Too Sweet (Hayes Brothers #3)(32)

“Then why are you asking?”

He shrugs, shoving his hands in his pockets. “You’re cute. I like that you don’t let Brandon get his way. You’re intriguing, and I want to get to know you.”

“Oh, um... thank you,” I mutter, believing none of it.

“So? Can I pick you up tonight?”

“No, sorry.”

“Come on, one date. I’m not trying to put a ring on you. What’s the harm in grabbing dinner? You’ll leave if it’s not fun and no harm done. We’re not all idiots, you know?”

“I’m sure you’re not, but—”

“Mia, you alright here?” Six rounds the corner, emerging from a side corridor. “Come on, we’re on a tight schedule.”

I send Finn an apologetic smile. “I have to go.”

“Yeah, okay, but think about it. I’ll find you later.” He winks before strutting away.

“What did he want?” Six asks as we fall into step toward the recording studio.

“He asked me out.”

“Shut up!” he yells, pushing me away playfully. “No way, you little liar. You’re not his type.”

I’m a bit taken aback by his disbelief. He knows I’ve been out on a few dates, but he’s acting like I just grew a second head. “How would you know what his type is?”

“I see him at the frat parties. You’re not the type any of the football guys go for, Mia. You’re too... soft.”

Don’t you just love when people judge you by your style? I love pretty dresses, but that doesn’t mean I’m soft. I’ve always taken care of myself, growing up without a mom, because Faith Harlow wasn’t cut out to be a parent. She was overwhelmed by the responsibility, too young to appreciate kids.

She was only sixteen when Aisha was born. She tried to suck it up for a few years, but just when she started to regain her independence, I happened. An unplanned accident that destroyed all her plans.

She bailed, craving the life she never had because she got pregnant at fifteen.

Dad did his best to juggle his career and raise two daughters, but he wasn’t around much, traveling the world with his F1 team. The person who was supposed to be responsible for me and Aisha—our grandad—battled alcoholism until he died four years ago. I’ve endured years of bullying, ridicule, and humiliation, but I never let any of that define me.

Am I socially awkward? Sure. It’s hard being the life of the party when I’m excluded at every turn. I’m an introvert by necessity, not choice. I’m quiet, wary, and weird, but I’m not soft.

“So? What did he want?” Six inquires when I come in the recording booth, dropping my bag.

“I told you. He asked me out.”

“Fine, let’s say he did. You know there’s some hidden agenda there, don’t you? Don’t be stupid, Mia.”

“Of course, because no one could possibly be interested in me otherwise,” I clip, putting the headphones on.

“Hey, don’t get upset. I didn’t mean it that way, you know? I’m sorry, it’s just that—”

“Put the music on.”

He shuts up, the words wiped off his lips. A second later, the beat starts in my ears, and words flood my mind.

TWELVE
Nico

TOBY MADE HIMSELF COMFORTABLE at Aisha’s place, which she shares with her little sister. They invited a few friends over for board games tonight...

Maybe it’d be wiser to stay home, away from Mia, but I’m not fooling myself. I want to see her again.

I need to see her again.

The triplets are attending yet another frat party, so I’ve got a range of solid excuses at the ready. I should keep an eye on Mia for Cody. Yeah, that’s cool. It’s nice of me, right?

Wrong. Bullshit is what it is.

I just can’t shake this girl. The more I get to know her, the deeper I sink. Her mindset, personality, cleverness, and talent draw me in more than her body ever could. I hop in my car around seven in the evening, and ten minutes later, I ring the doorbell. Anticipation tingles in my neck—yet another reason I should’ve stayed home.

Mia’s getting under my skin.

Fuck that. She’s already deep under my skin. I need to stop seeking her out to save us both the misery.

After all, I’m not blind. I see how she reacts to me, and the fact my brother wants her makes everything about this situation fucked up.

Shit, even if Cody was still just her big brother by choice, Mia’s not what I need. She’s gullible and trusting. Innocent... oblivious to the monstrosities of the world.

I’d bend her to my will without an effort. She’d let me. She’d dance to every tune I’d play, and that’s a big no. I need a woman who won’t let me get away with shit I can’t control.

“Hello there, baby boy,” Aisha chirps, letting me in. “Glad you made it.”

She leads me across the hallway into the open-plan living area. An off-white grand piano partially hides floor-to-ceiling windows. A Yamaha, just as Mia said.

How fucked up is it that I want to order a bright yellow model C for her? I overheard Cody say it’s Mia’s favorite color, and a Steinway would fit perfectly in this space.

Toby sits in one of the two identical navy wing chairs, and Adrian’s sprawled on the five-seat leather sofa with some woman, but no sign of Mia.