My Forbidden Date: A Brother’s Best Friend Romance

by Tara Brent

  Derrick Harrison had appeared out of nowhere, ruining a romantic evening. He had been harassing me about a job he wanted done in LA. The sale of a piece of shit property for an over-inflated price. I was to assist the LA broker with the sale. Derrick was going far and wide to launder money once he hit the District Attorney’s radar in New York. The Harrisons had a few connections out-of-state, and real estate was a smart cover. It made more sense than trying to launder it through local businesses. But as smart as it was, I didn’t want a part of it. And I had finally talked Vince into walking away.

  I check my watch as I wait for Derrick at the hotel bar. The vibe is mellow for a weeknight. Not a lot of people around, and my gaze keeps landing on the turquoise and sand tiling behind the bar. A bossa nova mix completes the sophisticated atmosphere, and I take a long sip of my aged whiskey before I check my watch again. The son of a bitch is making me wait.

  I send him a text warning him that I’m about to leave. And I don’t check my phone when it chimes.

  My mind is distracted by thoughts of Maya. Vince kept his siblings in the dark about our dirty business dealings. It was easy when they were young, but grown siblings ask nosy questions. They had to suspect something wasn’t straight. We had worked hard to go straight, but Vince was worried about Harrison telling on him, which made him over-protective. He kept his siblings under his thumb in that house, and the relief was palatable when Maya and Max moved out of harm’s way.

  “Jackson, I’m glad you waited.” Derrick grabs my shoulder like he has a right to touch me.

  I look at him as he sits down, but he avoids my ruthless gaze. He waves over the bartender and orders a vodka tonic with Grey Goose because he thinks it’s a classy brand. I don’t even think he likes vodka.

  “Did you follow me out here?” I ask coldly.

  “I was in LA already. And I thought I would meet up with you.” He scoffs. “I was surprised to see you.”

  I place my drink down and glare at him. “I don’t need a shadow.”

  “Not trying to be one.” He sits down. “What’s this aversion you have to making money anyway?”

  “I don’t mind making money as long as it’s taxable,” I reply.

  Derek laughs. “You need a better gig if you’re paying taxes. Listen, Jackson. It’s an easy job. And we know that you can do it in your sleep. You just assist in the sale of a house to a buyer. You don’t even have to show it to them.”

  I shake my head then drain my glass. “Except my name will be on the paperwork.”

  He purses his lips. “The LA broker will sign the papers. Besides, you’re legit now. No one’s going to question it.”

  “You’re a real dick, Derrick,” I tell him. “And a bad salesman. My dad’s debts are almost paid. There’s no incentive for me to do your dirty work.”

  He sighs. “Yeah, I should’ve gotten in touch with Vince instead. That was his sister I saw you with tonight. She turned out well.” Derrick smiles as my face burns with rage.

  The hotel is too classy for a scene, and he knows it—the price of being respectable. “I’m going to make myself perfectly clear,” I talk under my breath. “Stay away from Vince’s sister.”

  “Stay away?” he chuckles. “I might ask her out.”

  “Fine, keep making jokes,” I snarl. “You’ll be laughing out of the other side of your ass after I follow you to your car.”

  He shakes his head. “So, you’re refusing work and threatening me?”

  “Is that it?” I ask. “Is that what you have over Vince? His family?”

  Unshaken, Derrick looks me in the eye. “Vince likes to pretend that he’s above us all, including you. He’s gotten all those awards for being an outstanding citizen of Bridgetown. His whole world is wrapped up in being perfect. But you and I know that he’s low-class just like us.”

  The urge to plow my fist hard into Derrick’s smirking mouth was intense. But I couldn’t do it. I could walk away, but Vince had a family. My dad was in hospice, and I didn’t have anyone else tied to me. Vince had always been protective of his siblings. He was the older brother who took care of them. It would kill Vince if it got out all the nasty shit he had to do to care for them.

