by Young, Alexa
“Yeah, that would be great.”
“Awww, have you two made up?” Lisa jests as I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, he can’t stay mad at me for long.” Ritchie grabs my cheek and pinches it.
Motherfucker.
I slap his hand away and shove him back. “Whatever.”
“You know you love me, really!” he yells after me as I head back to the office with a smile creeping over my face.
Chapter Six
“Here’s my favourite guy.” Laurie beams, opening the door and encasing me in a hug. I smile at her enthusiastic response. She knows how to make someone feel welcome.
“Hey, Laurie.” I breathe in her delicious scent. The woman is gorgeous—too good for Ritchie, that’s for sure. She’s five-foot-nine with long, blonde hair and a body to turn every guy’s eye. But she’s more than looks; she’s beautiful on the inside and out. She thinks a lot of me, much to Ritchie’s annoyance, but he allows it because of the lack of affection in my own life. She’s like a big sister, nothing more. Her overly fussy ways make me smile, and her food is to die for.
“We haven’t seen you much lately.” She purses her lips and links her arm through mine, guiding me into the lounge while Ritchie walks back through, handing me a beer. We clink bottles and I sit breathing in the delicious aroma of Laurie’s lasagne wafting through.
“Should be a good game.” Ritchie grins as Laurie rolls her eyes. She heads back into the kitchen, leaving us to discuss the finer details of the imminent match.
Thirty minutes later, dinner is served, and I sigh with every bite. Every mouthful is complete Heaven. I don’t know what she adds to make it this incredible, but there’s no point asking—she’d never reveal her sources. No wonder she’s the most sought-after chef. Trying to get a table in Nico’s is almost impossible, but she manages to always work her magic, squeezing me in at short notice.
I smile as she spoons some more onto my plate. I’m stuffed, but who am I to refuse?
“So what’s been happening with you?” Laurie asks, taking a sip of her wine. I swallow and clear my throat, not feeling up to spilling my guts. I’m pretty sure Ritchie has her kept up to date; there are no secrets between those two, and I admire them for that.
“Nothing much.” I shrug, quickly taking another bite so I don’t have to offer any more.
“No women you’d care to tell me about?” Laurie quirks a brow, waiting for my response.
She’s not letting me off that easily.
“Laurie,” Ritchie warns.
“How are you still single, Dray?”
I smile as Ritchie rolls his eyes; he knows his wife is pandering to my ego.
“Hell if I know,” I reply, sipping on my beer.
“You’re going for the wrong women. All these one-night stands are never going to amount to anything else. You need to settle down and find a real woman, get married and have kids.”
“Jesus, Laurie.” Ritchie snorts. We both laugh together; this woman is relentless.
“Slow down a little there,” I say, feeling a little uncomfortable at the direction this conversation is going.
She sighs softly before speaking. “I mean it, Dray. You need the right woman, and I have just the one. My friend Diane, she is so funny and smart.”
I raise my eyebrows before she continues.
“And she’s hot.”
My eyes flick over to Ritchie, and he nods in agreement. “I’m not looking to settle down at the moment. I’ve got enough going on with the gym.”
“Oh, poppycock. How many years have you been rolling out that excuse? I’m making it my mission to find you someone and quite frankly, Diane would be top of my list.”
Fuck, she’s not about to let this drop.
“So, what if I arrange for you both to meet up for a drink?” she suggests, smiling ear to ear. She’s got her matchmaker head on, and I’m about to make a run for the door.
“Stop railroading him, Laurie. Give a guy time to breathe,” Ritchie pleads, shooting her a look.
“He’s already had enough time, and I’m going to find him someone good. Someone we can hang out with who doesn’t drop their knickers in two seconds flat.”
She did not just say that.
I sit there looking stunned before Ritchie stands up.
“I think we should head through for the match.” Ritchie motions with his head, looking keen for a swift exit, and I’m more than glad for the distraction.
