Drake’s goal was to land an entry-level position with one of the corporations based in Silicon Valley.
That changed when I sold my first company when I was twenty-one. It was a payment app that’s since been buried bymore streamline innovations. The money I made on that deal was enough to propel me forward.
I brought Drake on board my newly formed company because he wanted a job, and I needed his skills. Cabbott Mobile was launched, and we’ve never looked back.
I glance down at Emma’s suitcase.
I want that out of sight within the hour because I’m expecting someone. I need Drake’s sister out of here for that very same reason.
The sound of her clearing her throat behind me turns me around.
I mistook her for her younger sister earlier, but now that I’m getting a better look, I can see that she’s not Whitney.
The picture that Drake sent me months ago that was taken at a party for his parents’ anniversary didn’t include Emma. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen an image of her.
She stands at least a foot shorter than me. My guess is around five foot two.
Her dark brown hair is damp. The ends are curling around her shoulders. Her thickly lashed brown eyes are focused on my face. A sprinkle of freckles dots her nose and cheeks.
She’s stunning.
“I tried to call Drake, but he’s not answering.” She steps closer to me on bare feet. “Do you know if he’s in a meeting? It’s not like him to ignore my calls.”
How the hell am I supposed to answer that?
Drake didn’t hesitate when he told me that he was taking some time off so he could elope. I assumed everyone in his inner circle knew, but maybe that’s a smaller group than I realized.
Rubbing my jaw, I answer truthfully. “He’s out of town.”
“You’re kidding.” The corners of her lips fall into a frown.
Shaking my head, I sigh. “I’m not. He left early this morning.”
“No.” She reaches to pinch the bridge of her nose. “This can’t be happening. I came from Seattle for his birthday. Is he coming back soon? Please tell me it’s just a day trip, and he’ll be back tonight.”
“He’ll be gone at least a week.” It’s an estimate since Drake left his return date open-ended.
His last vacation was over a year ago, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he stretches this trip out to a couple of weeks or more.
“Dammit,” she says under her breath. “This can’t be happening.”
Since I’m already the bearer of bad news, I stay on that track. She may be Drake’s sister, but I’m in Manhattan for a reason. I’m not about to sideline my plans tonight for anyone, not even a member of my best friend’s family.
“Listen, Emma.” I take a step toward her, jerking my thumb at the open suitcase on the floor. “I had no idea you’d be here. I’m only in town for a few days, and I have plans tonight.”
Her gaze darts to the suitcase. “I’ll put that in the guest room. I can hang out by myself tonight. Please don’t think you have to stay in because of me.”
Fuck.
I need her and her stuff out of here now.
Brushing past me, she drops to her knees to zip up the suitcase. “I should have called Drake to tell him I was coming. Surprises never work out for me.”
I can’t tell if the words she’s muttering are meant for my ears or not.
It doesn’t matter. She’s not hanging out in my apartment tonight. “The woman I’m meeting is coming here.”
Rising to her feet, she looks over at me. “I shouldn’t be here. I need to go.”
