Page 75 of Just My Type of wrong guy

“And Bia…”

“That’s where I can’t help. I’ve never really understood why you two drifted apart.”

Alex frowns, looking at me like I’ve just committed a crime.

“I didn’t drift. Her dad died, and Beatriz shut the world out. I couldn’t keep chasing her forever.”

“Well,” I shrug, standing up as the flight attendant gives us the green light to disembark, “you’ve got the whole three-month tour to work it out. I hope it doesn’t take long, though.”

“Why not?”

“You know. It’s bad for the band when my girl is fighting with Guilherme’s girl,” I say with a wink, dragging my tongue across my bottom lip. Her jaw drops. Alexandra closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

“I’m going to throw you out of this plane, Anthony!”

***

She didn’t throw me out of the plane. And forty minutes later, we pull up in front of Guilherme’s house. The moment the car stops, a song in Portuguese blasts from inside, our official welcome.

“My favorite thing about this house — and now, about Brazil in general — is this mix of chaos and comfort,” I say as Hammer steps out of the car behind us, scanning the area. We’re in a posh gated community, but my bodyguard insists it’s necessary.

“I expected nothing less from the place where the chaotic Vicious Bonds meets,” Alexandra jokes.

“And what’s with that fake little smile, huh?”

“What fake smile?” she asks, stepping away from me — but my hands find her waist, tickling her.

“Okay, okay, stop! You know, A.J...”

“God, I already told you, Dani’s going to love you,” I remind her, throwing an arm across the back of her seat.

“You only say that because she loves you,” she shoots back with a sharp look, just as Hammer returns to the vehicle and signals we’re good to go.

“I’m just the other friend, and I don’t want her thinking I’m here to steal her spot or something,” she adds as we climb out of the car.

Outside, she slips into my arms, the cold always catches her off guard and freezes her in place. Doesn’t matter if it’s five below or a mild sixty degrees.

“Don’t stress about Dani, my heart’s big enough,” I say, tapping the intercom.

Alex pulls away just long enough to elbow me, then grabs onto me again.

“I’ll freeze out here!”

“No, you won’t. We’ll find you more layers. And if everyone’s out back — which they probably are, judging by the music blasting from inside — you can wear one of those knee-length coats.”

“Finally!” Dani opens the door with a huge grin, wearing one of her classic tops — this one saysSmall boobs, big heart. I don’t even laugh. I’m used to it. But Alexandra shoots me a glance and barely holds back a laugh. “Guilherme said you’d be here this afternoon. I was about to go pick you up myself,” she says, wagging a finger in my face — and that’s all it takes for Alexandra to slip out of my arms faster than I’d like.

“And you must be the famous Alex!” she beams, turning to the girl now shrinking under all the attention.

“‘Famous’ is a bit much...” Alex gives a shy smile — but it’s not enough to stop Dani from pulling her into the house.

“Where’s Elvis? He used to come greet me at the door,” I say, peering around for their dog.

“He’s by Richard’s side, as always,” Dani says with a dreamy smile.

“So, how was traveling with this guy?” She slings an arm over Alex’s shoulder, and Alexandra forces a smile, throwing me a look that screams save me.

I raise both hands. Dani’s like that and I warned her.

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