Dray (Miller Brothers Book 1) (4 page)

“Oh, so you
are
alive then,” Ritchie announces the moment I walk through the door. He’s sitting at my desk, which automatically gets my back up.

“Yep, looks like it,” I bark, stating the obvious.

“Still sulking, I see.” He smiles, and I want to punch him.

“Fuck you.”

“The meeting went well. I covered for you, since you didn’t ask.”

I hang up my jacket and pour a cup of coffee. He moves from my seat to stand beside me.

“Is that all?” I ask. I’ve already had enough of his wisecracks today.

“Dray—”

“I want to be alone today. Put a sign up outside saying, ‘do not disturb’. And that includes you.”

His face drops at my abrupt tone. “Oh, come on. Let’s talk about this.”

“I think you’ve said enough.”

I don’t want to hear another word.

He leans his hands on my desk and pushes his face close to mine. “What, do you not like hearing a few home truths?”

“Walk away while you still have a job,” I warn. He’ll be spark out on the floor if he pushes it further.

“Fine, sulk some more, but I won’t let you wallow for long.” He slams the door behind him, and I welcome the silence. I sit back, rub my hands down my face and sigh.

How did life become this complicated?

Women.

* * *

It’s two-thirty and my stomach rumbles, but I refuse to leave this room. I’ve had my fill of coffee; I need something more substantial, but I’m not in the mood to face anyone. The door opens and my eyes flick up as Ritchie walks in with a chicken salad and smoothie. He says nothing, simply popping the food onto the desk before leaving.

I smile as I devour the contents, washing it down with the smoothie. I needed that. I’ve got to stop being a pussy and get back out there. Ritchie is right. Maybe I should organise a lads’ night?

I head downstairs and sure enough, Ritchie’s there, hovering by reception. He shoots me a look and I give him a chin lift. He smirks, the fucker, then walks over.

“How did it all go yesterday?” I ask.

“So now you want to know, huh?” He smirks again.

“Shut it.”

“It went fine. We had to do a little negotiation, but we got the price we wanted. Delivery will be here next week,” he says smiling, looking proud.

“Glad you didn’t balls it up then.” I try to hide the smirk, but it’s useless. I can always depend on Ritch, but I never praise him; I wouldn’t want his head growing too much.

“Well, I
am
second in charge. You can trust me with a little responsibility by now. Let me know if you need to make any other sudden disappearances,” he adds sarcastically.

“Whatever, dickwad.” I shove him playfully.

“How about coming over tonight? Laurie’s making lasagne and the United game is on. Couple of beers, we could make a night of it. What do you think?”

“I guess I can dumb down and watch it on your small TV.”

“It’s fucking sixty-inch, that’s not small,” he snaps.

“It is compared to mine.”

“Oh, shut it, Mister Millionaire. Size doesn’t always matter.” We both chuckle together like fucking school kids.

“Thanks,” I say.

“You’re welcome.”

I playfully kick him and he laughs.

Things are back to normal.

“It will be nice to see Laurie, haven’t seen her in a while.” She’s like the big sister I never had. I would do anything for that woman.

“She misses you, man, always asks. I sometimes wonder if I should be worried.” Ritchie winks, but we all know she’s only ever had eyes for him. Plus, I’d never look at her in that way.

“It’s my charm. The ladies can’t help themselves,” I brag, smirking back.

“Fuck off. So should I tell her you’re coming over later?”

“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.

“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.