Hearts on Air (Hearts #6)

  By the time we sat down at the table my eyes had adjusted somewhat to the dark. A waitress came and recited the menu, and I opted for the lemon chicken and sweet potato wedges, because it sounded like the least messy option.

  “This is weird,” I said to Trev once she left. “Isn’t it weird? I feel like there’s probably stains all over the table, and the cutlery could be dirty for all we know.”

  “Stop being so anal,” he chided before he reached over and gave my knee a squeeze. I couldn’t exactly tell the layout of the place, but Trev had decided to sit right next to me.

  I sighed and apologised. “Sorry. You know I’m a clean freak.”

  He let go of my knee and I almost missed his touch. “This night is about pushing our boundaries. Think about it this way. The most uncomfortable experiences make for the most memorable memories. We’re making memories tonight, Reya Cabrera. Isn’t it exciting?”

  I laughed at his enthusiasm. “I guess.”

  Now he slapped me on the thigh. “That’s the spirit.”

  The waitress returned with our drinks, and I’ll be honest, I spilled a little of my white wine down the front of my dress. I just hoped it dried before we left the restaurant. Trev and I laughed and giggled our way through the entire experience, which made it totally worth it. At one point he talked me into letting him feed me, and I had to guess what I was eating. When he ordered dessert, he’d insisted on whispering it to the waitress so I couldn’t hear.

  “Is that meringue?”

  “Yes.”

  “And cream.”

  “Uh huh.”

  “And coulis. I’ve got it! Eton Mess.”

  “Well done. Now you win the prize of me feeding you the rest of it,” he announced, and even though I could barely make him out, I just knew he was smirking. Before I could protest he had another spoonful nudging at my lips, but I wasn’t quick enough and half of it spilled down over my chin. I felt like a three-year-old eating custard.

  I startled a yelp when Trev dove in and licked the fallen dessert from my chin like it was the most normal thing in the world.

  I repeat. He. Licked. The. Dessert. From. My. Chin.

  I sat frozen for a moment then blurted, “What was that?”

  There was silence for a beat. “A dog just broke into the restaurant. Can’t you see? Get out, you filthy mutt!”

  “Trev, that wasn’t a dog.”

  “No?” I could sense his grin.

  “No, it was your mouth.”

  I saw movement in the dark as he raised his hands in the air. “Fine, you have me. I licked you.”

  A shudder went through me at the simple statement. “Why?”

  “Didn’t want it to go to waste.”

  He said this like it was no big deal. Why did he always have to be so unaffected by everything? For once I wished for him to show fluster or even a hint of nervousness. But no, he was the cool one. I was the nervous one. Which was probably why I was so lost for words right then.

  He took his phone out and the screen illuminated his face. I was glad he’d decided to check his messages, because I needed a few moments to calm down. Trev was my friend, nothing more. I’d crushed any flowery notions I had about him years ago. So why wouldn’t my stomach stop flipping over on itself? All I could think about was how his mouth felt on my chin. It reminded me of how men kissed women in movies, unable to get enough as they mouthed their chin, the edges of their lips, like they wanted to consume their entire face.

  My wandering thoughts caused a flush to break out across my chest and my thighs quivered. I really needed to get laid. The last time I had sex was almost five months ago, and it hadn’t even been with a boyfriend. It had been a tawdry one night stand with a guy I met after one of my gigs, and he’d looked disturbingly like Trevor. The realisation embarrassed me right down to my toes, because I knew he’d have a field day if he ever found out.

  Trev slipped his phone back in his pocket. “Lee and Karla are such a pair of smarmy bastards,” he tutted.

  I turned my head to him. “Huh?”

  He sighed. “They’ve been posting endless pics of their holiday over in Portugal. All loved up. Makes me sick.”

  “Somebody sounds bitter. Has there been some sort of blip in the love life of Trevor Cross, mayhap?”

  “No, there hasn’t. Just don’t need it rubbed in my face twenty-four-seven.”

