Comeback (The Holland Brothers Book 3)

After a long practice, I shower and change at the apartment, then head out of my room to find Brogan. I don’t know what the plan is for tonight yet, but I’m ready for a night out.

He’s in the kitchen with a beer already in hand.

“What’s the word?” I ask, running a hand through my still damp hair.

“Last minute party at Slade’s house.”

“For real?” A burst of excitement hits me. I was expecting another night at the bar or maybe a small party here, but I’m practically giddy at the thought of going to Slade’s house. His parties are unreal. And just what I need.

At the end of last season, he moved from his massive penthouse apartment to a custom home that’s even bigger. He’s been a Maverick for many years, amassing a lot of friends in the area. The man doesn’t know how to throw a small, simple party.

“Is London coming?”

“Yeah.” He huffs a laugh. “Are you kidding? She’s more excited than I am. She’s getting ready now.”

I grab a beer from the fridge and twist off the cap as my mood lifts. It’s been a long week and I plan to cut loose tonight.

Is that cologne? Brogan sniffs the air around me and then a wide grin takes over his face.

I push him away playfully. “Fuck off.”

I discreetly dip my head to my chest and check. Two spritzes, just like normal. He’s fucking with me.

Brogan cackles. “No shade. You smell nice. Little sister, tell Archer he smells nice.”

His gaze lifts over my shoulder and I swivel around to see Sabrina standing a few feet behind me. My pulse picks up speed. It’s been almost a week since I helped her clean the studio. It’s hard to say if it’s our busy schedules that have kept us from seeing each other or the fact I’ve been subtly avoiding her.

Now I remember why.

My mouth goes dry as I take in her outfit. Short skirt, crop top. Her hair is in loose waves and her lips are coated in bright red lipstick. Fuck. I don’t know where to look. She’s fucking hot. I mean she’s always hot, but tonight she’s dressed to kill.

And I think I might be her first victim.

“You smell nice,” she says, those red lips parting with a grin.

“Thanks,” I say, the word coming out gruff. I clear my throat. “I didn’t know you were coming too.”

She walks farther into the kitchen. Her perfume or shampoo, something fruity, hits my nostrils. She smells nice too, but I don’t say that. My gaze travels over her, taking in every detail. A gold bracelet wraps around her right wrist. A tiny charm dangles from it, too small for me to make out.

“Brogan didn’t leave me any choice. He said parties at Slade’s house were life-changing.” She shoots a glance at her brother.

My brows inch up and a rough chuckle escapes. “I don’t know if I’d go that far.”

Wild, over the top, fun. All out madness. But maybe not life-changing.

“Don’t let his blasé attitude dim your excitement,” Brogan says, then he smirks. “And the cologne is good. Maybe you’ll bring back a nice, young woman who can cheer you up. You’re awfully broody lately. Turning into Knox right before my eyes.”

I scoff. I have never been compared to Knox. My brother is sullen and moody or at least that’s how he was before he met his fiancée, Avery.

But Brogan’s not wrong that I’ve been a little on edge. It turns out it was a lot easier to function when Sabrina was the enemy. The more time I spend with her, the more I seem to forget that she’s my best friend’s little sister. He’s turned his life upside down just to get to know her. I doubt he’d be thrilled to know I’ve spent most of the last week fantasizing what she looks like naked.

If I’m broody it’s because I’m in blue ball hell.

“It’s true. When’s the last time you hooked up?”

I clear my throat and glance at Sabrina, blatantly ignoring Brogan’s question. “Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?”

“Oh, I’m not bothered. I could use some life-changing excitement.”

Brogan’s brows lift. “Not sure how I feel about that, little sister.”

She laughs, the sound too quiet for me to hear, but the way it lights up her face does something to my stomach. That and the thought of her hooking up at a Slade party. More than one of my teammates, (honestly, probably all of them) would be happy to be the one to help her out with that.

We ride over to Slade’s together. Brogan drives and I end up in the back seat with Sabrina. I’m starting to understand her quirks and tells, and right now she might be nervous.

I watch her as we pull up the long driveway. Her lips part as she stares out the window, taking in the big house lit up on the mountainside. It’s quite a sight even for me and I’ve seen it dozens of times. It’s the kind of house that screams opulence and extravagance and, above all, fun.

Brogan is beside himself, giddy about the party and Sabrina tagging along. It hits me again how much he wants to have a close relationship with her. He wants to know her, share experiences and plan for a future that includes her in his life. I want him to have that too. Which is why I decide to let go of the past and my anger at her for running off all those months ago and then coming back like nothing happened.

