TAILSPIN

by Jaimie Roberts

  “That’s quite all right. We can wait. Unless, of course, you want to proceed without him.”

  Mr Sutherland shakes his head. “I think we should wait. Aaron was only twenty minutes away last time we spoke. In the meantime, can I offer you all a drink?”

  Everyone else orders coffee, but all I want is a water. Once he lets his secretary know, he looks back at us with a smile. “Have you seen much of New York since you’ve been here?”

  Devon grins. “I’ve been to the Empire State Building and the Intrepid Museum to see the aircraft carrier.”

  Mr Sutherland gives him a knowing smile. “Something told me you would say that. In our line of work, I suppose one can never quite tear themselves away. I was in the air force and so was my son. Flying is a passion of ours.”

  His face beaming, Devon nods. I can always tell when he’s at his best, and this is one of those moments. Start talking about planes and he’ll gab for hours.

  “I agree. I still fly from time to time. You?”

  He smiles. “Aaron does, but I don’t much anymore. Business has taken me away from such pleasures in life.”

  Devon sighs. “I can understand that. We’ve been getting busier and busier lately. However, I think I need to fly. It’s what helps me unwind, even if it’s only for an hour.”

  “You must try a helicopter ride at sunset here. Quite spectacular.”

  Devon looks at me before nodding. “I will have to look into that. I’m sure Andi would love it.”

  My eyes widen a little at the fact he’s included me. When Mr Sutherland looks at me, my cheeks flame. “Have you ever been in a helicopter before, Andi?”

  I shake my head. “Never, Mr Sutherland—”

  “Please, call me Max.”

  I smile. “Never, Max, although I have always wanted to fly.”

  He inhales. “I tell you what. I know a couple pilots. Let me speak with them and I’ll arrange something for you. I don’t know if it’ll be tonight, but definitely one night this week. How’s that?”

  Looking at Devon, I bite my lip, trying to suppress a smile. Devon smirks, looking back Max. “That would be very kind of you, Max. Thank you.”

  Before he can answer, the door opens and in walks…

  Holy shit. It’s the man from the bar.

  Immediately, he extends his apologies to everyone around the room. When Devon starts his introductions, Aaron locks his eyes with mine. When he realises who I am, he offers me that cheeky grin that almost got me into trouble last night.

  “So, Andi,” he says, taking my hand, “you’re the girl I spoke with on the phone a couple weeks back.” His eyes smoulder into mine.

  “Nice to meet you,” I reply—one eyebrow raised.

  “Believe me when I say the pleasure’s all mine.”

  I can’t help the smirk that rises on my face. Of course, Devon notices. He notices everything. Sometimes it’s like having my dad here, which is gross when I think about it.

  “Shall we proceed?” Devon asks, almost snapping at me. He’s pissed off again.

  Just as he says this, Max’s secretary comes into the room with our drinks. After she disappears, I grab my pen and pad to take notes.

  Devon clears his throat. “Have you had much chance to look over the contracts since we last spoke?”

  I watch as Aaron looks through some papers before looking up at me. He smiles, making my cheeks flush.

  “I have,” Max begins. “Everything looks fine to me. I’m just a little concerned about the brand name. I don’t want to lose the Sutherland name.”

  As Devon answers that they will come to some sort of arrangement, I start jotting down notes, feeling like I have a set of eyes on me. When I look up, Aaron’s staring at me, making my cheeks flame red again.

  “Anthony has all the accounts and his projections for where this will go in the next five years. I think you’ll find it most profitable for you and your son.”

  Devon looks over at Aaron, noticing him staring at me. When he sees me smiling, a scowl forms on his face. Despite the fact I know he wants to berate me, he doesn’t say anything. Anthony hands a binder to both Max and Aaron. The room is silent as they flick through the pages. I know Devon is glaring at me, but I don’t look up.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Max close the binder and look up. “If you don’t mind, I will need to get my accountant to look at these.”

  “Of course,” Devon answers. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  They go on to talk about planes and their engines. Boring. I jot down as much as I can understand, but I’m not tech savvy like my boss and these guys.

