by Raine Miller
I traced another heart in the palm of her lovely hand and saw her smile.
She gets me.
I love her.
“I love your heart, too, Caleb.”
Brooke
Lucas lived about one mile from the Black Bay Club where Caleb took me to dinner. Caleb had asked Lucas to fly him back to Boston in his helicopter so he could have one more evening with me. It was a very sweet gesture from my man, who also let me in on the secret about the mainland only being fifteen minutes away by chopper, as he called it. I shouldn’t be surprised by now. The Blackstone brothers conducted their pissing contests over whose helicopter was better. Rich boys and their toys . . .
As I pulled up to the helipad and parked, I could make out the shape of a man waiting in the shadows. The similarities in build and size were apparent even in the dark so I knew it was Lucas. I’d heard of his scars from my nan’s friend Sylvie, who cleaned his house. Sylvie spoke well of her employer, who remained somewhat of a mystery to the local residents due to his desire for privacy. Lucas Blackstone could afford to keep private on the island, which from what I’d heard, he mostly did.
When Caleb introduced me to Lucas, I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting from him, but the confident and warm greeting he offered surprised me. Lucas shared the same height and lean musculature of his older brother, as well as the dark-brown hair and wide shoulders. He even had similar facial features and expressions to Caleb when he spoke, but his right cheek—from the corner of his eye, down and around the bottom of his ear, leading even farther down his neck and disappearing into his shirt collar—was marred with considerable scarring. His eyes were also unusual like Caleb’s in their coloring, but not in the same way. Lucas’s eyes were green but his right eye was partially brown. An anomaly of genetics but strangely beautiful. Similarly, his prominent scarring didn’t detract from his handsomeness at all in my opinion. I imagined it probably made him even more attractive to women. I wondered what the story was there. Regardless, the younger Blackstone brother was no Quasimodo, living in seclusion on an island in desperate need of social skills. He was doing just fine.
“Lovely to meet you finally, Lucas. I hear nothing but good things from Sylvie. She adores you.”
“Ahhh, well I am a lucky man because she spoils me rotten. It’s nice to meet you officially, Brooke.” He handed me a business card. “My cell is on the back. If you ever need anything please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am here on the island ninety percent of the time.”
I tilted my head at him. “Did Caleb tell you to look out for me while he is away, Lucas?”
“Ummm . . .” he stalled, darting his eyes between his brother and me.
“It’s okay, Lucas. I won’t take it out on you,” I said, focusing my annoyed eyes on Caleb, who was doing his best at melting me with his signature cheeky charm.
“Well, in that case, yes he did, Brooke, but please know that I am nothing but honored.” Lucas gave off his own version of the Blackstone charm in the form of a sincere smile. These men were good at charming women of all ages, I’d predict. Very, very good.
Must be a superb gene pool.
“Well then, I thank you, Lucas. That is very kind.” I put his card into my pocket.
“I’ll just start her up then, bro, give you a minute. Brooke, I’ll see you soon.” Lucas kissed my cheek before walking over to the huge machine and climbing inside it.
Caleb waited until Lucas was out of earshot before asking, “Did that make you mad I asked my brother to watch out for you?”
“Not really, but it will take some getting used to,” I answered truthfully.
“You can trust Lucas with your life. If you need anything at all, you call him. Can you do that for me, baby?”
He pulled me against him, and I took in his scent in a deep inhale. “I will remember. It’s nice that you are so protective and concerned.”
“It’s the only way I can leave you right now and not lose my mind.”
“I’ll be busy here for the rest of the week, and then on Monday I’ll be back at work in the city. You don’t have to worry about me. Just miss me.” I lifted my lips for him to kiss.
He brought both hands up to my face to hold me to him. “The first request is impossible, and the second is definite,” he said, before kissing me deeply enough that the taste of him would linger for a while.
“My PA, Victoria Blakney, will have the keys delivered for the penthouse so you can get in for whatever you need to start on the job. I’ll be back a week from tonight, and I would love it if you’ll plan to stay that night with me, because I will need to show you how much I missed you while I was gone.”
“Oh? You plan to demonstrate this?” I couldn’t resist winding him up.
“Most definitely. I will need to show you over and over again just how much I missed you. In fact, it will probably take me all night long. I would plan on taking Thursday off from work if I were you, because I’m imagining a sick day for both of us.”
“I see.” I put my hand on his chest right over his beating heart and felt the pulsing rhythm. “I will remember to be well rested on Wednesday afternoon, then.”
Teasing was the only way I could get through sending him away without crying. Of course, now was not one of those times I burst into unexpected tears or laughter. Thank God. I did feel like I was finding myself again, though. I’d lost my sense of fun with Marcus. It was as if he’d turned off the light within me, which I’d never allow anyone to do again. I was strong, able, and tough when I needed to be, and now I was finding joy again, too. And all because of the gentle, attentive, loving man who I would miss terribly during the next seven days.
Accept it, fool. You’re already in love with him.
LUCAS gave it three days before he called.
