Page 5 of Winning Brynn

"Thanks," I deadpan. "You don't look so hot yourself."

His dimples flash in my periphery. "I always look hot."

With a ball cap pulled low over his head, to hide his infamous long hair, and a light waterproof jacket wrapped around his body, my brother is as inconspicuous as he can be for one of the best soccer players this country has ever produced.

Even so, we're beginning to attract some lingering glances and hushed whispers from the people we pass.

"We need to get out of here before the circus starts," Alex says, taking me by the arm and dragging me through the airport.

I probably should have had one of my girlfriends pick me up, but the lease on my apartment expired while I was in London, and I was hoping to guilt trip my brother into letting me stay with him until I find another place.

I have no idea how he'll respond to the news that I'll be gate-crashing his bachelor pad, but he'll get over it. I'm his baby sister, and he's never been able to say no to me.

"Looks like I traded one rainy city for another," I say as we finally step into the frigid winter air, harsh sheets of rain falling down on us.

"Good to be home, isn't it?" He grins, pulling me through the parking lot until the headlights of his Bugatti Veyron flash as it unlocks.

The temperature is only just above freezing, and I feel it through to my bones. My hoodie does little to keep out the January chill, and I shiver aggressively as I slip into the passenger seat, grimacing at the water dripping off me and onto the stark-white leather. "The Seattle Strikers are paying you too much," I tease through rattling teeth.

Alex pushes the button for my heated seat then reaches into the backseat for a coat before draping it over my knees. "Nah, they know what I'm worth."

"I'm sure."

"So, am I taking you back to your place?" he asks, the engine roaring to life.

"Um, about that."

His brow drops instantly at my tone. "What?"

"I don't really have a place anymore, so I was hoping..."

"Nope." He shakes his head. "Don't say it."

Batting my eyelashes at him, I give him the look I've mastered over the years to get what I want. "Can I stay with you?"

"Goddamnit, Brynn."

"I'm not that bad, am I?" I school my features into a sad expression.

"Oh, hell no, don't look at me like that, Brynn Bear." My lips slip into a pout as my gaze falls to my lap. "You know I can't say no when you pull out the sad eyes."

"Please," I beg, my voice sweet as cinnamon.

"Fucking hell." He sighs, clenching his eyes shut as we stop at a red light. "Fine. Yes, whatever, you can stay."

I let loose a short squeal of victory and perk back up in my seat. "You're the best big brother ever."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." He rolls his eyes. "So, what happened to all your shit from your apartment?"

"I had a company pack it up. It's in storage now, so I'll just have what I need delivered to your place until I find somewhere new."

"You're a pain in my fucking ass, you know?" he says, but his tone is thick with affection.

"I know." I smile.

"And you're a spoiled brat."

"I know that too."

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