“Fine, but I’m not letting up on this one.” Laurie winks, clearing up the plates and taking them through into the kitchen.
“Sorry about that, she sometimes gets carried away.” Ritchie sighs, taking another swig of his beer.
Ain’t that the truth.
He’s more than used to Laurie’s demanding ways by now, but I’m shocked she hasn’t made the connection with Luce. She’s usually more perceptive that way.
“You haven’t told her?” I ask, surprised.
“About Luce?”
I nod in response.
“No, that’s a secret only you can tell.”
“Thanks.” I smile, grateful for him keeping that part to himself.
“She does have a point, though, and Diane is amazing. I think you two could be good together. She’d certainly keep you on your toes,” Ritchie pipes up, smirking.
“Fuck me, I’m getting it from both ends now.” I think I might bolt for the door while I still can.
“I’m just saying, she’s a good girl.”
“Okay, enough. I’ll think about it,” I say, turning towards the TV. I hope he’ll take the hint and shut up already.
“Good, now let’s watch the match.”
“Finally.” I smirk, taking a long draw of my beer.
Now we’re talking.
* * *
“Oh, so you are here, I was about to send out a search party,” Luce shrieks, bouncing past me through the door.
“Ha bloody ha,” I add sarcastically. We haven’t talked for a week so things are a little strained between us, but trust Luce to get straight to the point. It’s Tuesday, so it’s film night. I seriously wasn’t expecting her, yet she’s here with a bag of goodies and film in hand.
“Do you want a beer?” I ask.
“I always have a beer. Why are you acting different?” She stares at me, confused.
“Well, I’ve blanked you for a week.”
“Ritchie texted, said you weren’t in a good place. Else trust me, I would have been knocking this door down.”
“I just needed some space.” I shrug, not willing to divulge any more.
“Dray, it’s fine, but I’m here if you need to talk. I thought I was your best friend.” She frowns slightly, looking offended that I blocked her out.
“You are, but I needed a guy friend. It’s complicated, and I don’t really want to—”
“That’s fine, but if you feel you can talk then I’m here for you.” She squeezes my hand, and a jolt of electricity zings through my body. I smile weakly in an attempt to mask my reaction. I can’t help it, but I need to fight it. She’ll never feel that way; I’m permanently in the friend zone, and that part fucking kills me.
“Laurie was asking after you,” I say, popping off the cap before handing over the beer.
“When did you see her?” she asks, taking a small sip.
“Last week, I was ‘round having some of her amazing lasagne.”
“Why the hell was I not invited?” she splutters, looking annoyed.
“It was football night,” I explain before she totally goes off on one.
She pulls a face. “Ugh, not fussed about that, but you know I love her cooking.” She narrows her eyes and sends an evil glare my way.
“Well, you’re equally as good.” Her cooking is amazing. I would happily feast on both their culinary delights.
“I know, but she uses something I can’t quite put my finger on.” She bites her lip in contemplation, and I smile. She’s dying to know the secret ingredient
.
“She’s never going to tell you. She says it’s an old family recipe she swore to take to the grave.” I chuckle at her scowl; she’s used to getting her own way.
“I’ll find out one way or the other,” she mumbles, almost to herself. The determination in her eyes tells me she won’t give up any time soon, but Laurie is not easily broken down. She’s equally as tough, so it will be like getting blood out of a stone.
“Well, you could wrestle with each other. Now that’s one thing I’d pay to see.” That would make my year. My cock stirs slightly at the thought.
“Pervert.”
I hold my hands up. “You got me there.”
“So, how are things going with you?” She shoots me a look of concern, and it instantly wipes the smile from my face.
“Same old, same old.” I shrug nonchalantly.
“Some things never change, huh?”
“Well they might be about to if Laurie gets her way.”
Her eyes meet mine with intrigue. “How do you mean?”
“She’s intent on setting me up with her friend Diane.” I chuckle, but Luce’s response surprises me. Instead of laughter, her face drops slightly.