  “I’m confident you know your stuff,” Max says, leaning his elbows on the table.

  “The business has only just taken off, but I already have airlines in most of Europe and Beijing. There’s even talk of us setting up in Washington.”

  “DC?” Aaron asks.

  “Yes,” Devon answers. “If that goes well, we’ll be looking at Los Angeles. That’s why I think us partnering would be a great idea. It would be nice to know I have someone here to oversee the US side of the business.”

  “Well, I’m sure my son will be a great asset.”

  Max looks proudly at Aaron, making me smile. When I look back at Aaron, I catch him staring at me again. When he gives me a cheeky wink, I smirk and shake my head a little before looking down. If I don’t, I fear I may burst into laughter—which wouldn’t look good in a meeting.

  Once they finish talking about the New York offices, Devon relaxes back in his chair a little. “Is there anything I haven’t covered?”

  Max looks at Aaron again, shaking his head. “No, I think we’ve gone over everything. We just need to look over these figures and get back to you”

  Devon nods. “Sure thing. Would it be too intrusive to ask you both to dinner this evening?”

  Max smiles and looks over to his son. “I can’t speak for Aaron, but I would love to. I’ll have Tate set up a table at one of my favourites. I’ll email with the details later.”

  Aaron smiles at me. “I have no plans, either. I would love to come. Thank you.”

  We all stand and shake hands. When Max begins walking out, Devon quickly steps up to him. They start talking as they walk out of the office. Aaron grabs my arm and gently pulls me back.

  “I had hoped you would call.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t understand. When I got back to the bar, you had disappeared.”

  He sighs. “I know, but I left my card with the bartender. Judging by that look, I take it you never got it?”

  I shake my head. “No, but he was pretty busy that night. I just thought you saw an opportunity to escape.” I laugh.

  “On the contrary. I enjoyed our conversation. In fact, I very much wanted to do it again. Hence the reason I left my card.” He scratches his head. “I must admit, I was disappointed that you hadn’t called, but I was equally happy to see you sitting in here when I walked in. Talk about a great Monday morning.”

  Thinking how sweet he is, I smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t get your card.”

  He leans in closer, making my breath hitch a little. “Would you have called?”

  I think about that for a moment. Would I? I know I really liked him, still do, but would I have called him.

  I bite my lip. “To be honest, I really don’t know.”

  His face falls. “Sounds like my attempts at impressing you fell flat.”

  I chuckle. “No, of course not. I really enjoyed our conversation. In fact, I was eager to get back to the bar and carry on.”

  “Really?” he asks, raising an eyebrow. I nod. “How was your father?”

  I smile, liking the fact that he cared enough to ask. “He was good. Watching a football match with my brother.”

  “I love British football. My favourite team is Chelsea.”

  I gasp. “No way! My father would fall in love with you if he heard that. He always says anyone who’s a fan of the Blues is a fan worth
knowing.”

  “Well then, it’s a pity he isn’t here. We could have talked soccer.”

  “Football,” I correct, giving him a reprimanding look. It makes him laugh.

  “Andi.” I look at the doorway and see Devon standing there. He doesn’t look happy. “It’s time to go.”

  I turn to Aaron. “It was nice to see you again, Aaron.”

  He takes my hand and kisses it. “It was my pleasure. I’m looking forward to tonight, too. Maybe I can take you for a drink afterward?”

  I nod, smiling. “Yes, I would very much like that.” I hear Devon clear his throat. “See you tonight.”

  We walk out and climb into a waiting car. Devon remains silent the whole ride back. I’m sure Mark and Anthony can tell there’s tension, but they wisely keep quiet.

  Once back at the hotel, I quickly head for my bedroom. The relief doesn’t last long, though. Devon throws my bedroom door open, invading my space yet again.

  “I asked you here as my PA, but what do I find? You virtually eye fucking Sutherland’s son across the desk. You barely even know him.”

  Dropping my bag and notes to the floor, I turn to him. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Aaron and I met at the bar last night. We just didn’t realise it until today.”

