“Emerson, please tell me where you are.”

“That’s a no for me, Parker. Enjoy your week, and I’ll see you when I get back.”

Alex

I stood there, staring at her message in anger. “That’s a no for me.” Was she serious? She and that mouth of hers was killing me. Who the hell did she think she was? A small smile crossed my lips. She was Emerson James, a fierce, not-to-be-fucked-with type of girl who did whatever the hell she wanted to. No boundaries, no rules, and not a care in the world. I didn’t know her when she was off gallivanting around the world, so I couldn’t care. But now I knew her, and I cared about her and her safety. Fuck, I cared way more than that. She had gotten under my skin and somehow into my heart. I dialed Adam to tell him his sister had left.

“Hey, Alex. What’s up, man?”

“Your mouthy and defiant sister took off and went somewhere for a few days.”

“Yeah. I know. I talked to her earlier.”

“Where did she go? She won’t tell me.”

I heard him chuckle. “Did you two have a fight or something?”

“No. Yes. Well, sort of.”

“Jesus. What is going on with the two of you?”

“Nothing. We’re friends, and I’m concerned for her safety.”

“You don’t need to worry about Emerson, Alex. She’s been doing this for eight years.”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s a young woman all alone in a strange place.”

“What are you going to do? Go to where she is?”

“Maybe.”

“Oh my God, Alex. You’ve fallen for her. Haven’t you?”

“I don’t want to discuss it over the phone.”

“Well, you have no choice, bro, because I can’t be in California. So, you better fucking tell me what’s happening between you and my sister.”

I silenced myself for a moment. I'd have to tell him if I wanted to know where she was.

“I may have developed some feelings for her.”

“Jesus Christ. You’re serious. Aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll ask you one last time. Did you sleep with her?”

“Yes.”

Silence crowded the other end of the phone.

“The two of you had a fight? You haven’t known each other long enough to fight yet.”

“I know, but she’s Emerson.”

“True, and you’re Alex Parker. The two of you couldn’t be more opposite. God, Alex. Why?”

“We can’t help whom we fall for. It’s just there, Adam.”