Five Months Ago
There are some things to know about me right off the bat. First, my name is Andi Bellingham, I am twenty-six, and I live in Chelsea, London with my flatmate and close friend, Ritchie. Second, I am the personal assistant to the CEO of Worldwide Airways, Devon Jackson. Third, I both love and hate the man with a passion that consumes me on a daily basis.
He is best friends with my brother, Charlie, who is away in the military. He is rich, conniving, and egotistical. He also has the most amazing ass I have ever seen. He reeks of self-importance; it practically radiates from him the moment he enters a room. Standing at almost six-foot-five and three-quarter inches, he is impossible to ignore. Believe me, I know.
He also has the most perfectly short, dirty-blond hair and the most striking and intriguing blue eyes which are often hooded by his dark brows.
His jawline is strong, but not too pronounced, and he tops that off with the sexiest goatee stubble I have ever seen.
I don’t know how I’ve managed it, but I have been working for him for the past eleven months. I needed a job, and my brother helped me get this one. He also told Devon I was off limits. Devon just shrugged and nonchalantly said he would have absolutely no problem with that. He said he never mixed business with pleasure—despite the fact that I’ve often heard him doing just that right behind his office door.
Like right now, for instance. A tall, leggy blonde with the biggest fake tits I’ve ever seen stands before me with that “You’re shit on my shoe” look.
“Can I help you?” I’m trying my hardest to be polite, but this woman holds no regard for me whatsoever. As a result, I have to admit the feeling is mutual, and I can’t very well reciprocate that which isn’t offered to me in the first place. My mother always taught me that respect must be earned … and this woman has earned absolutely none.
“I’m here to see Mr Jackson. He is expecting me.” With a flick of her hand, she tosses her golden locks away from her face and gives me a false smile.
“I bet he is,” I mutter under my breath. “And your name is?” I ask, noting that she never divulged that information.
“Amanda Wright.”
The moment she says her name, Devon calls my phone from his office. I pick it up and answer in my usual bright voice. “Yes, Mr Jackson?”
“Can you come into my office, please? I need to speak with you.” Before I can answer, he hangs up.
Begrudgingly, I look back up to Ms Fake Boobs and grab my pen and notepad. “Please, take a seat. I will let Mr Jackson know you’re here.”
She smiles falsely again and sits down in the waiting area. The minute she takes a seat, her skirt rides high, showing off her long, shapely legs.
I walk towards Devon's office with a sigh and knock on the door. Once I hear his booming voice, I walk in.
“Andi, take a seat for a minute.” He motions for me to sit down, but I point to the door.
“Amanda Wright is waiting outside for you.”
He waves his hand dismissively like she means absolutely nothing. “She can wait. Now, sit.” He nods toward the seat, so I immediately sit down. When I do, I can’t help but smirk at his nonchalant attitude toward Amanda “Long-Legs” out there.
“Has something amused you today?”
I look up to see Devon’s annoyed, but somehow intrigued expression. “No, sir. I was just thinking about something that happened on the train this morning.”
He raises an eyebrow. “And has this incident stopped you from thinking of nothing else all day?” I shake my head. “Well, I suggest you concentrate as I need your help with an upcoming trip. I can’t have some random amused thought fuck it all up. Do I make myself clear, Miss Bellingham?”
By fuck, I hate this man.
I smile sweetly like I always do. “Yes, Mr Jackson. Perfectly.”
He nods triumphantly and leans back in his chair. “There is an important meeting I must attend in New York. Sutherland Airlines is looking to partner up, and I think I can make them an offer they can’t refuse. It will mean branching out in New York, but it is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. The trip will be long, but hopefully beneficial. I will need you to book the flights and hotel as well as make arrangements for a personal driver. You will also need to check out all of the local, prestigious restaurants in case we need to make reservations. I should have more details by tomorrow afternoon.”
I note everything down and look up. “What about your private jet? Wouldn’t you normally take that?”
He looks annoyed by my question. “No. Unfortunately, it needs servicing and won’t be ready in time.” He clenches his fist, tapping it on his desk. His jaw ticks with displeasure.
Judging by his mood, I decide it’s best to change the subject. “When do you intend to go?”
He smirks at me, the irritation in his face immediately disappearing. “We, Andi, will be flying out two weeks from Saturday.”