  “Oh my God, you are bitter. Does it bother you that your brothers are all settling down? Lee’s got Karla, Stu’s got Andie, hell, even Liam’s started seeing some girl he seems pretty serious about. Maybe you should think about finding someone you actually want to spend time with outside of having sex,” I hinted.

  “Why would I do that when I’ve got you?” he asked, like it was a perfectly reasonable question. It was in this moment that I really wished I could see his facial expression, because I couldn’t tell if he was being serious.

  I scoffed. “I hope that’s a joke.”

  “And what if it isn’t?” he challenged. God, he was serious.

  “Well, for one I’m not going to be around forever. Someday I’m going to meet a man and fall in love, get married, have kids. I won’t be available for you to just come see whenever the mood takes you.”

  “And why not? Let’s just say you do get married, which by the way, isn’t likely, I’ll still be your friend. We should still be able to hang out.”

  I gaped at him, even though he couldn’t see me, hung up on the “isn’t likely” bit of what he just said. “Why isn’t it likely?”

  Trev sighed. “In the past two years I’ve only ever seen you with one boyfriend, Charles or whatever his name was.”

  “Charlie,” I corrected, voice tight.

  “Yeah, Charlie. And he didn’t last very long. Anyway, you seem happier single. That’s why we get along so well. We’re alike.”

  “We’re not alike at all. And I’m not happier single, very few people are. Nobody wants to be alone for the rest of their lives,” I bit out, upset with him.

  “Reya…”

  “No, fuck you, Trev. You can be such a fucking arsehole sometimes,” I said and stood from the table, bumping my knee in the process. Stupid bloody dining in the dark. What a ridiculous idea. I fumbled through the restaurant, but it took me forever to find my way out. When I finally got outside I inhaled a deep breath, still riled by Trev’s insinuation that I was going to be single forever. What a dickhead.

  I wasn’t sure why my emotions were so close to the surface today, because I never usually lost my temper with him, and there were times when he really tried my patience. I guess it was because of how affectionate he was being, touching me, licking the dessert from my chin. It gave me momentary ideas I had no business entertaining.

  The door swung open and Trev emerged. He glanced from left to right before he spotted me. Then he shoved his hands in his pockets, looking sheepish.

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. I was an arsehole. Please don’t hate me.”

  I blew out a breath. “I don’t hate you. What you said just rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, you probably don’t understand because you always have your family around, but life can be very lonely for me sometimes. I’m not close to my family like you are, and when I go home at the end of the day I don’t have a bunch of brothers to keep me company. The idea that that’s all I’ll ever have is depressing, so it pissed me off when you basically condemned me to a life of spinsterhood.”

  Trev’s brows drew together, casting an intense look over his features. Then he ran a hand over his face and swore. “Fuck.”

  I grew self-conscious and wanted to change the subject. “Look, don’t worry about it. I shouldn’t have gotten so upset. Just…try and think before you speak in future.”

  Trev took a step toward me and placed his hands on my shoulders. “No, you have every right to be upset. That was a shitty thing to say, but I didn’t realise you were lonely. You always seem so…together. Happy.”

  “I am happy, and I lik
e my life, but I’d like it even better if I had someone to share it with.” I stared at the ground now, unable to look him in the eye.

  “You will one day, I promise. But in the meantime, I don’t like thinking of you all sad and lonely in your little flat. If you ever feel that way, just come stay with me for a couple days. There’s more space at ours now that Stu’s moved out, and everybody loves having you around.”

  “Okay,” I whispered as he continued massaging my shoulders.

  “Reya, look at me.”

  I glanced up. “What?”

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “Shut up.”

  “No, I’m being serious. You are. Any man in his right mind would give his left nut to be with you.”

  Not you, though, my brain piped in. Shut up, brain!

  “And you’re talented. And funny. And just plain lovely to be around. And the first time I heard you sing I swear I got a stiffy.”

  I hit him on the chest. “You did not.”

  “I did. Ask Karla. She was there. I think I might’ve scarred her for life.”