Most of it was already gone anyway. Since she moved in, she hasn’t done anything to warrant my suspicion. The more I get to know her, the better I can see her beyond Brogan and the pain she caused him.

Basically, I’m choosing to believe she means well. If she’s playing a long con, then I guess I’ll just have to be as surprised as anyone else.

We’re greeted by Tripp and Merrick as soon as we step into the kitchen.

“Me and you.” Tripp points a finger at Brogan. “I need redemption at flip cup.”

“Don’t make me embarrass you so early in the night.” One side of Brogan’s mouth quirks up and he slings an arm across London’s shoulders.

Tripp scoffs. “You had some sort of drunk super focus last time. I want to play while you’re still sober.”

“All right, if you want to start the night off with a beating, that’s on you.” Brogan flicks his gaze to me and Sabrina.

“Are you cool to stay with Arch for a bit?” he asks her.

“Sure,” she chirps up immediately. She’s clutching a bottle of red wine in her hands because she refused to show up empty-handed.

They depart, taking the chaos with them and leaving us standing around looking at each other.

“You don’t have to babysit me,” she says and signs.

“And you don’t have to pity hang with me.”

We stare at each other a beat longer, then both laugh.

“Do you want something to drink?” I ask her.

“Yeah. That would be great.”

She sets her wine on the counter with a dozen other bottles. Her gaze roams around the house like she’s taking in every detail. The marble staircase, the double ovens, and a refrigerator so big that Slade could probably fit inside it. The entire place is extravagant and beautiful.

I grab two beers from the fridge, then offer one to her. “Or I can mix you up something. Uncork the wine.”

“This is fine,” she says as she takes the beer. Her stare goes back to scanning all around us. There’s still a hint of nervous energy about her, but she looks excited too.

People are hanging in groups on the first floor. The back of the house is open to the outside. There isn’t a spot in this house that isn’t something to marvel at, but the roof really is the best part.

She glances back at me as I’m sliding the bottle cap in my pocket.

“Why do you do that?”

I freeze, pulling my hand out, cap free, like I’ve been caught. “Better than tossing it on the ground.”

Her stare narrows. “There’s obviously another reason. I noticed you do it, even at the apartment.”

I sigh. “It’s dumb.”

Someone shouts, “GET NAKED!” behind her and she doesn’t even glance back. She’s obviously not going to let this go.

“They get lost in recycling if you just toss them in separate from the bottle. If you put them in a steel can and recycle them that way, it’s better for the environment.” The back of my neck pricks with awareness as she stares at me like I have two heads.

“So you save them and then put them in a can?” she asks it slowly, like she’s certain she heard me wrong.

“Ummm…yes?”

Her lips curve into a smile.

“My mom did it at the bar and it stuck with me.”

I did warn her it was dumb. I tip my head toward the outside. “Let me show you around.”

Sabrina nods and moves with me, back to scoping out the house instead of me. It’s a big house, but there are still areas where it’s hard to push through the crowd. Cool fingers press against the back of my arm. I pause and look back and find Sabrina’s hand touching me. She gives me a shy smile as she fights to stick with me.

Reaching back with my other hand, I pull her arm through mine and draw her close so we won’t lose each other. Her fruity shampoo invades my nostrils, and the position has the back of my arm now flush against her chest. She gives me a grateful smile and I do my best to ignore the electric current zipping through me.

Instead of going straight up to the roof, I lead her to the wine cellar. I have a feeling she’ll get a kick out of it.

She doesn’t question me as I clearly go in the opposite direction of the party. Hanging a right before the steps, we walk down a dark hallway. She doesn’t need to keep holding on to me now, but neither of us lets go.

I push open the heavy, oak door for her. She peers past me, but doesn’t walk in.

“What is it?” Her sudden hesitancy makes me grin.

“You’ll see.” I step in and motion her forward.

The lights flicker on, illuminating the space. Wine bottles line the walls as far as you can see. A long table stretches out in the middle of the room with a big, crystal chandelier hanging above it. I don’t totally understand the table. I guess it’s for inviting over fifty of your wine-drinking friends.

I don’t hear the gasp that leaves her lips, but I see her mouth form an “o.”

“Right?” I ask.

“I can’t believe I brought him a bottle of wine,” she mumbles as she walks farther in. She lifts one hand like she’s going to run it over the glass case but then drops it. I stay where I am, watching her. She looks like she belongs in a place like this. That long red hair and that sexy as fuck outfit.

