Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Matthew let out a sigh. "If you're really sorry, just give me a kiss, and all will be forgiven."

Before he could even finish, Aubree had him pinned against the doorframe, kissing him. Matthew's eyes widened at the softness of her lips as her tongue playfully sought entrance. His breath quickened, and he instinctively pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. He wasn't naive; he'd seen his share of the world.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally let her go, only to hear a faint voice behind him. Turning around, he saw a man standing by a car-a mature, charismatic figure who hadn't been there before. He was flicking a cigarette, with several butts scattered at his feet, suggesting he'd been an unnoticed witness to their ten-minute embrace.

Matthew steadied Aubree, watching as the man crushed his cigarette and approached with ease, asking about her purse. "It's in the car," Matthew replied.

Andrew opened the car and found a lady's handbag. He retrieved it, then walked to the door, effortlessly punching in the code. Matthew, noticing his familiarity with the code, frowned. "Who are you?"

Andrew strode closer, taking Aubree under his wing, and said to Matthew, "Just pretend that kiss never happened. She was drunk." His tone implied that it was the alcohol talking, not her heart. Matthew gave him a once-over, a teasing grin on his face. "Uncle, are you her boyfriend?"

Andrew's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. Unfazed, Matthew casually brushed his lips with his fingertip. "Sorry, but I'll remember that kiss forever-it was my first."

in a standoff. Andrew felt a panic he'd never known before. Matthew was so young, and Aubree would meet many great men, each younger and more promising. Could he really afford to wait

gaze, Andrew replied, "Really? Thinking back to my

for Aubree to try something

guided Aubree to the door, he retorted, "Whether she changes

for dinner, shopping, movies-you know, young people stuff. You seem busy and not too into these activities,

he waved casually, "See you around." Matthew, worldly

Andrew didn't respond, simply

her home. Now, a stranger had filled that role. Andrew sensed a crisis he'd never felt before. He laid Aubree on the couch

she was in her own room with Andrew beside her, she touched her Sore lips. Relieved it wasn't darkness she woke up to, she heard Andrew ask, "Who's that young

Casey's son, apparently a fan of mine." She smiled weakly, leaning back, her eyes still