Speechless, I stare at him.
“Did I love the name when he brought it to me? No, but I gave him carte blanche on the project, so I let him take it to market,” he says with a sly grin. “It’s killing it, Emma. You should be proud of your brother.”
I exhale, trying to steady myself. “I thought Cabbott Mobile only developed games.”
“That’s how we started.” He nods. “We’ve branched out the last couple of years. I’m surprised that Drake didn’t mention Duotrip to you. He tells anyone who will listen about it.”
I’m just as surprised that my brother didn’t mention it to me. I had no idea. We used to tell each other everything.
Why do I suddenly feel so far away from Drake?
Tears threaten my eyes as I glance down at my phone. “I’ll download it and find a hotel unless you have one to recommend.”
When I look up, Case’s gaze is locked on my face. Rubbing his jaw, he tilts his head as he studies me. “Fuck it. Stay here. Drake would want it that way.”
Relief washes over me. The thought of being thrust into the clutches of a city I’m unfamiliar with is overwhelming. At least now, I can stay here until I sort out a flight home.
“Are you sure?” I ask, even though I don’t want to give him an out to change his mind. He may be a stranger, but I feel safe here.
“I’m sure, but there’s one condition.” His gaze drops to my laptop bag and suitcase.
“I’ll put all of that in the guestroom,” I say hurriedly. “I’ll stay out of your way. You won’t even know I’m here.”
“I need you to not be here five minutes from now. You can grab a drink. There’s a pub across the street. Eager Pour is the name of it.”
His date. I almost forgot that a woman is meeting him here. I like his suggestion. I can use a cocktail after the day I’ve had. I deserve the treat.
“Drake took me to a pub across the street called Durie’s the last time I was here.” I shrug. “Could that be the same place you’re thinking of?”
“Shit. Maybe the bar changed hands since I left the city.” He slides his thumb across the screen of his phone. “Give me your number. I’ll text you when I’m done. She’ll be in and out of here in fifteen minutes.”
Fifteen minutes?
I think I found Case Abbott’s one flaw. He’s a rushed lover.
I no longer consider the woman meeting him lucky at all.
After calling out my phone number to him, I grab my laptop bag and the handle of my suitcase. I turn to him because I want him to know I’m grateful. “Thank you, Mr. Abbott.”
I have no idea what to call him. He may be my brother’s best friend, but he’s his boss too. I’ve learned in life that you should always show respect to the people who help you.
“Case,” he corrects me. “Call me, Case.”
I grin because that contagious smile of his is on full display again.
A tap of his finger on the face of his watch breaks the spell. “It’s time to get moving, Emma. My guest will be here in ten minutes.”
I roll my suitcase over the floor as I walk toward the guestroom that I’ve stayed in before. This isn’t how I thought today would play out, but I have a bed to sleep in tonight. For now, that’s all that matters.
CHAPTER FIVE
Emma
I snuckinto the washroom at Durie’s before I took a seat at a table in the corner.
As I was rushing out of Case’s apartment, I tossed my makeup bag into a clutch that I packed in my suitcase. With the addition of a couple of hair elastics, my wallet, and the keys that Drake gave me, I was set.
I applied a touch of makeup before I twisted my hair into a messy bun. The lighting in the bar’s washroom wasn’t ideal, but I look presentable.