  Walking closer to me, he points. “I don’t pay you to come here and fuck strangers. I pay you to be here and do your job.”

  Bending down, I pick up all the notes and wave them at him. “Which is what I did. You’ll find it all here. All the major points to the conversation. I didn’t miss anything when I was in the middle of eye fucking Aaron.”

  “Don’t you get smart with me. You’re here to do a job.”

  I exhale an exasperated breath. “Which I did, Devon. What’s got into you lately?”

  Coming closer, he bends down until our lips are almost touching. My breath hitches. “Remember what happened the last time you gave me lip?” I swallow hard against his warm breath. “Do you remember me spreading your legs wide open and fucking you against the wall? Do you remember the moans? The way you whispered my name as I touched your skin?”

  Closing my eyes, I let out an exhale. How quickly my moods can change when he’s around. “Devon, I—”

  Stepping away, he starts pacing the room, running his hands through his hair. He doesn’t say anything, but I can tell he’s having a major battle inside. I have no idea what it’s about, but it’s definitely there.

  Finally, he stops and turns to me. “It’s Mr fucking Jackson to you.” He storms out of the room.

  Devon’s mood hasn’t improved, even as we sit down to dinner with the Sutherlands. In fact, he seems to be brooding even more than he was earlier, which is not a good sign. He makes the right noises when spoken to, but if he wants this contract, he needs to start sucking up a little.

  “I managed to book that helicopter ride for Wednesday evening. All of us will go, but in two separate helicopters,” Max says. I smile at the thought.

  “I’ll be flying one,” Aaron says, making me turn to him.

  “You can fly helicopters?”

  “It’s easy enough,” Devon pipes up, interrupting. “What do you fly? A Bell 206?”

  Aaron narrows his eyes a little. “Yes, but I flew a Blackhawk in the Air Force.”

  Devon nods. “Impressive.” They look at one another for a second. I think that’s going to be the end of it, but Devon says, “I flew Chinooks. Took men on exercise in the Falklands.”

  I sigh. I can’t believe Devon’s entering a pissing contest with Aaron. What the hell is wrong with him?

  Aaron nods. “Nice. I guess we both have some stories to tell.”

  I smile at Aaron. He’s not taking the bait and I admire him for it. I’m still pissed at Devon, though.

  Getting up, I excuse myself. “I just need to use the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.”

  I feel like I need air, but any kind of escape is good. Once inside, I walk up to the sink and blow out a breath, then look at myself in the mirror. I went all out this evening, trying to impress for Devon’s sake. I’m wearing a slimming blue chiffon cocktail dress with an A-line scooped neck and ruffle beading that I bought at Macy’s earlier today. Once I saw it, I knew I had to have it. I had put my hair up, a couple wavy tendrils cascading down my face. My make-up is light and my lips are a nice shade of red, which was also something I picked out today. Once Devon saw it, I could tell he didn’t like me wearing it.

  Thinking about him, I know I need to address his behaviour. He’s being a complete jerk and it’s unnecessary. I pull my phone out of my bag and text him.

  You need to cool it or you’ll end up losing this deal. What does it matter if you’ve flown Chinooks in the Falklands?!

  A few seconds later, Devon responds.

  Don’t patronise me. This is my company, not yours. Just because we fucked once doesn’t give you the right to criticise the way I conduct business! Make sure you wash your hands. Remember, you’re here to work, not eye fuck.

  Shaking my head, I place my phone back in my bag. I always thought things with Devon were complicated, but now… I grip the sides of the sink and hang my head. I don’t know what to think.

  Just when I get a handle on things, he decides to change the rules. I can’t keep up.

  I look in the mirror. I’m not smiling. Why? I’ve dedicated so much time and effort to that man, but what have I gotten in return—other than a good wage?

  Closing my eyes, I think about my dad and the house we all grew up in. If he lost it, he’d be devastated. I know my mother was killed in that house, but I think he sees it more like the home she raised a family in. So many memories. So many stories. How can I begrudge him that?

