Page 2 of Pastel Kisses

I roll my eyes, but I don’t argue. Because at the end of the day? They’re right.

~~~~~

We don’t stay out long, returning to the hotel just after eight. None of us had the heart to drag the evening out any longer—not when every thought circled back to Avery, alone at her place.

We said we’d give her space. We promised we wouldn’t smother her, that we’d let her breathe after everything. But now, as we step through the hotel lobby, weaving through the small crowd of lingering fans, I can’t shake the restless energy crawling beneath my skin.

I need to check my phone.

Maybe she texted. Maybe she’s changed her mind and wants us to come back. Maybe—

A notification dings through our group chat.

The second I see her name, everything else ceases to exist.

The noise in the lobby, the flashing cameras, the calls of our names—they all blur into the background. The fans love it when we’re all together, their excitement practically vibrating through the air. Some are shouting questions, pushing their luck in hopes of getting a reaction.

“Jaxton! Liam! Who’s the girl from the other day?”

“She was gorgeous! What’s her name?”

“Is she your girlfriend? Or—” a pause, a knowing smirk, “—all of yours?”

I grind my teeth, ignoring the way my brothers stiffen beside me.

They don’t get answers. Not yet.

Our privacy isn’t going to last much longer—hell, I’m surprised reporters haven’t already tracked us to her house, setting up camp on her damn lawn. But this isn’t their story to tell. It’s Avery’s. When she’s ready, we’ll stand by her side and face whatever comes.

Until then, we’ll keep her safe from the spotlight.

I glance down at my phone, pulse kicking up.

Whatever Avery sent, I already know—it’s the only thing that matters right now.

Avery:Thank you for the gorgeous flowers, guys! I’m seriously spoiled. I’ve loved every single note, the flowers, everything. You have all made me feel so special since day one, and I’m pretty sure you’re trying to ruin me for anyone else.

I stop in my tracks so fast that Kam nearly crashes into my back. “The hell?” I mutter, rereading the message as the elevator doors slide open in front of us.

Liam leans over my shoulder. “Did she just thank us for flowers?”

Lennox frowns, his phone already in hand as he rereads the text. “Since when did we send her flowers?”

Kam shakes his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “Shehashad a vase of them sitting on her table for weeks now. I’ve seen them on our nightly calls. But I just assumed…” He glances at Liam, then me. “One of you guys bought them?”

I shoot him a look. “Not since the first time. And I sure as hell haven’t sent any in the last few weeks.”

Liam’s brows pull together as he shifts his weight, thoughtful. “I did once. Back when we first started seeing her. That was weeks ago, though.”

Lennox crosses his arms. “Well, it wasn’t me.”

Kam mirrors his stance. “Not me either.”

The elevator doors slide open again, and we step inside, a heavy silence settling between us.

I reread the message once more, my stomach tightening. “She mentionednotestoo.”

Liam’s frown deepens. “We haven’t left her any notes.”

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