Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In front of Andrew, Aubree felt a shiver run down her spine. She had come to terms with the fact she had kissed Matthew a few minutes ago, but she hadn't expected him to be so open about it. And now, he was cheekily asking how she'd make it up to him. "Aubree, how about a movie date today? Think of it as payback for stealing my first kiss," Matthew suggested with a grin.

Aubree stayed quiet, so Matthew turned to Andrew with a confident smile. "Aubree's big brother would agree, right? She's twenty-five; it's about time she started dating."

He made no secret of his intentions, taking Aubree's hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "And if movies aren't your thing, I've got plenty of other fun stuff planned."

Just as he finished speaking, they heard the crash of a vase hitting the floor, scattering roses everywhere. Andrew bent down to pick up the pieces and accidentally cut his finger.

Aubree hurried to find a broom but realized she didn't know where anything was, not even the first aid kit. Andrew stood up, his voice a bit rough. "No big deal. If you want to go out, just go."

Blood dripped from his finger onto the floor and the shattered porcelain. There was no way Aubree could just leave him like that. Without a first aid kit, she used a clean strip of cloth to wrap his wound. "I'll take you to the hospital."

The cut was deep and kept bleeding, looking like it might need stitches. As Andrew passed Matthew, he heard him say, "Wow, bro, didn't think you'd be so hard on yourself."

Andrew paused but didn't reply. A moment later, Matthew caught up with Aubree, still beaming. "I'll drive you guys."

them piled into the same car. Aubree and Matthew sat up front,

looked at his injured hand, almost wishing the cut was worse so Aubree couldn't ignore him. Aubree chuckled during

mirror, locking eyes with Andrew. "Age is just a number," he said, leaving it

and Matthew continued their lively conversation. Matthew always knew how to make Aubree laugh. She remarked, "It's hard to believe you're only eighteen; you seem more experienced than me." Matthew

walking just a

Jealousy gnawed at him as he looked at his hand, eyes burning red. The doctor stitched fim up with five

if movies aren't your thing, how about a hike tomorrow? A bunch of us young folks are going. We start at two in the morning to catch the

knew Aubree well;

compared to staying by his

Aubree asked the doctor,

infection, and remember

turned to Andrew. "Let's

remained silent. He was swamped with work at Clements Corporation, which was expanding rapidly, leaving him with barely