Chapter 31
I didn’t plan on buying an apartment in the same building as Drake, but once I started looking, it became the best of the bunch.
I like the location, the easy access to the good bars and restaurants that line the river and overlook the meadows.
I don’t want the hassle of a garden. I don’t need a garage, making this ideal, so I boycotted houses.
Did I factor Drake in this? Of course. I’m not giving up on a chance with him.
Although a little grovelling on his knees sounds appealing.
No one thought it strange that it was the same building as Drake’s, no one except for Robin, the brothers’ Pops.
Everyone helped me move everything in, and while I know I’m pretty strong, I’ve got nothing on Knox and Saint.
It made all the heavy lifting quick and easy.
When everything was all in place, Robin gave me a wink and said it would all turn out all right.
I had no clue what to say, so I took the easy way out and said nothing.
I’ve haven’t seen him since, not for lack of his trying though.
I’ve had invitations to Sunday brunch or Saturday pizza and beer.
Even another soup night. That one was tempting; I have to admit.
Call me stupid, but I want to get to know Drake by being with him, not hearing everything about him from daft tales or past stories.
Drake has a right to introduce me to them if it happens.
I don’t want to already be part of the family, settled into the routines they love.
On the flip side, if we don’t get on or try something and it’s not right, then always having me at his parents’ house would be too embarrassing.
Which leads me back to now and Drake’s BMW being back in his space.
I not sure if Memphis or Royal have seen that Drake’s car is back. I hone in on it like a missile as I get out of my car. That I look every time I walk up to the building is dumb, but it’s a habit now. I’m so used to it being empty; I’m taken aback it’s there now, large as life.
When we reach my floor, Memphis follows me out but Royal holds back. “Go on, I’ve left my phone in the car.”
Memphis just nods, but I’m not so sure. I think he’s going up to Drake’s. As the doors slide shut, I’m curious to see if they go up or down. It goes up. I’m going to guess he saw the BMW and knows I have too.
“What’s wrong?” Memphis asks, still waiting for me to get to my door.
“Nothing. Come on, let’s get inside.” I have my keys in my hand and unlock the door.
Memphis walks in, and I let the door close with a solid thunk behind me.
Now what to do about Drake’s return; telling Memphis is probably the best thing to do, especially since Royal has sauntered off to go and see him for himself.
My thoughts are all jumbled up in my head.
I know I still want him. I assume he’s been with Rafe Quartermaine while they’ve been together.
I doubt if they could stay away from each other.
The sexual energy between them in all the pictures the trashy magazines have published is off the charts.
You’d have to be a monk to see him and not want to pick up where they left off.
The knowledge that it was Rafe Drake called when he’d been attacked, not one of his brothers tells the story of their past and the strength of the bond between them.
“Drake’s back,” I blurt out to Memphis. He’s already sitting on the sofa with the remote in his hand. He swivels around to look at me; his arm still extended with the remote pointing at the tv.
“What? How? I mean, how do you know?”
“His car is back. I saw it when we got here. I think Royal saw it, too, and that’s where he’s gone.” I wish I could see the car park from my apartment, so I could prove it to Memphis.
“What the hell are you waiting for? Go up there and find out what the hell he’s been doing for the last three months.
” Memphis looks so angry for me, it’s cute.
I don’t know why he is so irritated with Drake.
I’m the one with the right to be. I am, of course I am; he’s been gone for months without a word.
But he’s hinted at the jobs he takes at the drop of a hat, it would be silly of me to expect him to refuse a job after two orgasms between us.
Stupidly, I want him still. It’s the unfinished business between us.
If it doesn’t work out after trying again, then fine.
Until then, I still want him; it’s like a simmering need, an ache to touch him again.
The feel of his soft dark hair through my fingers, the press of his full lips on mine.
The time apart has only fuelled the fire inside.
I know it’s only a matter of time until we get back to what we’d barely even started.
“Not yet. I’m sure he’ll be exhausted. It’s okay, Memphis. It will all be okay. I promise.” I smile when he huffs out an annoyed breath and flops back on the sofa again. “What do you want to eat?”
“Mexican,” he grumbles and brings up Netflix on my tv. I smile and open my phone to order enough for the three of us. I’m expecting Royal to turn up in a foul mood and ready to break things, so I put a six pack of beer in the fridge.
I am wrong. Royal comes back with a huge smile on his face, like a kid who knows a secret. I’m not kind enough to let him think he can best me. “Did Drake appreciate you turning up on his doorstep?”
He spins around to face me after snogging the face off Memphis as if he’s been gone for days. “How did you know? Have you been to see him already? He didn’t say anything.” I can’t work out if he’s annoyed that he can’t taunt me or that I haven’t been up there hammering on the door myself.
“I’m sure you told him I’ve moved in here. Thanks for saving me the job. I’ve ordered dinner; Memphis wants Mexican. Oh, there’s beer in the fridge, but it won’t be very cold yet.” I give him a smile that makes him scowl.
“Do you know if he came home alone?” Royal asks, like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth as he saunters past me to the fridge.
“Oh, stop it, Royal; you’re being a dick,” Memphis scolds him. “I want a beer too.”
Royal grabs two bottles and uncaps them. “So, what are you going to do?” he asks me as he lifts the bottle to his lips.
“Why? In fact, why does everyone think that we’re going to be something? We don’t know each other yet. So, whatever relationship you lot want us to have is all in your heads.”
Before either of them can reply, the intercom buzzes. The food is here.
When I get back from the front door, the two of them have put some plates and napkins on the coffee table. Royal gives me a nod. “I get it, man. We’re gonna shut up about it.”
We help ourselves to as much food as the plates will hold, and the next hour is us back to normal, shouting at the football game and talking shit. It’s only nine-thirty when they leave, but it’s a school day tomorrow, and Royal needs to get some marking done.
When Memphis is in the doorway, he turns. “We only want you to be happy. After everything that’s gone down over the last year or so, you deserve happiness. Drake’s a good man.”
“I know, but there’s a lot of walls up between us. I’d like to get to know him. But instalove isn’t real, as much as you want it to be.” I give him a hug, which brings Royal’s Dom out, and he growls at me.
“Go get your own sub.” With that, they walk to the lift, Royal’s arm over Memphis’ shoulder.
Yep, I’m jealous as fuck. I look up at the ceiling, knowing full well that my future is only two floors above me. Is it too soon to see him?
As much as I want to go back inside and shut the door, my feet have other ideas, and I close the door behind me and head for the stairwell.
As I stand at his door, my hand raised to knock, there are footsteps on the other side of the door. It opens, and Drake is standing in front of me. He’s just a beautiful as I remember: his olive skin and dark, almost black hair. His full, plump, rosy lips part in shock at seeing me.
He startles and takes a step back. “Finn,” he says in surprise, then his cheeks colour a soft pink. “I didn’t expect to see you here. What’s up?”
“I saw you were back, saw your car,” I say, then realise I sound like a stalker. “Sorry, that came out creepy.” I push my hair from my forehead as I feel my cheeks heat. “How are you?”
He smiles. It’s a shy smile that has me wanting to reach out for him, to pull him close just to feel his body against mine. “Would you like to come in?”
“Yes.” I don’t know what else to say.