TAILSPIN

  “By the X.”

  After I sign, he hands me the box as I hand him his clipboard. He touches his cap. “Have a good day, miss.”

  “Thank you,” I mutter to his disappearing frame.

  I shut the door behind me, then rush into the kitchen, grab a knife, and cut through the tape on each side. When I open it, I see a brand new iPhone 8, a credit card, a Michael Kors handbag, and a note. I grab it.

  If you decide to send these back to me, don’t bother coming in on Monday. I need to get in touch with you at all times, so keep this phone with you. Your contacts are already loaded, and I assume you have an iCloud account. If not, why not? The card is available for you to use until you get new cards from your bank. No arguments. If necessary, you can pay me back later. The pin number is on the back.

  Mr Jackson.

  I shake my head. This is too much. He knew I would send it back, so he used the I need to get in touch with you crap in order to justify getting me a phone. The phone is not the issue here. The handbag and card are.

  I take the phone out and switch it on, toying with whether to contact Devon. Biting my lip, I throw caution to the wind. First of all, though, I change his contact name from Mr Jackson to Devon … just so I can secretly stick it to him.

  I can understand the phone, but the handbag and card are unnecessary. I’ll have new ones delivered to work on Monday.

  I don’t have long to wait for a reply.

  As I said in the note, don’t turn up on Monday if you’re going to refuse them.

  It’s too much.

  I’m not going to argue with you.

  I try to think of a response when I hear the phone ping again.

  A simple thank you would suffice.

  For some reason, a big smile spreads across my face. I highly doubt Devon’s playing with me, but it could be construed as such.

  Thank you.

  That’s better. By the way, cancel the flights to New York. The jet’s been fixed. We will fly on it instead.

  Excitement bubbles up. I’ve seen the inside of his black Learjet 60, but have never flown in it. I knew it was undergoing maintenance, so I was disappointed we would have to fly commercial. Suddenly, New York looks even more appealing.

  Consider it done.

  As soon as I hit SEND, I grab my laptop and proceed to cancel our flights before taking a shower. Once I’m out and drying my hair, I hear a knock. Racing over to the front door, I check the peephole and see Charlie standing there, a baseball cap on and his head down. When I answer, I see why.

  “Ooh, nice shiner,” I say, leaving the door open and walking back in.

  I hear him sigh. “Look… I’m sorry, okay? I was drunk and that fucker hit on you, even though he knew you were my sister.”

  I turn around and wince when I see his eye, but stand my ground. “You had no right to behave the way you did. I wanted Ben to kiss me. In fact, I initiated it. How can you blame him for that?”

  He grits his teeth. “You don’t know him like I do. He likes girls … lots of them. He once had two in one night! Do you really think I want that for my sister?”

  I fist my hands on my hips. “How many have you had in one night, Charlie?”

  He closes his eyes. “That’s different.”

  “Is it? Is it really that different? No, I wouldn’t want to date a guy who goes through girls like I do Mars bars, but you do the same thing. It doesn’t mean you don’t have a heart. It doesn’t mean that, when you meet the right one, you won’t finally settle down.”

  He points at me. “See? That’s why you shouldn’t get mixed up with someone like him. You’re not like all those girls, but I’m afraid he’d treat you that way.”

  Softening my expression, I walk toward him and lay a hand on his heart. “Listen. I know you think you know what’s best for me, but I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. If Ben and I had kissed last night and I never saw him again, that’s fine. I’m not going to cry of a broken heart. For me, it was just a bit of fun. I’m sure he feels the same.”

  “It’s just wrong, Andi. Bad etiquette. I would never—ever—go after a family member of one of my friends. It’s just not right.”

  I completely understand what he’s saying, but it still winds me up. “How’s the eye?”

  “Sore.”

  “Good.” We smirk at each other.

  “I hear Devon took you home.”

  As I make my way to the kitchen, I nod. “Yes, after we went to the police station, he did.”

  Charlie raises his eyebrows. “What happened?”

  I turn to face him. “Didn’t Devon tell you?” I ask as a frown forms. He shakes his head. “My handbag was stolen last night.”