  I laughed and he pulled me into a hug. I sank into his embrace, savouring it, because so few people hugged me these days. When I was little, my mum used to hug me all the time, but not anymore.

  “Seriously though, you’re amazing, so don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Not even dumb fucks like me who are supposed to be your best friend,” he said, his mouth on my hair. I took the opportunity to breathe in his smell. I’d never admit it to anyone, but it was my favourite.

  “Okay, I believe you,” I said and we pulled apart.

  Trev grinned. “About being amazing or my unfortunate public erection?”

  I laughed loudly. “Both.”

  We stared at each other, smiling. It lasted a long moment before Trev glanced back at the restaurant and muttered, “Oh, shit.”

  I frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  He looked back at me. “We both just left without paying.”

  “Crap! Okay, let’s go back in and explain.”

  Trev grabbed my hand, halting my progress. When I glanced up at him I recognised the shine of mischief in his eyes. “Oh no, don’t even think about it.”

  “Come on. You’ve never dined and dashed, and believe it or not, neither have I. It’s a new thing for both of us. Let’s do it.”

  I stared him down firmly. “Trevor, no.”

  He peered over my shoulder. “Reya.”

  “What?”

  “Hey, you two!” came a voice.

  “Run!”

  My heart pounded when he tugged on my hand. I didn’t know if it was fear, adrenaline, or the simple desire not to be arrested for walking out of a restaurant without paying, but I ran. I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, until the man’s shouts faded and we’d made it back to the tube station. It wasn’t until we were sitting on a carriage that I finally calmed down. I felt awful though, and determined to find out the name of the girl who’d been waiting our table and anonymously send her money for the meal.

  “Where are we going now?”

  Trev made a tutting sound. “Wait and see, nosy knickers. It’s a surprise.”

  A half hour later we stood in front of steps that led down to a public toilet. Yes, you didn’t mishear me. A public toilet. Above the steps was a sign that read “Ladies & Gents”.

  “Good God, do I even want to know what we’re doing here?” I asked. “If you say we’re meeting a stranger to A.) buy drugs or B.) engage in an act of public indecency, I’m going to have to unfriend you forever and ever, Amen.”

  “Oh, don’t be such a drama queen. You’re going to love this,” Trev chided and stood behind me. He gripped each of my shoulders and ushered me down the steps. I moved forward at a wary pace, experiencing a few moments of misgiving before I stepped down into what appeared to be a tiny pub. In spite of the old bathroom tiles on the wall, it was sort of adorable. I twisted around to eye my friend. He winked. “Bet you never had a drink in a public bathroom before.”

  “This is nuts. How have I never known this was here?”

  Trev tipped the side of his nose. “It’s London’s best kept secret.”

  I scoffed. “I should hope London has some better kept secrets than this, otherwise she’s definitely letting the side down.”

  “Oh, she has many more, don’t you worry. She’s a secretive old hussy is our London,” said Trev.

  Laughing, we each took a seat by the bar and I scanned the cocktail menu. “I think we should both try a new drink.”

  “Good idea,” said Trev before slamming his hand down on the counter. “Barkeep! Bring us two of the most potent cocktails on your menu.”

  The guy behind the bar smirked at Trev’s antics as he used a dishcloth to dry a glass. “If you’re after a Cosmo, you only have to ask. I’m sure your lovely lady friend here won’t think you less of you.”

  I gasped a tiny breath at his cheekiness and looked him up and down. He was hot, if you were into bearded hipsters. Trev didn’t bat an eyelash.

  “Believe me, sir, if I wanted a Cosmo, I’d order a Cosmo. My lady friend is well aware of all my manly attributes.”

  I glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. “Am I?”

  “Last summer, Camber Sands, my towel very inconveniently slipped when I was changing out of my swimming trunks, allowing you to cop quite a delightful eyeful.”

  I did my best to hide my blush, because it was true. I’d seen Trev’s manhood in all its glory, and though it had only been a flash, it was enough to let me know he was well-endowed.

