Rush

by Deborah Bladon

  Rubbing my jaw, I answer truthfully. “He’s out of town.”

  “You’re kidding.” The corners of her lips fall into a frown.

  Shaking my head, I sigh. “I’m not. He left early this morning.”

  “No.” She reaches to pinch the bridge of her nose. “This can’t be happening. I came from Seattle for his birthday. Is he coming back soon? Please tell me it’s just a day trip, and he’ll be back tonight.”

  “He’ll be gone at least a week.” It’s an estimate since Drake left his return date open-ended.

  His last vacation was over a year ago, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he stretches this trip out to a couple of weeks or more.

  “Dammit,” she says under her breath. “This can’t be happening.”

  Since I’m already the bearer of bad news, I stay on that track. She may be Drake’s sister, but I’m in Manhattan for a reason. I’m not about to sideline my plans tonight for anyone, not even a member of my best friend’s family.

  “Listen, Emma.” I take a step toward her, jerking my thumb at the open suitcase on the floor. “I had no idea you’d be here. I’m only in town for a few days, and I have plans tonight.”

  Her gaze darts to the suitcase. “I’ll put that in the guest room. I can hang out by myself tonight. Please don’t think you have to stay in because of me.”

  Fuck.

  I need her and her stuff out of here now.

  Brushing past me, she drops to her knees to zip up the suitcase. “I should have called Drake to tell him I was coming. Surprises never work out for me.”

  I can’t tell if the words she’s muttering are meant for my ears or not.

  It doesn’t matter. She’s not hanging out in my apartment tonight. “The woman I’m meeting is coming here.”

  Rising to her feet, she looks over at me. “I shouldn’t be here. I need to go.”

  I stare at her. She’s Drake’s sister. He’d want me to do the right thing, but I already believe that I am. I’m in New York so I can do what’s best for him. I didn’t count on his sister showing up to throw a wrench in my plans.

  “I left a few things in the bathroom.” She glances toward the hallway. “I’ll grab them and get out of your way.”

  It doesn’t solve all of my problems, but at least one will be scratched off the list when she leaves.

  Watching her walk away, I think about how often Drake has gone to bat for me. He may give me shit when he realizes that I tossed his sister out onto the street, but he’ll forgive me.

  I’m doing everything in my power to give him a wedding gift he’ll never forget. If his sister is inconvenienced because of that, so be it.

  Disappointment is a part of life.

  Chapter 4

  Emma

  Case Abbott is almost too good-looking.

  His shoulders are broad, his chest is wide, and his face is utter perfection.

  A sharp jawline combined with full lips and piercing green eyes hit every mark for me.

  The skin on his forearms and face is tanned. His hair is a blend of medium brown and what looks like sun-kissed streaks.

  Drake once mentioned that his boss likes to surf. It’s impossible not to imagine Case shirtless standing on the beach before he hits the waves.

  I shake my head.

  What am I doing?

  Why am I daydreaming about my brother’s boss when he just kicked me to the curb?

  I have to figure out where to go.

  Home. I need to go back to Seattle as soon as possible even though that’s the last place I want to be right now.

  I scroll through the emails on my phone as I walk down the hallway toward the washroom.

  I haven’t even been in New York City for a day. I don’t know what the airline’s policy is about the exchange of return tickets, but they will be my first call.

  With any luck, I’ll be on a flight back to Seattle tonight. If that can’t happen, I’ll have to find a cheap hotel to stay at until my travel plans can be altered.

  Clicking the phone number link in the reservation email from the airline, I listen while it rings.

  I press my way through their automated menu until I’m on hold waiting for an agent.

  “We value your business. Please note that your current wait time is approximately…”

  I hold my breath, hoping by some miracle, I’ll be talking to a customer service agent in the next twenty seconds.

  “Fifty-two minutes.”

  “Dammit.” I end the call. “I’ll try changing it online.”

  Scouring the email for a link to take me to their website, my gaze lands on the fine print.

  Squinting, I read it aloud. “No ticket changes and no refunds permitted.”

  This is what I get for buying a discount seat at the last minute. I vaguely recall a warning popping up on my laptop screen about the ticket being non-refundable and changes not allowed, but I quickly skipped reading that in full so I could grab the low price seat.

  I plugged in my credit card number, hit the purchase now button, and breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

  That was less than two days ago.

  I walk into the bathroom and grab my hairbrush and the clothes I was wearing when I arrived. A glance in the mirror brings a scowl to my face.

  I’m tired, I’m frustrated, and most of all, I’m pissed at myself for thinking it was a great idea to surprise Drake. My brother is never far from New York City. The last time he took a real vacation was when he surprised our family with a trip to Hawaii. He came to Seattle months ago for our parents’ wedding anniversary, but he spent more than half of his time on the phone dealing with work issues. He was back on a plane to New York less than twenty-four hours after he landed in Washington State.

  “I called Drake’s driver. He’ll meet you downstairs. He can take you anywhere you want.”

  The sound of Case’s voice turns me toward the doorway.

  “Can he take me to wherever Drake is?” I ask with a half-smile.

  He shakes his head. “That’s the one place he can’t take you. Are you going to crash with a friend? Or do you need him to drop you off at a hotel?”

