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Caleb grins and spreads his arms. “Whatever works,” he says. “I promise if you hate it, you can leave. I won’t force you to stay. Well, not for more than an hour.” He winks before adding. “What harm will a night out with your charming older brother do? You might even have fun. Come on, Mr Pipe and Carpet Slippers, one drink. Tristan will be really pleased to see you. And if it’s truly awful, then I’ll let you leave. Then it’s all the more for me.” His expression turns serious. “You’re never going to meet anyone if you don’t at least try.”
I drop my chin to my chest and shake my head. He’s right. It can’t hurt, and it has been a while since I last saw Tristan. If I agree now, I can guarantee another six months’ grace.
“Okay. But if it’s awful, then I’m out of there.”
I send him a look that lets him know I’m serious, and his grin gets wider. “Don’t worry. It will be a life-changing evening,” Caleb chuckles, getting up.
“Really?” I say sarcastically, knowing my brother has something up his sleeve.
“Look at it this way. You’ve got six months until Mum’s birthday and The Frazer Foundation weekend,” Caleb adds. “If you don’t have a date by then, it will be open season on your ass. All Mother’s friends with their single daughters.” Caleb lets out an exaggerated shudder, clearly for my benefit. “Just think about it. You’re wealthy, share my stunningly good looks, and I hate to say it, brother, but you’re a catch. Even if you don’t want to be.”
I glare at him over my desk, but I know he’s right. My brother is a babe magnet. They flock to him, often multiples at a time, like moths to a flame. It’s never been any different. The social climbers, however, know he’s a lothario, while I’m the quieter, more sensible twin. Obtainable, perfect marriage material, I think one mother described me as. It’s why I avoid these things like the plague. Only Mother’s birthday weekend is non-negotiable.
A knock sounds at my office door, making us both look up.
Caleb looks down at his watch before meeting my gaze and grinning. “Right on time... Come in, Leah,” he calls out.
The door opens, and Leah, my communications officer and right hand, enters. She is the consummate professional in her tailored suits and never a hair out of place.
“Hi, Gabriel, I just wanted to remind you. You have a ten-thirty meeting,” Leah says, looking over at me.
“Hi, Leah,” Caleb says, giving her his most dazzling smile, which she returns with one of her own.
“Hi, Caleb.”
I watch their exchange, my stomach hardening. No, and double no. Leah is off limits, especially to my brother. Before I know it, I’m on my feet.
“It’s okay, I’m just leaving,” Caleb says, returning his attention to me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’ve got my own meeting to attend. Some of us do actual work for a living.”
Leah’s eyes flit to my brother before coming to rest on me. “Are you ready for our meeting?” she asks politely. “I can come back later.”
“No, I’m leaving.” Caleb walks towards the door before turning at the last minute. “Remember Friday, Gabriel. No excuses, even if I have to drag your sorry ass kicking and screaming. You are coming.”
Leah waits silently in the doorway as he approaches. “Such impeccable timing, as always, Leah,” he says, shooting her a wink before turning around to face me. “Do you know Gabe? Leah is one of the few people who can tell us apart. It’s a shame she has a fiancé.”
A rosy tint appears high on Leah’s cheeks, and she drops her gaze.
Strange.
Caleb stops next to her. “Leah, if you ever get bored with working for my grumpy little brother, you can come and work for me,” he says, drawing her attention to his face.
I pick up my stress ball and throw it at my brother’s head. He ducks, leaving the ball to fly out the door and into the main office. Hitting a nearby cubicle wall with a thump. Caleb stares at me wide-eyed before doubling over and laughing.
“I think that’s my cue to leave,” Caleb says, dashing out the door, leaving Leah staring at me, open-mouthed.
“Less of the little brother. You’re only ten minutes older than me,” I say loudly at his retreating back, only to hear his laughter. “And stop trying to poach my staff. Find your own.”
Leah peers around the doorway, watching Caleb leave. “See you Friday. Bye, Leah,” he shouts, causing everyone on the office floor to raise their heads and stare at him.
“Always has to be the centre of attention,” I mutter, sitting back down.
“Did you say something?” Leah asks, a frown appearing between her brows.
“It’s nothing,” I say, waving my hand in the air. “Although, care to explain what Caleb meant?” I ask.
Leah looks at the ground, her hand going to her wrist where she usually wears her bangle. I notice it’s something she does when she’s thinking or feels unsure. Instead, she pinches the skin before letting it go. She clearly forgot to put it on this morning.
“Er...” A flush creeps up her cheeks as her eyes return to mine.
