"Are you guys alright?" I turned toward the voice, my gaze landing on a tall man with dark, tousled hair and a sharp jawline. Maria's elbow nudged me, silently reminding me to stop staring. "Yeah, we're good, that's Alex," she replied. Tyler looked puzzled. "What was that guy's deal?"

"I don't know, but he was a complete jerk earlier. I ditched him at the bar," I said, earning a chuckle from Maria. "You're skipping the part where you accidentally stepped on his foot with your heel," she teased.

"He had it coming; he was acting like a real a**," I retorted playfully. Alex let out a whistle. "I wouldn't want to get on your bad side."

Caught in a trance, I found myself mesmerized by the striking figure before me, snapped back to reality by another jab from Maria's elbow and a whisper in my ear, "You're drooling," followed by giggles.

Maria stepped forward, introducing us. "Sophia, meet Alex. Alex, Sophia."

"Hi," I greeted awkwardly, offering a wave. Maria continued, "Alex is Rae's brother." I glanced at Rae, trying to discern any resemblance. She smirked as if catching onto my thoughts. "Half-brother, and a pretty annoying one at that."

"Come on, sis, is that really how you see me?" Alex quipped, draping an arm over Rae's shoulder, earning a swat from her in response.

"Anyway, catch you guys later," Alex said, heading out the front door and jumping into a car with a girl, speeding off.

Rae noticed my disappointment and turned to Maria, her tone more serious. "You didn't tell her."

"Tell me what?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"I didn't want to ruin the fun," Maria replied innocently.

Rae turned to me, shaking me slightly. "Sophia, you absolutely cannot fall for my brother."

"Why?" I inquired.

"He's trouble. I've seen too many girls, even friends, fall for him and end up heartbroken. I don't want to see you hurt," Rae explained, her concern evident.

Touched by her care, I reassured her, "Don't worry, I was just momentarily taken by his looks. Besides, I won't be bumping into him all the time, right?"

"Yeah, he's not around us that often," Maria added.

Turning to Rae, I tried to reassure her further. "See! it'll be fine"