  He can’t get rid of me fast enough.

  His date must be due to arrive at any minute.

  I’d say she’s lucky, but he’s not exactly the nicest guy I’ve ever met.

  Not that I’d go for another nice guy after the hell I went through with the last one.

  “My brother is the only person I know in New York.” I breeze past him into the hallway. “I was going to fly home, but my ticket is locked in, so I’ll find a hotel for the night. When I wake up tomorrow, I’ll price out return flights to Seattle. I’m hoping that I can find a deal on a seat back home. If I can’t, I’ll be spending the week in Manhattan.”

  At this point, I’m thinking out loud, so I keep going. “I should download one of those travel apps. They’re always advertising that they can find the cheapest hotel rates.”

  I can hear the sound of Case’s shoes on the floor as he follows me into the main living area.

  I unzip my suitcase far enough to stuff my hairbrush and clothes inside of it. “One of them had a commercial during the Super Bowl last year. They have that incredibly annoying jingle, and now they’re advertising everywhere on social media. Everywhere. It’s overkill. I’m crossing that app off my list right now.”

  “You’re talking about Duotrip.”

  I spin around to face him. “That’s it. The name isn’t great either.”

  His arms cross his chest. “Your brother would disagree with you.”

  I drop my hands to my hips because I think I know Drake better than this guy ever will. They may be best friends, but I share a close bond with my brother. We’re a lot alike.

  “Drake would hate the name,” I quip.

  A wolfish smile settles on Case’s lips. Dimples. The man has dimples.

  How is he real?

  I glance down at the floor because a smile like that is contagiou
s, and I sense we’re in the middle of an argument about my brother that I want to win.

  I want at least one thing to go my way today.

  “He named it.”

  My head pops up. “What?”

  “He named it.” He steps closer to me. “He developed it. He’s the last one to approve all marketing for it, so I’ll be sure to tell him that you think the commercial was shit.”

  I raise a hand to stop him from talking. “Drake named it?”

  “He stuck the word trip after his initials. D.U.O. Drake Ulysses Owens. The result of that is Duotrip.”

  Speechless, I stare at him.

  “Did I love the name when he brought it to me? No, but I gave him carte blanche on the project, so I let him take it to market,” he says with a sly grin. “It’s killing it, Emma. You should be proud of your brother.”

  I exhale, trying to steady myself. “I thought Cabbott Mobile only developed games.”

  “That’s how we started.” He nods. “We’ve branched out the last couple of years. I’m surprised that Drake didn’t mention Duotrip to you. He tells anyone who will listen about it.”

  I’m just as surprised that my brother didn’t mention it to me. I had no idea. We used to tell each other everything.

  Why do I suddenly feel so far away from Drake?

  Tears threaten my eyes as I glance down at my phone. “I’ll download it and find a hotel unless you have one to recommend.”

  When I look up, Case’s gaze is locked on my face. Rubbing his jaw, he tilts his head as he studies me. “Fuck it. Stay here. Drake would want it that way.”

  Relief washes over me. The thought of being thrust into the clutches of a city I’m unfamiliar with is overwhelming. At least now, I can stay here until I sort out a flight home.

  “Are you sure?” I ask, even though I don’t want to give him an out to change his mind. He may be a stranger, but I feel safe here.

  “I’m sure, but there’s one condition.” His gaze drops to my laptop bag and suitcase.

  “I’ll put all of that in the guestroom,” I say hurriedly. “I’ll stay out of your way. You won’t even know I’m here.”

  “I need you to not be here five minutes from now. You can grab a drink. There’s a pub across the street. Eager Pour is the name of it.”

  His date. I almost forgot that a woman is meeting him here. I like his suggestion. I can use a cocktail after the day I’ve had. I deserve the treat.

  “Drake took me to a pub across the street called Durie’s the last time I was here.” I shrug. “Could that be the same place you’re thinking of?”

  “Shit. Maybe the bar changed hands since I left the city.” He slides his thumb across the screen of his phone. “Give me your number. I’ll text you when I’m done. She’ll be in and out of here in fifteen minutes.”

  Fifteen minutes?

  I think I found Case Abbott’s one flaw. He’s a rushed lover.

  I no longer consider the woman meeting him lucky at all.

  After calling out my phone number to him, I grab my laptop bag and the handle of my suitcase. I turn to him because I want him to know I’m grateful. “Thank you, Mr. Abbott.”

  I have no idea what to call him. He may be my brother’s best friend, but he’s his boss too. I’ve learned in life that you should always show respect to the people who help you.

  “Case,” he corrects me. “Call me, Case.”

  I grin because that contagious smile of his is on full display again.

  A tap of his finger on the face of his watch breaks the spell. “It’s time to get moving, Emma. My guest will be here in ten minutes.”

  I roll my suitcase over the floor as I walk toward the guestroom that I’ve stayed in before. This isn’t how I thought today would play out, but I have a bed to sleep in tonight. For now, that’s all that matters.

  Chapter 5

  Emma

  I snuck into the washroom at Durie’s before I took a seat at a table in the corner.