“Diane?” she asks, looking a little stunned.
“Yeah, she’s Laurie’s friend. Apparently, she thinks she’ll be perfect for me,” I add, rubbing it in a little more, enjoying the moment.
“So, what’s she like?” Her eyes flick to mine, waiting for a response.
“She’s supposedly very nice, smart, witty.”
“So not your usual type then,” she adds snidely, which wounds me slightly.
But I’ll give her that.
“Maybe it’s time for a change.” They say a change is as good as a rest.
“Are we going to start the film or what?” she huffs, grabbing a handful of popcorn and tossing it into her mouth.
Wow.
I’m shocked by her harsh tone.
“Yeah, sure,” I say, grabbing the remote. Her swift change of subject leaves me stunned, but I keep that thought to myself.
Chapter Seven
“So, tonight’s the big night,” Ritchie announces, clapping his hands while walking through the door. Since Luce’s reaction, I’m in two minds to pursue it. The way she acted, I swear there was a hint of jealousy inside those gorgeous brown eyes of hers.
But what if I’m wrong?
What if I was just seeing what I wanted to see?
I’d harboured these feelings so long, maybe I was just hoping it was true.
“Yeah.”
“Fuck, man, be a little bit more enthusiastic on the date.”
“Don’t mention that word,” I warn.
I hate that word.
“Well, what the hell is it?”
“I know, but I just don’t need the pressure. It’s a drink, that’s all.”
“Are you ever going to move on?” Ritchie snaps, but I’m too preoccupied on the image of Luce working out. I’ve watched her for the last hour, smiling as she mimes along to the music. She always loves to sing and has a great little voice.
“Earth to Dray. Fuck, man, come on.” Ritchie barks, bringing my attention back to him.
“I’m moving on, aren’t I?” I growl, sending a glare his way.
“It doesn’t look like it.”
“It’s not like it’s something I can turn off, for fuck’s sake. I can’t help having feelings for her.” I leap up from the chair and walk over to the window to avoid his stare. I know he’s only trying to help, but right now my heart doesn’t want to let go.
“Look, maybe this is a mistake. Maybe I’m rushing you. I’ll ring Diane and tell her—”
“No, don’t.” I spin ‘round to meet his eyes. “You’re right, and that doesn’t happen often,” I add with a smirk.
“Fuck you. But seriously, we can cancel.” He can still see my reluctance at moving on, but it’s now or never. If I don’t start soon, I never will.
“No, I need this,” I state more confidently, so he’ll know I’m being serious.
“I’m always here for you, Dray, even when you’re being a total dick.” He winks to take the sting out of his words, and I smile.
“I know, and thanks.”
Ritchie walks out and I sigh, sinking back into my seat.
Fuck, what am I even doing?
My head is not in the right place, but will it ever be? I sit working through some paperwork when the door flies open, and in strolls Luce. She’s carrying lunch, so I guess I’ll forgive her for her lack of manners.
“Good workout?” I ask.
“Yeah, Steve was helping me out earlier with the weights.”
I bet he was.
Like flies around shit.
I smile and bite my tongue. This is the new Dray. She’s not mine, so can flirt as much as she wants.
I eat a forkful of chicken, concentrating on the food in my mouth.
“So tonight’s your big date night. Ritchie was telling me all about it.”
Fucking Ritchie.
“Hmmm.” I take a long sip of water to avoid saying more.
“Where are you taking her?” she asks, picking at her sandwich.
“The Lime Bar.”
“Ohh, swanky,” she mutters sarcastically, pulling a face.
“It’s a quiet place to talk,” I offer as explanation.
“Like you’ll be doing much of that.” She snorts, and my eyes flash at her in annoyance. “Oh, come on, Dray, you have a pattern.”
“Maybe it’s time for a change.” I shrug, taking another bite of my chicken. I’m so ready for this conversation to be over already.
“A leopard doesn’t change its spots.”