  “No… Are you okay?”

  Closing my eyes, I sigh before looking back up to meet my brother’s black eye. “I’m okay. I’ve cancelled all my cards and have new ones arriving Monday.”

  “Do you need some money?” He starts to pull his wallet out, so I stop him.

  “Charlie, it’s fine. I have money to last. It’s the photograph I’m most upset about.”

  Charlie frowns for a moment and then remembers. “The one of Mum.”

  I nod. “Yep.”

  “Motherfucker!” he suddenly shouts. “If I find out who he is, I’ll fucking kill him.” He walks toward me and throws his arms around me. “I’m so sorry, Andi.”

  I feel the tears well, but force them back. I had enough crying last night. I guess that’s why my head is so sore this morning. As if to remind me of the fact, it starts pounding.

  “It’s not your fault. No one knew this would happen. Apart from that photograph and a headache, I’m okay.”

  He kisses the top of my head before pulling away. “I tell you what. How about you get yourself ready and I’ll take you for breakfast? I could do with a greasy fry-up.”

  I laugh. “Nothing like some eggs and bacon to set you up for the day, huh?”

  Charlie pats his stomach. “Someone has to keep this going.” He then flexes his bicep before kissing it.

  I roll my eyes on a smirk. “Oh, please.”

  “Love you, Andi Pandy.”

  “Would you just stop that already? I’m going to grab my bag.” I see him frown before I turn to walk over to the box Devon sent me.

  “I thought yours was stolen?”

  “It was,” I answer, pulling out the black Kors bag. “Devon bought me a new one. And an iPhone.” I pull that out and dangle it in front of him.

  “Fuck me. I’m in the wrong profession.” He laughs and then suddenly stops. “Seriously, though. Did Devon really do this?” I nod. “I’m impressed. I guess he really is looking after you for me.” He shakes his head. “Please don’t tell me I have to kick his arse, too. I’m getting tired of fending off all the fucktards who want to date my sister.”

  I laugh. “You sound as if I’m constantly plagued by men.” Grabbing the handbag, I place my phone and spare set of keys into it. Luckily, I have the set that double bolts the door, whereas the keys in my stolen bag don’t. Otherwise, I’d need to call a locksmith to change the locks. For now, the double bolt will do.

  “Besides,” I continue, “Devon doesn’t think of me that way. Believe me.”

  “I should think not. You two are practically brother and sister. You’ve virtually grown up together.” He shudders at the thought.

  Thinking back, I remember the day I first met Devon. I was only six—almost seven—but I remember it quite clearly. While standing at the door, I heard him politely address my mother. I liked to hide back then and sneak peeks of people at the front door. I remember that he was dressed in clothes that were too small for him. His jeans stopped halfway up his ankles. I remember giggling, and then he locked me with those icy-blue eyes of his. I gasped and ran away, but the image stayed with me. I thought he was a bad boy, but he actually turned out to be rather sweet. Yes, he considered me the annoying little sister of his best friend, but there were some nice moments, too. Like the tim
e Charlie and he took me to the park and Devon pushed me on the swing. There weren’t many moments I remember like that, but the ones I do have stuck with me.

  Not wanting to think about Devon anymore, I look at Charlie. “Are you ready?” He nods.

  We make our way down King’s Road to the nearest café. Once there, we order two small fry-up breakfasts and a cup of tea. I notice Charlie typing on his phone.

  “Everything okay?” I ask, noticing Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” playing on the radio.

  Angrily, he puts his phone down. “Everything was okay until a certain person followed me here.” He looks over my shoulder and frowns, making me glance back.

  Ben walks up to the table, hands out in front of him. “Look, I know I’m not your favourite person right now. I just wanted to do the honourable thing by coming here and apologising to both of you.”

  I smile at Ben before looking at Charlie. He’s scowling, so I nudge his shoe. “Come on. Despite the fact he doesn’t owe you shit, he’s offering you an olive branch. Don’t be a dick.”

  He looks up at me, smirking. “Dick, huh?”