  As I was rushing out of Case’s apartment, I tossed my makeup bag into a clutch that I packed in my suitcase. With the addition of a couple of hair elastics, my wallet, and the keys that Drake gave me, I was set.

  I applied a touch of makeup before I twisted my hair into a messy bun. The lighting in the bar’s washroom wasn’t ideal, but I look presentable.

  I’ve already been mistaken for an eighteen-year-old once tonight. I don’t want a repeat with the server.

  I grin at her as she approaches me.

  “What can I get for you?” she asks with a bright smile.

  I go for a repeat of what I had the night Drake brought me here. “A lemon drop martini, please.”

  “My favorite.” Her blue eyes widen. “You have excellent taste, Emma.”

  Furrowing my brow, I lean back in my seat. I haven’t handed over my credit card yet, so how does she know my name?

  Smiling, she rests a hand on my tense shoulder. “You’re Emma, aren’t you? Drake Owens is your brother?”

  Stuck on a stalled breath, I nod. “I am.”

  “We met when you were here with him last year.” Her hand drops to her side. “He talks about you sometimes when he stops in for a beer.”

  I study her face. Her eyes are blue. Her hair is a dark shade of blonde. She’s pretty. She’s exactly my brother’s type.

  “I’m Kendall, by the way.”

  “It’s good to meet you again,” I say with a soft laugh. “Does my brother come in often?”

  I’m hoping small talk will bury the subject of our first meeting. I rarely forget a face. It’s part of my job to match faces with names.

  “When he wants a beer, he shows up.” She shrugs. “I have a feeling that once he gets back from his trip, he won’t be popping in as often.”

  Even this woman knew that Drake was headed out of New York City.

  Maybe she can fill in the gaps that Case was unwilling or unable to.

  Just as I’m about to interrogate her, a man at the next table calls out her name and what sounds like a complicated drink order.

  “I’ll grab your martini.” She slaps a dark blue cocktail napkin on the table in front of me. “I’ll put it on Drake’s tab.”

  “That’s not necessary.” I reach for my clutch. “I can pay for my drink.”

  With a shake of her head, she huffs out a laugh. “Not according to your brother. All friends and family of Drake Owens drink on his dime. Those are his exact words.”

  That sounds like Drake. He’s generous to a fault.

  “I’ll be right back.” She turns to walk away. “Oh, and can you do me a favor?”

  I sense that she’s about to ask me to put in a good word for her with my brother. He’s good-looking and fun. It wouldn’t be the first time someone asked me to set them up with him. One of my friends back in Seattle wanted a dinner date with Drake when she visited Manhattan last year. I asked him if he’d indulge her request, but he shot it down.

  I nod even though I know that Drake would have already asked her out if he was interested.

  “When you talk to Drake, can you offer my congratulations?”

  Before I can ask what for, Kendall blurts out the answer. “I admit I never thought he was the marrying type, but he proved all of us doubters wrong with this elopement.”

  Confused, I stare at her.

  “I may feel a little envy about the whole thing. I mean, who wouldn’t? What’s more romantic than getting married in a castle in Ireland?”

  I don’t respond to her question as she walks away. I don’t try to talk at all.

  I’m speechless.

  ***

  Three martinis later, I wonder if I’ll be able to get out of the chair I’ve been sitting in for the last two-and-a-half hours.

  I’ve spent all of this time thinking about my brother and his wedding.

  His wedding.

  Drake is getting married, and I had no idea. My parents didn’t either. I know that because I called them mid-way through my fir
st martini to tell them that I’d arrived in Manhattan safe and sound.

  They didn’t ask for an update, but I wanted to hear their voices. My mom talked about the pot roast she’s planning to cook for dinner tomorrow. My dad was focused on one of the used cars he sold today.

  It was obvious that they didn’t know anything about Drake flying to Ireland to marry a mystery woman.

  I had no idea that he had a girlfriend and the next time I see him, he’ll have a wife.

  Hanging my head, I shut my eyes.

  There’s nothing I want more than for the people I care about to be happy. I’m thrilled that Drake found someone he loves enough to marry, but the sting of disappointment I feel is undeniable.

  I always thought we’d be there for each other on the monumental days of our lives.

  “Did you give me a fake number?”

  I glance up at the sound of that voice because I recognize it. I may have only heard it briefly, but the tone has a rough edge that is unmistakable.

  “Case?”

  “Emma.” He gives me a curt nod. “I’ve sent you a few text messages.”

  I shrug. “I haven’t checked my phone.”

  It’s the truth. After I talked to my parents, I silenced my phone and shoved it into my clutch. I didn’t expect Drake to get in touch, but I didn’t want to risk answering his call in the mood I’m in.

  I need time to process everything that’s happened today before I talk to my brother.

  Glancing around the almost empty bar, Case crosses his arms. “How many of those have you had?”

  How is that his concern? He’s the one who sent me here so he could get down to business. That would be the business of quickies.

  It’s a shame.

  If he took his time, he might not look so wound up.

  His jaw is clenched, and his brow is furrowed. He seems tenser than when I left his apartment.

  “A couple,” I answer semi-honestly. I haven’t finished the third martini, so technically I’ve had two-and-a-half.