I was delivering the last boxes of Nan’s things to Herman’s house and feeling more than a little emotional, so his timing was perfect. “Brooke, can I invite you to dinner tonight? We can talk about politics, religion, and money to make each other awkwardly uncomfortable before we bond over embarrassing childhood stories about Caleb.”
I laughed at his teasing, knowing I’d say yes for a couple of reasons. I knew it would make Caleb happy, and I was curious about his family. “Well, Lucas, when you tempt me like that, I have no choice but to accept. I’ll be over by six o’clock, and I like my wine on the sweet side.”
LUCAS had a glass of sangria waiting for me and a collection of delivery takeout menus to choose from when I arrived at his house. I accepted the delicious, fruity wine and vetoed the takeout. Instead, I asked to be shown to his kitchen where I found two aprons—one for each of us—and announced we would be cooking something much better than anything we could order in. Making myself at home in his pantry, I rummaged through ingredients and fired off some questions about any possible dietary restrictions until we settled on a salad and chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
By the time our dinner was ready, we’d progressed to well past the getting-to-know-you stage and were down to being best buddies. When crying over chopped onions and minced garlic together, those walls go down quickly. The only reference he made to his scarring was to tell me his hearing was impaired in his right ear, so to speak to his left side if possible . . . and not to take it personally if he seemed to ignore something I said. I told him not to take it personally if I suddenly started weeping or laughing for no reason . . . and pointed to the scar at my hairline. He nodded in understanding, and I would bet Caleb had already filled him in on me, because he didn’t question my bizarre statement in the slightest.
In that moment, I knew I’d made a true friend in Lucas Blackstone, because we had clicked. For whatever reason, we just sort of bonded in a way that was easy and very comfortable. I felt that our friendship would stand regardless of wherever Caleb and I ended up, and that was something meaningful. I didn’t have a great many friends, but the ones I did have were very precious to me, and it was always welcome to make a new one.
Lucas spent the remainder of the evening teaching me to play iInVidiosa, the game he’d created. I sucked at video games, but he sucked at making dinner, so it all evened out in the end. I made him promise that our next dinner would be at my place before I left. Lucas made me promise to call him as soon as I made it home to let him know I’d arrived safely.
It just went on like that until we were both laughing as I backed Woody out of his driveway, him signaling me with the hand to the ear gesture for “Call me.” The Blackstone men had a strong protective streak, and I felt very fortunate to be at the center of their care. My life had been rather bereft of male presence for a long time, and this felt good.
The time difference between Boston and Abu Dhabi was nine hours, which made calls with Caleb difficult, so we texted mostly. After I got back to the cottage, I dutifully called Lucas before getting ready for bed and bringing my phone with me. Once I was settled under my covers, I calculated the time in Abu Dhabi to be seven thirty in the morning, which was actually a good time to catch him if I was going to have any shot at all, because he would probably be up and starting his day.
B: I had dinner with Lucas tonight so you can stop worrying about me.
C: I already told you that would be impossible, baby. But do you miss me?
B: Always, Caleb. <3
C: I bought you something today I can’t wait to give you.
B: I have something I cannot wait to give you, too. *blushing*
C: Is my Brooke sexting me? Please say yes, and send me a picture of your naked tits so I can make it thru this dreadful day.
I’d never done it before, but that didn’t stop me. I stripped off my pajamas and selfied myself naked in the mirror for my man. It was a side shot, but I was naked, and Caleb would know it once he saw it. I held my breath and pressed Send.
B: Here you go, but only one is showing. My first sext ever! And you are the lucky recipient! I have to go to sleep now but I will dream of you. Miss you tons. xoxo –Brooke <3
I tried to imagine him looking at the picture I’d just sent him, and even though we were separated by thousands of miles, I could feel him close to me in that moment. I waited for his response before I put my phone away.
It came instantly and made my heart flutter inside my chest.
C: You are fucking beautiful and I miss you much more now . . . thank you for the picture. I will be right there in your dreams, Brooke . . . and I’m never leaving. You’re stuck with me now, baby. –C xx
I am sure I fell asleep smiling, replaying his words over and over again in my head.
CALEB’S personal assistant was nothing like I’d imagined her to be. She was young and beautiful, with long dark hair and blue eyes, but with the no-nonsense personality of someone much older than what could only be early twenties. Kind of like my nan, if I had to put a person to it. She wasn’t rude or obnoxious, but she was all business when she dropped off the keys and alarm codes to the penthouse at Harris & Goode on Monday. I didn’t miss the diamond engagement ring she was wearing on her left hand, either. I couldn’t help that part, I suppose, when meeting my boyfriend’s beautiful personal assistant for the first time. Knowing she was engaged to someone else did not hurt. She also gave me her personal cell number, insisting I call if I needed anything at all. Victoria told me she shared the twelfth floor with her brother, James, in the same building as Caleb’s penthouse, so she was close if I ever needed her.
So weird—the PA thing—having someone to do the tasks that ninety-nine percent of the population did for themselves. Like pick up dry cleaning, drop off keys, and order flowers for the girl who trashed her boss’s suit with shrimp cocktail. I thanked Victoria for her choice of the red peonies and showed her how well they were thriving in my office.