  I nod. “Yes, you’re being a dick.” I look at Ben. “Take a seat. We’ve just ordered, but I can ask them to add you—”

  “No, that’s okay. Let me order. I’ll be right back.”

  When he walks away, I glare at Charlie. “Behave yourself. Nothing happened last night.”

  “And nothing will,” he reiterates.

  Ben walks back. He’s about to sit in the chair next to me when Charlie says, “Whoa. Pull that chair over here. You’re sitting next to me.” I roll my eyes as Ben does what he’s told.

  Once he sits, I see Charlie looks positively ill. I’m about to ask him if he’s okay when he says, “Excuse me a moment.” He practically kicks his chair away before running to the toilet.

  Once he disappears, Ben looks back at me, raising a brow. “I guess he’s still feeling a little delicate from last night.”

  “I see you didn’t escape, either,” I say, motioning to his eye.

  He points to it. “This is nothing. I have a twin brother, remember?”

  “We didn’t get a chance to talk much last night. How’s your sister?”

  He looks down, playing with his phone. “The same. I’m actually heading over there as soon as I’m done here. I’m sorry things got a little crazy.”

  I think back to everything that happened. “It certainly did, but it’s not your fault.”

  Noticing me bobbing my head a little to the music, he smiles. “You like Ed Sheeran?”

  I nod. “I really like this song.”

  He offers me a cheeky grin before looking over his shoulder toward the toilet door. When he looks back at me, he leans over the table. “Don’t tell your brother I said this, but I’m in love with the shape of you.” He winks, making my heart flutter. I’m so engrossed in the way he’s looking at me that I fail to notice Charlie heading back.

  “Why are you grinning like an idiot?” he asks as he sits.

  My smile falls. “Trust you to ruin a moment.”

  He rubs his hands over his face. “There better not be any moments going on between you two.”

  I give Ben a look before glancing back to Charlie. “I guess you’re not feeling too well, huh?”

  “I’m fine,” he protests. Ben and I look at each other and laugh. Charlie looks at both of us. “This shit has to stop. I mean it.”

  I huff. “Whatever you say, big brother. I still think you’re a dick. Ben and I were only talking last night.”

  “That’s not what Devon told me.”

  “Yes, but you and Devon are like the gruesome twosome. Always have been, always will be. Thick as thieves. I told him that nothing had happened, but he went and told you anyway.”

  Charlie leans forward. “That’s because he and I are friends. We have each other’s backs.” He glares at Ben. “Unlike some.”

  The look on Ben’s face makes me feel bad for him. “The way you’re acting, you’d think we were having sex right there. I think it’s a bit—” I’m about to say “childish” when Ben interrupts.

  “Andi, it’s okay. I understand where Charlie’s coming from. If it were my sister, I’d feel the same.”

  “Then why did you do it?” Charlie asks, making me sigh.

  “Because your sister’s special.” He smiles brightly, causing my face to light up. Damn, he’s good. He’s also very cute. I haven’t thought about Devon the whole time he’s been sitting with us.

  “Damn fucking right she’s special, which is exactly why you should know better.” Charlie turns to me. “See? This is why I wanted to keep you away from the guys I work with. I knew someone would take to you, eventually ending up breaking your heart—whether intentionally or not. You don’t want a soldier for a boyfriend, Andi. Believe me.”

  I see the contrite look on Ben’s face. I understand what Charlie’s saying, but it was just a kiss.

  “No,” I answer. “But I have a brother who’s one.”

  Charlie sees the sadness in my eyes, so he drops it and changes the subject. When breakfast arrives, all conversation is put to one side. But I can’t help the niggling feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something doesn’t sit right with me. Charlie has always been a little protective, but since he’s been back, it’s tripled. He’s right, though. Because I know how hard it is every time he has to leave, I wouldn’t normally choose a soldier as a boyfriend. I don’t know what it is about Ben, but he’s different. Maybe Charlie knows this and that’s why he’s acting worse than normal.

  Once we’re done eating and Charlie lets out an unceremonious burp, his phone rings, prompting him to get up. Before he answers it, he leans over the table, looking at us. “Behave.” He walks out of the café.