I furrow my brow, wondering if I’ve just heard right. “We?”
He nods again. “This is going to take days of wining and dining to convince these old coots they need my help. I need to entice them into a world of possibilities where I will be making them an offer they can’t refuse. Max Sutherland, the CEO, is looking to retire in a few years and wants his son, Aaron, to take over. However, they need help. This is where I step in. I need you there so you can make all the arrangements. It will be a busy few days for you.” He smirks. “I’m not a complete arse, though. We will fly in Saturday and take in the sights on Sunday. Monday will be business as usual.” He pauses, leaning over his desk a little. “I know you haven’t been to New York before. It will be an adventure for you.”
I bite my lip, trying to suppress my smile. “How long were you thinking of staying?”
He frowns. “I’m hoping it will take no longer than a week to ten days. Besides, I’ve only ever breezed past New York. I’d like to see a bit more of it myself. It will be hot there, but I’m sure we’ll get used to it.”
I grimace a little. “It’s just that … well … my dad’s birthday is in just over two weeks. I had hoped to do something special for him.”
Devon sighs. “You don’t sound very grateful.”
I straighten my posture. “I am. I just wanted to do something for him.” And I really do. It’s only been three years since my mum got shot in an attempted robbery gone wrong. To this day, the police have never found the perpetrator.
“You can get him something nice from New York. It’s not negotiable, Andi. I need you with me. Besides, I know your father will forgive you. You were always the apple of his eye.” He’s trying to make light of the situation, but I still feel guilty.
In the end, I know I won’t get anywhere with this. With a defeated sigh, I smile, trying hard to hide my disappointment. “Okay. I’ll wait for you to give me further details. Is that all you needed?”
A look briefly passes over his face, but I can’t tell what it means. Eventually, he shakes his head, looking down at the desk. “I need you to open up a file for Sutherland Airlines. I will email all the information to you shortly.” He looks up briefly from his paperwork and points to the door. “You can let Miss Wright in now.”
I rise, holding my pen and notepad in one hand as I open the door with the other. Amanda Wright looks up with an eager expression. “You can go in now.”
I smile at her as she gets up, brushing past me as she makes her way into his office. She walks right up to Devon, who turns his chair toward her. He smirks up at her as she pushes his legs open so she can get closer. They smile at each other and then look at me.
“Can I get you anything? Tea or coffee, perhaps?” I ask, feeling like a complete idiot. This is one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.
They both laugh, shaking their heads. That’s my cue to shut the door. I should have just left the moment she walked in, but I quickly erase that thought from my mind. Actually, what I really want is to erase all thoughts of Devon completely.
Once I sit down at my desk, I hear giggling coming from his office. I want to cover my ears. In fact, my hands instinctively come up in an effort to drown out the silly little chipmunk noises emanating through the walls.
Putting some earbuds in to listen to music, I busy myself with Devon’s instructions. I don’t know how long I’m working before I feel a tug on my arm. I jump, looking up to see my big brother staring down at me with a confused smile on his face.
I gasp and pull my earbuds out. “Charlie! What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t due back until next week.” I jump out of my seat and run into his arms for a hug. He’s been stationed in Germany for the last six months. A few years before that, he was stationed in Northern Ireland. He was a changed man when he came back from there. Unfortunately, he saw two of his friends get killed, and he told me it was something he would never get over. He had flashbacks for a while, but he did get better. To me, he has always been a strong-willed fighter, but I can tell it still affects him.
Pushing me away slightly, Charlie looks down at me. “I got a viral infection and was laid up for several days. Because I still need rest, they sent me home early.”
I put my hand on his forehead, checking for a fever. “A viral infection? You never told me. Are you okay?”
Charlie chuckles, pulling my hand away with a gentle tug. “I’m fine,” he says, looking down at me with his soft brown eyes. “You were always a bit of a fusspot, Andi. It’s like you’ve taken on the role of mother hen.”
He laughs again as I swat at him. “That’s not fair, Charlie. I worry about you—a lot. Plus, I’ve missed the hell out of you. Are you sure you’re okay?”
He gives me an amused look. “I’m fine … especially now that I’ve seen my little sister.” He glances briefly at Devon’s door. “Is he in?”
Just as he says this, another giggle erupts from behind the door. I roll my eyes. “Yes, but I don’t think he wants to be disturbed … if you know what I mean.”