That earned me a smile and a sincere, “You’re very welcome.”
ON Wednesday, Eduardo and I worked at the penthouse, measuring everything and finishing up the initial programming. Before starting any project there needed to be an inventory of the existing furniture, and some analysis to identify the positive attributes of the space, as well as any potential problems. I could hardly concentrate on the job, though.
Because Caleb was coming back tonight, and I’d see him again in just a few hours.
“That’s the last of the measurements for this room. I’m thinking we’ll start in here before moving on to the kitchen,” I said as Eduardo packed up the equipment. “It’s really a huge job, and since he’s given me absolutely no solid plans for what he wants, I’m flying a little blind here.”
Eduardo looked up from his phone and smirked. “Because he’s much more interested in giving you his solid cock until you go a little blind, condesa. Just warm up the color palette and buy some pieces that are fuck friendly and he will be very happy, trust me.” He nodded enthusiastically.
“My God, Eduardo.” I scowled at him, and even though I’d never admit to it, he was probably right.
“I can design this shit in my sleep, I tell you. All a man thinks about when it comes to designs and décor is if it can be used for sex. Make sure there are many places for him to play pound the punani with you in here and he will love it. As I said before, fuck friendly should be your theme for the whole—”
“Hello?” a feminine voice sounded behind me, and I cringed at what she might have just overheard.
I whipped around with a smile plastered to my face and met the voice. I was sure whoever it was had just gotten an earful. “Brooke Casterley, from Harris & Goode Designs for Mr. Black-s-stone,” I stammered, “and this is my assistant, Eduardo Ramos.”
“Winter Blackstone, Caleb’s sister. I just wanted to meet the woman who has captivated my brother,” she said with a grin, “and don’t worry, because I absolutely didn’t hear a single thing that was said just now.”
Oh, I like you, Winter Blackstone. She was still just as lovely as I remembered—dark-brown hair and green eyes with the same gold rings around the iris as Caleb had around his blue ones. The Blackstone children had genetically unusual eyes it seemed. We shook hands and chatted easily, and after her comment about not overhearing Eduardo’s outrageousness about fuck-friendly designing, I could have kissed her. Jesus, so embarrassing, but she put me completely at ease—as if it hadn’t happened. So I had the privilege of meeting another Blackstone sibling. Well, meeting her for the second time, because technically we’d met eight years ago at her birthday party.
“I remember you at my sixteenth birthday,” she said.
“Oh, I remember the party. You were very kind and sat with me.”
“We talked about the Jonas Brothers and watched the others playing chicken fight in the pool.”
“Yes. The party was at Blackwater, and I remember how pretty the grounds and garden were that day,” I said honestly. From what I could recall, the grounds at Blackwater had been just beautiful. I wondered if they had fallen into disrepair along with the house when it was shuttered.
Winter looked thoughtful, as if she was reflecting on a memory. “It makes me sad the place will be gone out of our family soon. My mother is determined to sell since we don’t stay there anymore. I’ve always thought it could be repurposed as a school or a retreat of some sort. The location is ideal, but sadly, I can’t imagine anyone who can actually afford to buy Blackwater being very altruistic.” She frowned. “Trust me, I know from experience.”
“Caleb shared with me that you are finishing your master’s in social work.”
“Yes, I will finish in spring and then it’s time to find something to do with it. I will. There are plenty of people who need help,” she said optimistically.
“You are right about that,” I agreed. “I am sure you will find just what you need.”
“I’m going to go now, darling. I know you have to prepare for your all-nighter so I am off to find my own something to twerk.” Eduardo flounced the end of his yellow scarf as he kissed me on both cheeks. “Nice to meet you, Winter Blackstone.” He took her hand and brought it
up to his lips in far too familiar a fashion for someone he’d just met, but this was Eduardo and he got away with shit like that all day long. I was so used to it by now I barely registered he’d just referred to my all-nighter reunion with Caleb in front of his little sister. God.
Winter giggled as he sailed out the door with his yellow scarf bouncing along behind him, as only my friend could manage. “Oh, you’ve got another one,” he called to us as he disappeared out of sight.
Eduardo’s final comment made sense a few seconds later when a tall, dark, and handsome man walked into the main room and introduced himself. “Hi there. James Blakney, two floors down. You must be Brooke.” He held out his hand in greeting.
“Yes.” I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, James Blakney, two floors down. You must be the brother Victoria told me about. Are you also a friend of Caleb’s perhaps?”
“Been wreaking havoc together since we were ten years old,” he said, grinning wickedly.
“Somehow I don’t doubt it.” I noticed Winter had gone quiet beside me. “You must know Winter then,” I suggested.
James Blakney’s eyes changed as he directed them onto Winter Blackstone. They went from a green-brown to fiery dark as he raked them over her longingly. “Mmm-hmm. The twelfth floor is mine, and Winter is right . . . underneath me.”
I caught the tension—or whatever was going on between them—and just smiled. I pretended ignorance at just how badly James Blakney had it for Caleb’s very beautiful little sister.