“You’d be amazed.” I bite down hard on the tomato; the tangy taste fills my mouth, adding to the bitterness from her words. Luce can be harsh at times, but right now, she’s being a bitch.
I won’t rise to it.
“So, is it a blind date? We all know you have a particular type—blonde, boobs and arse. She might be a complete let-down.”
“I have a photo, but it’s not about looks. I’m ready to settle down. It’s time to change, really. I want more. I’m twenty-eight, and I’m bored of this lifestyle.”
She stares in complete shock, and I’m not surprised. I’ve lived this playboy life for so long, I guess everyone expected me to just continue on. But now I want more, need more.
“I’m speechless,” she mutters, looking completely thrown by my words.
“That’s a first.”
She snorts and takes another bite of her sandwich. We continue eating, and an awkward silence fills the room as we try to find the right things to say. I don’t think in the whole eighteen years we’ve ever had an awkward moment until now. I guess my little revelation has thrown her, but I’m pleased I’ve put it out there—she now knows what I want.
“So, can I see the picture?” she asks. Her question surprises me.
Why the hell would she ask that?
“Yeah, we’ve been texting. She sent me one.” I grab my phone and bring up the picture before handing it over. She hesitates at first, and I wonder why.
“It isn’t pornographic,” I add smiling.
Her face brightens in relief. “Thank God.” She grabs the phone and stares. I watch as a frown crosses her face. I guess she was expecting something else.
“She looks different to what I expected,” she says, still staring.
“She’s a really nice girl. You never know, she could be the one.”
Luce’s surprised eyes flash up to meet mine. I see something there; she looks hurt by my remark. She quickly tosses the phone down onto the desk and stands back up. “I guess I’d better get going.”
I frown at her reaction. “So soon?”
“Yeah, got lots to do on my day off. Can’t keep chatting to you all day.” Her cold tone wounds me slightly.
“Charming.”
“That’s me.” She grabs her bag and swings it over her sho
ulder to rest at her side. “Hope it all goes well tonight.” She barely gives me a chance to reply before she’s out the door, leaving me more confused than ever.
* * *
I pull on the shirt and stare at myself in the mirror.
Am I really doing this?
The nerves are kicking in. I contemplate having another drink to calm myself, but I’ve already had two glasses of scotch; at this rate, I’ll turn up pissed. I need to make a good impression else Laurie will have my balls. After buttoning up the shirt, I drag a hand through my newly cut hair. A spritz of cologne and I’m out of here before I change my mind.
The bar is quiet, but it’s still early. I welcome some time to contain myself. Sipping on a scotch, I remind myself this is the final one—after this, I’m switching to beer. I check my watch and see she’s now ten minutes late.
Well, it is a woman’s prerogative to never be on time.
“Excuse me, are you Dray?” a soft voice asks. My eyes snap up, and I smile at the vision before me. Despite seeing her picture, she’s even more beautiful in person. Her long, brunette hair is styled in soft waves, and the red dress she’s wearing compliments her body in every way. She’s breath-taking but has an elegance about her at the same time. For a moment, I’m speechless. Then I remember I’m staring.
Shit.
“Yes, sorry. I’m Dray.” I stand up and hold out my hand. She takes it and squeezes, leaning forward to press her soft red lips against my cheek.
“Don’t be so formal.” She winks, and I smile. She eases my nerves slightly with her teasing. I really have to get a grip and relax.
It’s just a drink.
I signal for the waiter to come over. “What would you like?”
“A rosé, thanks.”
I order then turn back to her. She smiles, and I feel tingles.
That’s a good sign.
“You know, you’re even more handsome in the flesh,” she says, and I blush.
Shit.
I haven’t blushed since I was a child. She smiles again, enjoying my reaction.
“Sorry, I am a little direct. Didn’t Laurie warn you?”
“No, but that’s okay. I’m direct, too. You look stunning, by the way. I think you could tell I was a little taken back when you arrived. Excuse my manners, I should have told you that the moment you walked in.”
