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.

But I do love 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 down, threatening

mood, pushing me for a real answer to his question and not letting up. I keep my eyes fixated on the doors and just smile softly.

smile wider; feelings being smoothed out when he slides an arm around my

that same skinny tomboy who hit a home run the first time I let you play baseball with

much addressing me as child, or the cute version of baby. Even sweet words and gooey

to Emma. I know you’re hot for me, Sophs, but we’re sticking with Mimmo until you’re like eighty.” He shoves into me playfully, smiling down from his taller height, and I eye roll at him, my own

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

the hots for Jake … I mean, the dude is my 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 doors slide open

of my ways and fallen madly in lust with Arrick when I met him. Not that any of it is true, and he knows that as well as I