Charlie stares at Devon’s door with the biggest, cheekiest grin. “Sly dog.”
Grabbing his arm, I shake my head. “Come on, big brother. There’s a table with our names on it. It’s close to lunchtime anyway. Let’s go grab something.” I pull him toward the lift. On the way, we pass Mandy, who has always had a little crush on Charlie.
“Charlie, you’re back,” she coos, running into his arms for a kiss and hug.
“Yep. I’ll be in London for the next three weeks. It’s good to be home. There’s only so much Weisswurst and Liebfraumilch I can eat and drink. I did miss Andi’s cooking.” He smiles at me, making my heart warm.
“Aww, that’s so sweet. Well, if you ever fancy some home cooking around my house, feel free to let me know,” she purrs.
She’s such a tart!
I’m standing behind Charlie, so I motion my finger down my throat. I’m only teasing, but I know it will wind Mandy up a little. She glares, making me chuckle.
Charlie turns and looks at me quizzically. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head and smile innocently.
He glances back at Mandy. “That’s very kind of you to offer.” He beams, causing Mandy to swoon.
“You have my number, right?”
“Well, since you’re such a close friend of Andi’s, I have to. If I couldn’t get in touch with her, I’d call Ritchie first and then you. So, yes, I have your number.”
Mandy bites her lip, trying to suppress a smile. “So, where are you two headed?”
“I’m just taking Charlie to the café around the corner. Devon is a little … preoccupied at the moment. So, I thought I’d catch up with my big brother.”
Mandy raises an eyebrow at my comment. She knows about Devon’s extra-curricular activities, and she also knows I secretly obsess over him. In an unguarded moment, she’d caught the look on my face once when he brought a girl into his office. I hadn’t even realised she was watching me.
“Oh,” she answers simply. She looks like she feels kind of sorry for me, but the last thing I want is her pity. That’s the reason I don’t like people knowing how I feel. Apart from Ritchie, Mandy is the only one who knows. Ritchie soon caught on when I would come home and talk about nothing but Devon. I’d go on and on about liking Devon one minute and then complain because he pissed me off the next. The classic signs were there. I just wish I didn’t feel this way.
“Make sure you come see me later,” Mandy finally says. “I haven’t managed to speak to this girl in the last two days. Mr Jackson likes to keep her busy.” She chuckles a little as Charlie looks down at me.
“He’s not working you too hard is he?”
I shake my head. “Nah. I can handle him.”
I don’t want Charlie to get involved in this. If he knew the way Devon spoke to me sometimes, my brother would have a fit—best friend or no best friend. He would also flip if he knew Devon told me how to dress, called me at all hours of the day and night, and somehow managed to spring “emergencies” on me when I had plans. Take tonight for instance: I actually have a date for the first time in almost a year. I daren’t let anyone know—just in case Devon manages to find something for me to do tonight. It’s for this reason alone that I haven’t dated anyone since I started working here.
“Look, we’d better be off. I’ll come speak to you later.” I glare at Mandy again. She smiles sweetly and walks off.
“Call me!” she bellows, holding her thumb and pinkie to her face.
As she rounds the corner, I look up at Charlie and take his arm. “So, why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
As he pushes the button for the lift, he shrugs. “I knew you would only freak out and want to see me. I didn’t want to worry you.”
I give him my best unamused look as we step into the lift. “You still should have told me.”
He pulls me into his arms and kisses my head. “I know. I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?”
I glance up into those eyes of his. He’s aiming his signature puppy-dog look at me now—the one he knows I can’t resist. “Okay. Okay,” I manage, swatting him again. “I forgive you. As long as you buy me coffee of course.” I raise my eyebrows, making him laugh.
“Done.”
We walk the five minutes to the café, order our drinks, and sit down. Seeing as it is June, the weather has started to improve. In England, the weather can be quite unpredictable. I always expect the unexpected.
“So, how’s my little sis doing? Got a man in your life who I’ll have to beat the living shit out of?”
I laugh. Between Devon and my brother, any man who gets close to me has to be a brave one. These two are the most protective and annoying bodyguards. Despite Devon’s lack of respect, he always manages to show an interest in my affairs and always—and I mean always—has something to say whenever I mention anything to do with a man. He even helped my brother to warn off a nineteen-year-old boy who showed an interest in me. I was only fifteen at the time, so while I understand it now, I didn’t back then. They’ve always had something to say about my choice in men, and that still isn’t changing despite my age.
