Oh god, did he have to smell so good? He has changed his aftershave since we were younger. Now, it’s more masculine and alluring. Just like him.
“Thanks for picking me up tonight. The girls all wanted to stay out, but I needed to get home for my exams tomorrow,” I tell Tommy, as he opens the car door for me.
As I sit in the passenger seat, he leans an elbow on the door frame, looking like an absolute sex god, and I can’t help but swoon. Being this close to him, I can smell his woodsy boyish scent and butterflies erupt in my stomach at his proximity. He’s still in his football gear, coming straight from training to pick me up. How can anyone caked in sweat and mud still be this attractive? It’s not fair.
“Don’t worry, Maymay. I’d rather you call me than go home alone. I was driving past anyway.” Hesays with that beautiful, crooked smile of his. “Do you need any help studying for your exam?”
“Erm, sure? Are you any good at math?” I casually ask while my insides are jumping for joy.
“Yep. I’ve got an hour or two free before I need to get the others, so I can come round now?” He knows that I’m always home alone, my mother never bothering to grace me with her presence.
“Perfect,” even though I inwardly sigh, this will be another night of torture. Spending the evening with the boy I want, who will never want me in return.
I open my mouth about to speak, just as he does the same. Resulting in us both smiling at each other. Before we manage to get any words out, Fallon comes bounding over.
“Tommy! What are you doing here? I thought you were only getting back tomorrow. It’s so good to see you, big bro!” She shouts over the music.
And just like that, I feel like a bucket of ice water has been dumped all over me.
I jump back a step, remembering who he is, who he is to me.
My best friend’s brother, and he is off limits.
The look on his face shows he’s not as happy to see Fallon as she is to see him. Is he as mournful as I am to be interrupted?
“Hey, little sis. The guys were all out tonight, and I finished my latest project earlier than I anticipated. So, I thought I’d come and let offsome steam.” I don’t fully understand what it is Tommy does for work. I know its construction related and he owns the business, but that’s about it. I never wanted to ask much about him when I was over at Fallon’s house. In fear of drawing too much attention to how much I have always fancied him.
A man like Tommy, though, could you blame me? Of course, he is ageing like a fine wine. The dark, well-groomed stubble and black tailored suit he’s wearing are making me feel things I know I shouldn’t. If he were a rock star, I’d be throwing my panties at him.
“Mum will be made up, she will get to spend more time with you. Are you staying at the house?” Fallon asks.
“No. I’ve actually bought an apartment here in the city, so I’ll be able to visit more often now. I picked up the keys earlier today. Max and I have opened another office nearby,” he replies. Max is their other brother.
“Is Max here too? Hang on, why didn’t we know you had bought an apartment? And why didn’t you tell us you were opening another office up here? God, Tommy, you are so secretive,” Fallon complains, ever the annoying little sister.
Tommy rolls his eyes at her dramatics.
“I am busy, you know. As for Max, yes, he’s in here somewhere.”
“Well, I think that’s amazing news, Tommy. Let me know if there’s anything you need helpwith,” I offer, trying to keep my cool. He’s looking at me again, and is that heat I see behind his eyes? Surely I’m mistaken.
Fallon is uncharacteristically quiet. Looking back at her, worried she noticed mine and Tommy’s exchange, I realise her focus is on Harry, who’s currently behind the bar chatting up a new group of girls. As much as she likes to deny it, it’s clear how much Harry affects her.
“One sec, I’ll be right back,” she says as she stomps over to the bar like a bratty child about to throw their dummy out. I wish they would do us all a favour, get it on and get it over with. All this sexual tension between them is suffocating.
I can’t hear what they’re saying from where I stand, but from the look Harry is giving to Fallon, she fell right into his trap. Hilarious.
“Sooo…”
“So.” We start at the same time, then laugh a little.
“I’ve not seen you around for a while. How are things?” Keep it casual, Maya, you have a boyfriend, remember. I may not be happy, but I’m not a cheater either. I need to have the talk with Jake ASAP.
“Good, busy as always. How about you?” Well, this is very formal, isn’t it? He is speaking to me in a business-like tone, but his eyes seem to be saying something more.
“Yep, all good here.” I look around the bar, feeling anxious at the level of unease between us.When I look back at him, he chuckles.
“Yeah, this is awkward, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I have always felt a little out of sorts around you.” Join the club, I thought “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” he says almost nervously. Maybe it isn’t all in my head, maybe he can feel this chemistry that I have always felt too.
