignore him. He's always like that. Zero people skills."
He turned to Mom with an easy smile. "Welcome. We're glad you're here."
Mr. Cole cleared his throat. "Yes. I apologize for that."
He looked at me gently.
"You'll be starting school tomorrow, Evelyn," he added. "We'll make sure everything is arranged."
Tomorrow?
Seb leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"Don't worry," he said softly. "I'll help you out. You'll be fine."
He smiled, and then he winked.
I smiled back….but it felt weak.
Because my mind wasn't on school.
It was upstairs.
On blue eyes, and baritone voice.
And a warning that still rang in my ears.
Don't get too comfortable. You're going to hate it here.