Brogan was right. I’ve been on way too long of a dry streak, and now the one woman I absolutely shouldn’t be lusting after is starring in my fantasies.

After we check out the wine cellar, we head outside. Here we’re able to walk without pushing through a crowd, but Sabrina doesn’t let go of my arm. I lead her to the stairs and up onto the roof, pausing when we reach the top.

Her expression is exactly what I hoped. Eyes wide, lips parted. The wind blows her hair around her face, and she doesn’t even seem to notice.

“Woah,” she says finally.

My grin widens. “Right?”

Her brown eyes stop scanning the yard and she turns her attention to me. “I have no other words. This is…”

“Yeah. I had the same reaction the first time I was here.” We start walking again. I lead her over past the pool where two couples are playing chicken and others stand around watching. It’s not uncommon for people to be making out all around these parties, but it’s early enough that I only spot one.

A rookie on the team is going at it with some girl like they can’t get enough of each other. She’s on his lap, legs wrapped around his waist and arms draped over his neck, and his hands are splayed out along her back.

Sabrina takes it all in, still holding on to me as we walk. I stop near a large firepit. It’s usually a popular spot at the end of the night, people sitting around and talking, but it’s vacant now.

She looks at the empty seats, then turns to face me.

“Are you purposely keeping me away from the hot tub because Brogan told you to look out for me?” she asks with a hint of amusement.

“If you want life-changing, that’s definitely the spot, but no.” I jut my chin to motion behind her. “This is the best view on the property.”

She glances over her shoulder like she’s not sure if I’m being serious or not, then turns to fully take it in. Sabrina is quiet as she looks out to the mountains and the desert land. Saguaro cactus and ocotillo as far as the eye can see. “Thought you might want to see it before it’s too dark.”

We’re quiet as we both stare out at the view. She’s the first to speak.

“It’s beautiful and also a little creepy.”

“Creepy?”

“Yeah, the desert freaks me out. Rattlesnakes, bobcats, mountain lions.”

“Don’t forget the scorpions and bears.”

Her eyes widen and she nods. “You’re making my point for me. Are we safe up here? I mean…” Embarrassment creeps into her features. “Have you ever seen any desert wildlife at one of his parties?”

A small chuckle escapes me. “Nah. They don’t want up on this roof any more than we want them here.”

She nods but doesn’t look that convinced.

“Stick with me. I’ll keep you safe.”

Sabrina and I continue around the party, stopping and talking every few minutes with teammates or friends. I introduce her, when necessary, though most of the guys have met her before. Everyone came out tonight. As I expected, no one wanted to miss a party at Slade’s house.

When I spot the host, I lead Sabrina over to him.

“Hey, man.” He holds out a hand and I clasp it in mine, then he pulls me toward him and speaks quietly. “I feel like I might have missed something important. You and Six’s sister?”

Slade’s gaze moves to Sabrina behind me.

“No.” I tell him with a shake of my head and free myself from his grasp. I angle my body, so I can see them both. She holds up a hand and wiggles her fingers.

“Sabrina, this is Slade. Mavericks’s center and owner of this rooftop palace.”

“We’ve met,” she says. “Nice to see you again. Your house is insane.”

“You should see the master bedroom. Waterbed, fireplace, and all the walls are one-way windows. What do you say, Hot Six?” He winks playfully.

“Waterbeds kind of freak me out. I get motion sickness easily. I think I’m gonna have to pass.”

Her response catches me off guard and somehow makes me like her even more. I bark out a laugh as Slade’s expression morphs from cocky to taken aback.

“Alright, I got you,” he says, holding up both hands defensively. She gives him a haughty smile in response. “Holland is a sexy motherfucker, but you can’t blame a guy for trying to steal you away from him.” He scowls at me. “You young bucks get all the ladies.”

I roll my eyes. “We’re just…roommates.”

Sabrina looks at me, cocking one brow slightly.

It’s Slade’s turn to laugh now.

“You come find me if this one doesn’t get his head out of his ass.” After tossing out that parting barb, Slade moves on to harass someone else.

Jesus. I need to drink faster. I chug what’s left of my beer.

“Sorry. I started to say friend and then I panicked.” I offer her a sheepish smile.

“We’re friends-ish. Getting there anyway, I think.”

I nod. I don’t usually picture my friends naked, but minor detail.