  “The delightfulness is yet to be confirmed.”

  Trev’s eyes glittered as he leaned closer. “Is that a challenge?” His breath hit my skin and I needed a subject change, pronto. I turned to the barman.

  “So, any drinks suggestions?”

  He pursed his lips, thinking about it. “Either of you ever tried The Zombie?”

  “That sounds suitably morbid and extreme. We’ll have two,” Trev announced.

  “Hold up. I want to know what’s in it first.”

  “Three different types of rum, lime juice, falernum, angostura bitters, pernod, grenadine, cinnamon syrup and grapefruit juice.” The barman lifted a finger for each listed ingredient.

  I grimaced. “I honestly can’t decide if that sounds revolting or delicious.”

  Trev nudged me with his elbow. “You’ll just have to try it and find out.”

  He eyed me meaningfully, and I knew it was a silent reminder of what tonight was all about. New experiences. Right. “Okay, but if I get an ulcer you’ll be nursing me back to health.”

  Trev smiled widely. “Well, duh! I look fab in a nurse’s uniform. Starched out white’s my colour.”

  A few minutes later the barman set our drinks down and I lifted mine, first taking a sniff. It was definitely potent. When I took a tentative sip it burned but in a good way. Trev let out a hoot after he downed a long gulp.

  The barman shot me a little grin. “Well, what do you think?”

  “I imagine it’s an acquired taste,” I answered and he chuckled, his expression warming in a way that made me wonder if he fancied me. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t the sort of woman who went around thinking every bloke fancied her just because they were friendly. But I did have my audience, as most of us do. There was a certain sort of man who found me attractive, and I was beginning to think Mr Barman was one of them.

  “I’m Ash, by the way,” he said and held his hand out across the bar to me. I shook with him, aware of Trev’s attention all the while.

  “Reya.”

  “And I’m Trevor,” my friend finished. “Now we’re all on first name terms. How splendid.” If I wasn’t mistaken, I thought there was a hint of annoyance in his tone.

  Ash nodded to him then quickly brought his attention back to me.

  “So Reya, do you live around here?”

  I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could get a word in Trev interrupted. “Tell
me, Ashington…”

  “It’s Ashley.”

  “Well, that makes it so much better. Tell me, do you always come onto other men’s girlfriends while you work, or is this just a one-time thing?”

  Ash raised an eyebrow. “Is she your girlfriend?”

  “No, but…”

  “Well then, that answers your question.”

  “No, it doesn’t. For all you know we could be married with three adorable children.”

  Ash smirked. “I took a wild guess.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  I eyed Trev, not getting where all this hostility was coming from. He’d just told me one day I’d meet a man and fall in love, yet here he was hardly an hour later, vagina-blocking the shit out of me. I nudged him in the elbow as he stared Ash down.

  “Quit being weird.”

  “I’m not being weird. I’m simply questioning this young man’s ignoble intentions.”

  I scoffed at that, because Ash was clearly a couple years older than Trev. Instead of engaging him, Ash reached under the counter and grabbed a pen, then proceeded to scribble something on a napkin. He set it in front of me and I peered down to see his phone number.

  “In case you ever want to go out,” he said, giving Trev a look before returning his gaze to me. When he went to serve the people at the other end of the bar, I turned my attention to my friend, who at least had the decency to look sheepish. He lifted his drink and took a sip. I folded my arms and cocked my head. He pretended to peruse the liquor bottles stacked in a row along the shelf. I cleared my throat.

  “Care to explain what that was all about?”

  “I was saving your bacon. You don’t want to date a barman, Reyrey. Bunch of sluts, the lot of ‘em.”

  “And how to do you know? Have you met every barman in the whole entire world?”

  “I’ve met my fair share. Though the Greeks are by far the sluttiest. When me and the lads went to Santorini last year, there was this bartender who got off with a new bird every night. Lots of tourists there, so it was a target rich environment, but still.”

  “Well, Ash doesn’t look Greek to me.”

  “No, he looks like a tosser.”