She's Still The One: A Brother's Best Friend, Rockstar Romance Kaci Rose (essential reading txt) 📖

"Now, tell me everything you know. I’ll get this to our security team, and they’ll look into him. I'm going to come home early, until they figure it out."

"Landon, no. Dallas is here, and he didn't leave my side the whole time. We just need to start locking the driveway gate. I told him not to come back, and I promise not to leave Dallas's side, but I don't want you cutting your trip short over this."

I also don't want to cut the time I have with Dallas short. It's only four more days, but that's four days where don't have to hide anything. With my brother on edge, now really isn't the time to tell him about Dallas. I need to make a mental note to tell that to Dallas, too.

"Fine, but I'm still giving his info to security. What's his full name?"

"Branden Lewis. He said he had been in Portland for a few years, and moved for his job. Never really said where he was from."

"That wasn't a red flag?"

"Landon, you won't like my answer."

"I need the details, Austin."

Well, this is an awkward conversation to have with your brother.

"Fine. It wasn't a relationship, it was sex, just something casual. It was nothing to go a whole week and not talk. So, when he proposed at three months, of course, I freaked and left. He said he was a network specialist, but I never asked the details or where he worked. He rented a small apartment above a coffee shop in downtown Portland, and you get to say nothing about the relationship, because you’re worse than me!"

He grunts, and I know he's writing it down. But I also know he won't go into it, because this just isn't a conversation he wants to have. I remember after Mom and Dad died, he asked if they had given me the birds and the bees talk, and then he tried to give me an updated version. It was very awkward.

"Okay, do you have his address, phone number, or the kind of car he was driving?"

"Yeah, he drove an older Mercedes convertible, and it was red. I hated that car. And let me text you his number."

I pull the phone away from my ear and find his contact info and copy it and text it to Landon.

"Any social media profiles?"

"Yep." I grab the links and text them to him as well.

"I will get this to our security, and they’ll check him out. It could be something as simple as a crazy fan who was trying to get to us via you."

"I never told him about you, but I didn't hide it, and he never asked. He might have put two and two together. Dallas suggested that too, when I asked why he waited over two months to talk to me."

"Because of the tour."

"Yeah. That's our thoughts, too."

"Promise you won't leave Dallas's side, until I get home, and we hear back from security?"

"I promise, Landon."

He’s quiet for a moment before speaking.

"You’re a trouble magnet lately, aren't you?"

"Want me to leave?" I ask and roll my eyes, because I already know the answer.

"Hell no. With all this, that's the last thing I want. I’ll always take care of you, Aust always. No matter what."

"Okay, I'm sorry for waking you up."

"I'm glad you did. Now, I have some calls to make."

"Bye. Love you, Land."

"Love you too, Aust."

I hang up and feel a bit better that he's looking into Branden, because it's still not sitting right with me, though I can't put my finger on it. He lied about where he got the address. It could be a stalker fan thing. I'm sure it's not hard to get the address from public records, but that would mean he'd have to know who I was and who my brother was.

I flop down on my bed and think about last night. I don't want to be one of those clingy girls, but I do feel so much closer to Dallas, after last night. Knowing we were a first together, there’s just something so erotic about it.

In a strange way, knowing things were almost mechanical with the other girls makes me feel better about it. He's already treating me differently, and I really like it. He's always made me feel special, but somehow, he's stepped up his game.

The morning light fills my bedroom and brightens my mood, as it lightens my room.

I'm about the get up and head downstairs, when my phone goes off.

Deanna: So, I just finished that book you were reading. OMG! It's so hot, and I just bought the rest of the series.

Me: I knew you'd like it! I love all that author's books; they are the perfect sweet and steamy!

Deanna: Yes, I plan to read all her books. I couldn't put this one down. I was up all night reading it. Thank God, I have today off work!

Me: Yes, I plan to start the one you told me about today. I'm going to spend a lazy pool day with my e-reader!

Deanna: Great minds think alike! I planned to lie out in the backyard. It's the perfect day for it!

Me: I'd invite you over, but my brother won't let me invite anyone over, until he gets home. Insert eye roll here.

Deanna: He's that protective?

Me: I guess, there’s some stuff going on. Their fans are crazy.

I don't like to lie to her, but it's easier to explain this to her than going into the details of Dave and now Branden. I don't know her well enough.

Deanna: Yes, I've heard some crazy stories from other people at the label. Fans do some weird things.

Deanna: So, question. With your brother being a rock star and all, do you read any rock star romance books?

Me: From time to time, yes. I like to see how close they get it.

Deanna: I have a good series you’ll love. I'll send it over to you.

Me: Thanks. I need to go make breakfast before Dallas burns the place down.

Deanna: He can't