“I need another drink. What about you?” I ask.

She glances down at the bottle and shakes it like she’s forgotten it was in her hand. “I’m good.”

I don’t move.

“You don’t have to watch over me.”

“Yeah, sure.” I scoff.

If it were possible to level me with the annoyed glare she’s giving me, she would.

“Slade just propositioned you right in front of me,” I remind her.

“I can handle myself.”

I still don’t budge, and she rolls her eyes.

“Yes, I would love another drink,” she says in an overly dramatic fashion.

“I know that was sarcasm, but I don’t care.”

Her laughter isn’t audible over all the other noise, but it spreads through my chest like wildfire anyway.

She walks with me back to the kitchen. In the short time I showed her the rooftop, the crowd inside has easily doubled. I grab two beers for myself and Sabrina. Just outside of the busy kitchen where people are coming and going for drinks, we pause.

“So what now?” she asks, leaning against the wall.

“Well, there are a lot of options.”

“Like testing out Slade’s waterbed?” she asks, batting her lashes innocently. I truly can’t tell if she knows the effect she has on me and this is her idea of torture or if she’s unaware of what it does to me.

“I thought they gave you motion sickness?”

“They do,” she says. “Doesn’t mean I’m not curious now.”

Someone bumps me from behind and I step forward into Sabrina. One hand presses into the wall above her and the other holding my beer, rests against her hip. I stare down into her brown eyes. They’re lined in black tonight. She’s always sexy but all done up like this, like she was hoping someone would notice and appreciate the extra effort, has me wanting to be that guy.

“Want me to take you back to Slade?” I barely recognize my own voice. It rumbles deep in my chest. My thumb lifts from around the can of beer and swipes gently across the bare skin just above her hip. The contact should remind me who she is and why this is a terrible idea, but all it does is make me want more.

Her pupils widen and I feel the chill that wracks her body. She shakes her head so small I almost miss the movement. Her long lashes flutter as her gaze drops to my mouth.

I’d blame it on the atmosphere and Slade’s mention of his bed if I hadn’t already been thinking how much I’d like to kiss her basically since the first time I saw her.

I wanted to hate-kiss her at first, sure, but I still wanted to kiss her.

I’m still staring at her slightly parted lips when Sabrina squeezes my forearm. The small contact sends a jolt of lust down my spine. Fuck. Is she thinking the same thing I am?

She does it again, this time a little harder, and her lips move. It takes a second for me to realize she’s trying to tell me something. She tips her chin up and looks over my shoulder. I spin around. I’m usually better at knowing my surroundings, but to be honest, I forgot where the hell we even are.

Graham stands in front of me. His usual arrogant smirk on his lips.

“Sorry, Holland. I was yelling, but I guess you couldn’t hear me.” He waves a hand around his left ear while staring at mine. I resist the urge to flinch under his scrutiny or give him some asshole comeback, though plenty are on the tip of my tongue.

“What’s up?” I ask. Sabrina has come to stand next to me and Graham isn’t shy about sliding his attention to her.

“I don’t think we’ve met,” he says to her and holds a hand out. “Walker Graham.”

“Sabrina,” she says. The reluctance she shows before placing her hand in his makes me smile, though she does eventually.

“The infamous sister. I’ve heard a lot about you, but the guys failed to mention just how gorgeous you are.”

I scoff. No one failed to mention it. In fact, most of the team has very much enjoyed giving Brogan shit over how hot his sister is.

Sabrina’s smile is brittle as she pulls away from him.

I drop my hand to her waist to guide her away from this douchebag, but he sidesteps at the same time I do.

“Do you guys want to play a game? We were just rounding up a few more people for Truth or Drink.”

“Seriously?” Sabrina asks like she expected a bunch of professional athletes to be above dumb drinking games.

The only thing that’s changed about the parties as I’ve gotten older are the houses. From basements and garages in high school to frat houses in college and now mansions.

“We were just about to head outside.” My fingers still linger against her soft skin.

“So were we. A little night air, a little booze, a little dirt-sharing among friends.”

As if he’s my friend.

“Aww, come on, Holland. It’ll be fun. Unless you’re afraid of looking bad.” His head tilts to one side. “I gotta be honest, you’re the last guy I’d expect to punk out on a friendly drinking game. Maybe you have more freaky skeletons in your closet than I thought.”

Graham never outright insults me, but the hits land just shy of being downright pathetic.

I hold my hand out indicating he should lead the way. “Fine. Let’s play.”