  Ben smiles and immediately reaches into his back pocket. “I’ll get this,” he says, opening his wallet. He motions to the waitress, who nods.

  “I would normally fight you to pay for this, but my handbag was stolen last night.”

  Eyes wide, Ben leans forward. “Damn. Are you okay?”

  I smile. “I’m fine. It was just …” Placing my hand around my neck, I look back up at Ben. “He took something valuable from me. Something that’s worth more than its weight in gold. It’s only a photograph, but it’s one I wanted to carry with me for the rest of my life.”

  Just as the bill arrives, Ben leans over to grab my hand. “I’m sorry.”

  I watch as his thumb travels over the back of my hand. It makes my breath hitch and my heart beat faster.

  “Do you feel it, too?”

  I look up at him, getting lost in those eyes. Maybe it’s the thought that we’re somehow forbidden, but I can’t help wanting him the way I do. I can’t help this instant connection we have.

  “Yes, I feel it.”

  “Do you have your phone, or was that stolen, too?”

  I nod, taking my new phone out of my back pocket. “It was stolen, but my boss bought me this.” I wake the screen up and hand it to him. He takes it, types something, then hands it back. “That’s my number. You can text me so I have yours. That’s if … if you want.” He gives me a big, boyish smile. I give him one of my own.

  The waitress comes over with the bill, which Ben pays. Once she walks away, I say, “Thank you for breakfast.”

  He nods. “It was my pleasure.”

  Charlie walks back in and approaches the table. “Are you ready?” I look from Ben to Charlie. I don’t quite want to leave yet, but I know I should. This thing with Ben isn’t going anywhere. I just feel nice when he’s with me.

  “Yes,” I say, reluctantly. I look back at Ben.

  Charlie nods. “I’ve just got to pay the bill.”

  Ben glances away from me. “Already done, mate.”

  “Ah, okay. Cheers.” He pats Ben’s back.

  “You’re welcome.”

  We all get up and leave the café. Once outside, Charlie says, “I have to run. I’m already late meeting up with
an old school friend.”

  “Yeah, need to get going, too,” Ben says, pointing in the opposite direction of where I’m going.

  “It was nice seeing you again.” I lean forward and give him an awkward kiss on the cheek. What I really want to do is jump him.

  “It was nice seeing you, too. Take care,” Ben says, waving before walking off.

  I watch him a few seconds… I can’t help but admire his arse. Then, I see a hand waving in front of my face.

  “Hey, enough of that shit. He’s my friend.”

  “Sorry,” I say quickly, turning toward Charlie.

  He shakes his head before throwing an arm around me. “Come on, little sis. Let’s get you home.”

  We walk the short distance to my apartment before Charlie kisses me on the cheek and heads out. Once I’m settled on the couch, I remember the phone number Ben gave me. I toy with the idea of texting him. I know I shouldn’t, but a text is harmless, right?

  Thank you again for breakfast. I really enjoyed it.

  It isn’t long before I receive a response.

  It was my pleasure. I only wish I could have stayed longer.

  Me, too.

  Is Charlie still with you?

  I bite my lip before answering.

  No. He left a couple minutes ago.

  I know I shouldn’t ask this, but would you like to go for a walk somewhere? I can buy you another cup of tea, if you want. ;)

  I laugh as my finger hovers over the buttons of my phone. I know it’s not a good idea, but my body’s overruling my head. In an instant, I send him my address and ask him to come by. When I don’t get a response, my heart falls.

  A couple minutes later, my phone rings. When I answer, Ben says. “I’m outside.”

  Trying to suppress my smile, I get up from the sofa and walk to the door. When I answer, I see Ben standing there, looking all gorgeous and shy.

  “Come in,” I say, motioning him through.

  Everything happens quickly. One minute, he’s walking through my door. The next, I’m throwing him up against my door and kissing him. Frantic hands explore everywhere as I kiss that delectable, warm mouth of his.

  “We shouldn’t be doing this,” he says breathlessly.

  “I know,” I say, a hint of want in my voice. “It’s wrong. So, so wrong.”