Dray (Miller Brothers Book 1) (5 page)

“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 shoulder 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.”

“Well, that more than makes up for it.” She smiles, taking a sip of her wine that’s just been placed down on the table.

“I also have a hidden agenda. Laurie will have my balls if I don’t earn enough brownie points tonight,” I add with a smirk.

I need to keep the boys intact.

“Ahh, she is a little fierce, my friend, but she certainly loves you. She talked you up but also gave me a little warning about your reputation.” She quirks a brow, and I can only imagine what Laurie has said.

Fuck.

“Yes, it does precede me. But trust me, I’m far more than that. I guess I’ve come to a point where I’m tired of this lifestyle. I’m looking for something real.” I hope my words hold conviction because the few minutes we’ve been chatting, I’m liking her even more.

“Well, I’m certainly real. You can pinch me, if you want.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” I smile, sipping on my beer.

“So, what are your usual haunts?” She leans back slightly in her chair, all eyes on me.

“Most of the popular bars.”

She rolls her eyes ever so slightly. “Ahhh, see, that’s where you’re going wrong. You need to hang out in more of the classier places. You’ll find a different calibre of women there.”

“I’m starting to realise that.” I watch a smile quirk on those beautiful lips of hers.

“So, apart from working out, what do you like to do?”

I laugh at her question. It’s been a long time since a woman asked me my interests; normally within seconds, their hand is resting on my knee, making their intentions clear. It’s a sure enough sign she’s interested in me, just in other ways.

“The usual—films, sports.”

“Football?” she asks, looking intrigued.

“Yes.” I’m surprised by her sudden interest.

“Man United or Man City.” She narrows her eyes, waiting for my response.

“United.”

Her eyes widen in alarm. “Oh, my God, then I can’t see you anymore.”

“You
can’t
be a Man City supporter,” I say in disgust. The words almost stick in my throat. I despise City with a passion.

“Yes.”

“Get away from me.” I jokingly push her away, and she giggles.

“Get your dirty United hands off me.” She slaps my hand away, and I’m enjoying the wicked gleam present in her eyes.

“Oh, whatever.”

“Sorry, did you just win the premiership? That would be a no.” She takes a sip of her wine, letting those words linger.

I narrow my eyes; this is fighting talk right here. “Yeah, but we’ll come back next season and win it.”

She splutters in her wine. “Yeah, yeah, we’ll see who the champions are next May.”

“Want to put a wager on that?” I ask, raising a brow.

“A ‘money where your mouth is’ kind of guy, huh? Fifty pounds?”

“Make it a hundred.” I smirk as her eyes widen a little, but she quickly recovers.

“Ooh, you talk big. Let’s just hope your team can take the title. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if they didn’t?” She’s enjoying this ribbing way more than I care to like, but there’s a part of me that is delighted by it, too. I like a girl with a good sense of humour; she could almost be one of the boys.

“God, you City supporters are so arrogant. It’s money that’s bought you the title.” Ritch and I were always having huge debates over the whole football transfers. We had little time for billionaire owners who came in and bought a team. I was glad he was on the same side, someone to be there throughout the highs and the lows.

She purses her lips in annoyance at my words. “Oh, whatever. How about another refill? All this goading is making me thirsty.” She winks with a grin, and I can’t help but shoot one back.

I signal over and order us some more drinks. The rest of the night flies by as we talk work and other interests, not mentioning football again. It seems effortless, not like a date at all. It’s only when Diane looks at her watch and frowns that I’m brought back to Earth with a bang. Our time is up.

“So, fancy doing this again?” she asks, pulling on her coat. I smile at her eagerness, as I’m equally as keen.

“Why not? Maybe next time we could go for something to eat? I’m pretty sure Laurie can reserve us a table.” I can almost guarantee it. Laurie will be in her element to know a second date is imminent; she’ll probably start picking out hats soon.

“Oh, Laurie’s food is to die for. I have a busy schedule coming up, but I’m more than sure I can fit you in somewhere,” she adds with a smirk.

“Well, I am highly honoured.” Holding out my arm for her to take, we walk outside. I flag down a taxi and open the door. I’m being the perfect gentleman.

She turns and faces me. “Thank you, Dray. Laurie said you were a special kind of guy, and you didn’t disappoint.”