Page 34 of Rush

The doorbell buzzes again, and Philippa glances over her shoulder.

“Is that Dad?”

I hesitate, shaking my head. Philippa throws me a look of understanding.

I didn’t invite him. I’m not ready to talk to him—not after the argument we had. The album launch afforded us a polite setting to exchange forced pleasantries, but after what happened with Alex...his presence would be a reminder of everything I wanted to forget.

Riley darts to open it.

“What smells good in here?” His warm deep voice booms from the entrance.

Broderick.

My heart does a little skip that takes me my surprise.

I wipe my hands on a tea towel and head to the living room to find Broderick standing there with beers in hand, he’s changed out of his suit from earlier, now looking casual butgorgeousin a dark T-shirt and jeans.

Riley arches a brow at me but says nothing.

It’s like I’m standing under her spotlight, heat pressing into my skin.

“Oh! Brody, you’re off work earlier than usual?” Philippa says, surprised scuttling over to hug him.

“Yeah, lucky enough to score an invite from the Songbird herself—couldn’t pass it up,” he teases, smirking.

“It’s good to see you both finally getting on.” A wide smile spreads across Philippa’s face.

Riley snorts, we all look at her.

I shoot daggers at her and Broderick gives me a knowing smile. Philippa glances between the three of us brow raised—but says nothing.

We’re locked in an awkward moment of silence when Andrew emerges from the bathroom down the hall. “My man!” He grins, pulling Broderick into a hug. “When did you get back?”

“The other day.”

They discuss work briefly but I’m too aware of his presence, remembering how he’d come to my rescue earlier today. It warms something in me. But before I can overthink it I return to the kitchen, busying myself.

“Hey,” he says taking a spot beside me, leaning on the counter, like we hadn’t already seen each other today.

“Hey.”

I can hear Andrew and Riley arguing over the entertainment system, but its drowned out by the thumping in my chest.

From the corner of my eye, Broderick’s gaze is fixed on me as he watches me chop some cucumber.

My chest flutters, heat rising up in my cheeks. I sneak a peek up at him, his eyes now sweeping the apartment, then lands on me again, lingering.

“That smellssogood.”.

“Chicken Adobo,” I say, watching his brow lift.

“Nothing sexier than a woman who knows how to cook.” His tone threaded with amusement and something darker.

“I’m a woman of many talents, Brody.”

“Yeah,” he murmurs, eyes glinting with that familiar mix of mischief. “I’m starting to see that. What are you making?”

“Ensaladang pipino,” I say, stirring the bowl. “Filipino cucumber salad. Coconut vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, red onion—simple but balanced.”