The Carrero Heart - Beginning (Friends to Lovers)

After he’s out I lock it behind us and post the spare key in the box. Amber isn’t home and knows I’m leaving. I texted her some short and rapid thanks this morning and was met with indifference. Amber has never really spent much time with me, and rarely uses her own apartment herself, so it’s not like it’s a great loss of a friendship. Leaving this city is sadly not a loss in any way, in terms of friends, happy memories or any real life.

“Sometimes you’re bossier than Jake.” I smile at the mention of one of my favorite Carreros; although to be fair, there isn’t a single Carrero that I do not adore, as they are all pretty epic. Being back in The Hamptons means I get to see Emma and Jake again, and little Mia and Lucah, Arrick’s parents too. Might even be around to see Emma give birth to that growing bump she was developing before I left home a few months ago, and that can never be a bad thing.

I’ve missed all of them, too stubborn to think about going home to visit while in that mode of wild and reckless sorrow drowning. I haven’t wanted to see any of them, for deep down I’m ashamed of how I was living and throwing it back in the faces of the people who saved me from a vastly different life. I know I’ve behaved like an immature selfish brat, and none of them deserves the anguish and worry I have caused them. I really feel like I have started to grow up finally, as I evaluate all of this.

I’m feeling better today, sober, and more straightened out, despite my suffering. My heart less heavy after the long hours with my favorite beau, his wisdom, and cute smiles. Arrick always has a way of making me see sense, grounding me and keeping me sane when I’m free-falling. Life makes sense when he’s around to influence me, and I can never resist that squared jaw sexiness he oozes effortlessly. The ultimate poster boy for teen heart magazines right here.

“Jake and I share DNA, so that’s hardly a shock. Besides, you love Jake to death, so it’s hardly a put down either.” We work our way into the hall and towards the bank of shiny modern elevators. I hit the button for this floor and wait patiently. I lucked out when Amber insisted I move in with her. Having rich friends has its perks, even with my own bank account hardly on the light side. One thing the Huntsbergers made sure of was that I was always able to feed myself and afford somewhere to live. Even if I have been estranged for almost three months and shaming my family no end; they never cut me off.

“I love you more.” I state seriously, devoid of my usual sparkling wit, and turn away from his instant warm smile, towards the chrome doors of the elevator. I have told Arrick a million times that I love him in the last six years, but somehow, this morning, it feels awkward suddenly, maybe because I’m emotional and insecure as we prepare to go home again. Maybe because this past year we have grown apart, become distant, and this is all new again in the last twenty-four hours. It just doesn’t come out as breezily as it always does, and the sudden pang in my chest is completely new and unnerving.

you.” Arrick’s gaze is steady on my face, watching me closely as the doors ping open, much to my relief. I shrug as a way of an answer, throat closing with raw emotions moving up inside of me and that heavy ache deep

I keep my eyes fixated on the

smile wider; feelings being smoothed out when he slides an arm around my shoulders snugly. We

still that scrawny kid in beat up sneakers that you refused to give up, the one I taught to ride a bike. Still that same skinny tomboy who hit a home run the first time I let you play baseball with us and knocked it out of the park. Nothing changes any of that. Mio Mimmo.” He kisses me on

childish pet name for me, despite the smile. The fact he is pretty much addressing me as child, or the cute version of baby. Even sweet words and gooey feelings can’t dampen how much it annoys me to still be addressed that way by him, a reminder that he is five years

until you’re like eighty.” He shoves into me playfully, smiling down from his taller height, and I eye roll

Really? I’d like to say you were my first crush, but I think maybe Jake beat you to that for like five minutes, so you can’t even get that title.” I grin his way mischievously, giggling childishly as he grips his chest in a mock pain

brother and way too old for you. I’m like totally heartbroken here! I always thought it was you and me forever, kid!” Arrick grins, lets me go when the

always teased him about being hot for Jake as a prepubescent teen, always joked I had then seen the error of my ways and fallen madly in lust with Arrick when I met him. Not that any of it is true, and he