“No. Between you and Devon, you never have to worry. I’m doomed to be a spinster all my life.” I roll my eyes.
Charlie laughs. “Oh, Andi, you really don’t get it, do you? No one will ever be good enough for you.” He smiles sweetly. Charlie has this uncanny knack of making me feel ten feet tall at times. It makes trying to be irritated with him extremely difficult.
“I don’t want to be alone all my life. Take tonight, for instance. I have a date for the first time in forever—”
Charlie’s posture perks up. “Who?”
Oh, for fuck’s sake!
“Don’t, Charlie boy. Tom is nice. Leave him alone.” I give him the best warning look I can muster.
“Tom, is it? What does Tom do?”
I smile. “I think you would approve. He’s a doctor.”
He raises an eyebrow. “A doctor, huh? Just like Dad.”
I nod. “I know. Dad already approves, and so should you.”
Charlie chuckles and shakes his head. “I don’t know him yet, so I can’t judge. Besides, I already told you: No one is good enough for you.” Taking my hand, he sighs. “You’re right, though. I need to let my little sis live for a change because you’re not so little anymore. In fact,” he glances at my attire, “you’re looking very conservative. It’s almost as though you should be working in a library rather than as a big CEO’s PA.”
I laugh sarcastically. If he only knew the reason I dress like this is because Devon prefers me this way… He pays for everything, so I have to put up with it. He picks out my clothes. He even picked these stupid glasses I’m wearing. I hate them, but Devon says he likes them on me. I have to go with what the boss says. Once I get home, I always change into my more comfortable clothes.
“I only wear this at the office. Any other time, I’m in something better suited to my age.”
Charlie raises an eyebrow. “I hope you don’t mean skimpy skirts and low-cut tops that show a little too much. I think I may have to be around tonight when this doctor comes to pick you up. What time is he coming for you?”
I nudge his arm. “Never mind. Besides,” I sigh, “I think I should cancel now that you’re here. I want to spend time with you.”
Charlie shakes his head. “Nah. I think you should go out and have fun. We have the whole weekend before you have to go back to work. How about it? Would you like to spend some time with your big brother?”
I gasp. “Of course I do! You never need to ask. Although I think Mandy might want to steal some of that time from me.” I wink.
Charlie smiles and shakes his head. “Family comes first. To be honest, I’m not looking for a relationship. If I started something with her, things could get complicated for you when I don’t call again.”
I roll my eyes. “And yet you have the cheek to talk about me and my relationships? You and Devon are the ‘hit it and quit it’ types, but if I even have one date, you two start becoming over-protective goons. I’m twenty-six now, Charlie. I’m not fifteen anymore.”
“Thank God for that!” His eyes widen. “Do you know how stressful it was for me to keep those fucking vultures away? Or how many times boys knocked on our door, and I had to tell them to take a hike? It wasn’t any fun, you know.”
I laugh again, thinking how serious he is. I love him dearly, but his protectiveness goes overboard at times.
“What am I going to do with you?” I ask, smiling as I take a sip of my coffee. “So, got any other plans whilst you’re here?”
He nods. “Actually, yes. I’m meeting a few of my army buddies on Friday. Do you fancy coming along?”
My eyes widen to the size of saucers, and I simply cannot believe my ears. “You're actually inviting me to meet all of your mates?”
Charlie cringes. “Yes. I might regret it later, but I know they won’t touch you. They’ve already got strict instructions. If anyone goes near you, I’ll chop their fucking hands off.” I give him a look, making him narrow his eyes at me. “I mean it, Andi. My buddies are a lot like me, so they know not to touch family. It’s just our rules. I don’t touch theirs, and they don’t touch mine.”
I smile, grabbing his hand and giving it a squeeze. “I get that. I’d love to go. It will be nice to meet everyone.”
He squeezes my hand back. “Yes, it will. Just don’t make me regret it, please.”
I immediately let go of his hand and sink back into my chair. “You’re such a jerk.”
He winks. “Yeah, but you still love me.”
I can’t stop a huge smile from spreading across my face. “It’s good to have you back, brother.”
He leans forward, motioning for me to give him my hand. Once I place it in his, he says, “It’s good to be back.”