  With a quick powder of my nose, I gather my wits about me and head back to the table. I’m expecting tension, so I’m pleasantly surprised when I see smiles and hear laughter all around.

  “Having fun without me,” I joke.

  Max looks up at me with a bright smile. “Devon was just telling us how much trouble he used to get into with your brother.”

  I smile over at Devon, surprised when he smiles back. “Charlie,” I respond, nodding. “They once set fire to our next door neighbour’s shed.”

  As everyone at the table gasps, Devon shrugs. “It was an accident. How were we supposed to know they had gasoline in there?”

  I lean forward. “Yes, but you were only fifteen and experimenting with cigarettes.” I turn to the group. “They thought they were being hard.” I glance at Max, causing him to laugh. When I look back at Devon, he’s still smiling. When he realises he’s been caught, he quickly clears his throat, his smile disappearing.

  “Does anyone want dessert?”

  When we all say no, Max signals the waiter for the check. Devon complains, but Max insists, considering he chose the restaurant.

  “Well, I insist on paying for the next meal then. That is if you want to do this again, of course.”

  Max wipes his mouth with the napkin and places it on the table. “I will never say no to a meal.”

  “Oh, me, either,” I pipe up, causing everyone to look at me. My cheeks flush. “I mean … it’s nice, you know … sitting and eating with great company.”

  Aaron offers me a crooked smile, and his father looks amused. After paying, we all stand.

  “What do you think about going to the bar for a drink?” Devon asks.

  “Sounds great,” Max replies, then looks at Aaron and me with a smile. “But I believe these two would like to drink without us.” My cheeks instantly flush.

  Awkward.

  I feel Aaron’s hand on the small of my back. I smile, then see Devon glaring at me. He’s not happy, which just pisses me off. It’s like living with someone who’s bipolar.

  “Yes, I’d like to steal Andi away for an hour or two. I hope you don’t mind.”

  I see Devon grit his teeth, then slowly shake his head. “Why would I mind? I hope you have a good time.” He tries to smile, bu
t I can tell it’s forced. If we were alone, I know he’d come up with some excuse about my brother not liking it.

  I inwardly sigh. Why should I even care? I have an exceptionally sweet, kind, and handsome man offering to take me for drinks, but I’m more concerned about how Devon’s going to take it? It’s stupid.

  “You kids have a good time,” Max says with a smirk.

  Walking forward, I kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you so much for dinner. The food here is exceptional.”

  Taking my hand, Max kisses it. “It was my pleasure, Andi, especially when I’m dining with someone as beautiful as you.” My cheeks flush again. He turns to Aaron. “See you later, son. Take good care of young Andi here.”

  Aaron takes my handbag and places it around my shoulder. When he keeps his hand there, I notice Devon’s nostrils flare a little. “Oh, I will.” He turns to me, making me look up at him. “Are you ready?”

  I take a very quick glance at Devon, who’s standing as still as a statue. “Yes, I’m ready.” In fact, I’m more than ready. I just want out of here and away from the burning sensation on my skin caused by Devon’s glare.

  “Have fun,” Max says, waving to us as we walk away.

  “Well, that was … interesting.”

  As we walk toward the exit, I look up at Aaron to try and gauge his reaction. “Interesting is one word I would use,” I answer, chuckling. As we head outside, I turn to him. “Can I ask where we’re going?”

  He motions toward a chauffeur standing next to the open door of a black sedan. “Please,” Aaron says. “It’s a surprise.”

  I give him an amused look before getting into the car. Aaron climbs in after me, a smile on his face.

  “You’re intriguing me.”

  As he settles in, he turns to me as the driver pulls away from the curb. “Do you like surprises, Andi?”

  “Hmm, it depends. I think everyone can admit to liking nice surprises.”

  “Oh, this is definitely a nice surprise.”

  Wringing my hands together nervously, I smile at him before turning my head to take in the sights. New York looks fantastic during the day, but at night? It’s spectacular.

  “Your boss seems very knowledgeable. Very … business savvy.”