  “What do I have to do to get rid of you, Derrick?” I ask. “Without causing you physical harm.”

  He lifts his glass and drains it first. “We need this sale. That’s all I want.”

  “Until the next time.” I motion to the bartender for two refills. “I’m not that punk running errands for your old man. And I never intended to have to deal with you. If I do this, I want out for Vince and me and his family.”

  Derrick scoffs bitterly. “It’s just a house sale. Don’t be like a girl.”

  “Vince may not be willing to talk,” I keep my voice low, “but I’ll do it to get us out.”

  “You’re talking shit, Jackson. You wouldn’t squeal.”

  “I have a paper trail that goes back twenty years,” I tell him. “You know who told me to do that? Your old man. He told me to cover my ass, and that’s what I’ve done.”

  Derrick hisses, “You’re lying.

  “I paid for the penthouse in the Clocktower with cash.” I hold my drink while I eye him. “I could because I laundered enough for your old man. Squealing’s not my thing, but if you double-cross Vince...”

  “I didn’t say I’d double-cross Vince,” he replies.

  I shake my head. Derrick was less trustworthy than his old man. “So, if you spread his dirt, then how are you going to hide yours?”

  Derrick hops off the stool and tries to stick his face in mine. “One job, Jackson, and we’re done.”

  I return to my hotel room. Ironically, they put me in the bridal suite alone. It would’ve been perfect if things had worked out. The suite had a separate living room from the bedroom and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi. Someone had fucked up and sprinkled fucking rose petals across the bed. The sweet smell clung to my nose as I tore the sheet off it.

  I should’ve turned around and gone back home to New York. I still could, but then Derrick would be here with Maya. I stare at the screen of my phone. It was time to talk to Vince.

  “Hey,” he answers, sleep in his voice, “what’s up?”

  I shake my head. “Sorry, bro. I forgot about the time difference.”

  “That’s okay,” he laughs, “I don’t have any appointments in the morning. So, what’s up?”

  “I saw Maya,” I tell him in a flat tone. “The address you gave me was for her job.”

  There’s a pause. “Sorry, I get them confused. How’s she doing?”

  “She’s doing well,” I reply. “She told me she has a new boyfriend.”

  Another pause, even longer. If this phone call wasn’t for Maya’s sake, I’d hang up. I sigh, leaning back on the bed. “I saw Derrick Harrison.”

  “In LA?” Vince sounds wide awake. “What the fuck is he doing out there?”

  “What do you think?” I reply, “Look, I told him one last time, and then we’re through.”

  “And he went for that?” asks Vince.

  “He’ll have to.” My voice picks up a little tone. “Level with me, Vince. Why are you still working with them?

  He scoffs. “I’m not about to say on the phone.”

  I answer for him in vague terms. “I told him that I’d cover for you and your family.

  Vince sounds as if he’s getting dressed while he speaks. “He’s a sleaze, Jackson. He’ll screw us without dropping his pants.” There’s another short pause. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention Maya. I knew something was up with her, but Max is as tight-lipped as she is. They’re twins. It’s like a fortress to get anything out of either one.”

  I sigh louder. “Yeah, that’s an interesting domestic situation. You know, they’re taking care of a baby?”

  “A baby?” Vince almost shouts, “Where did they get a baby from?”

  “Max is dating some girl,” I answer. “Trying to make points, I guess. Look, I’ll hang out here for a w
hile longer and keep an eye on Derrick. Maybe you can talk to his old man. He owes us plenty.”

  “Yeah,” replies Vince, “old age has mellowed out Cyrus. One last time.”

  I scoff. “Yeah, one last time.”

  ***

  I’m not meeting with the client or the broker in person. I have an appointment scheduled with a lawyer. No doubt crooked. I have no idea where the house for sale was located, but I have enough common sense to check out if it’s a legit listing. The next morning, I find the fixer-upper, a split-level ranch, in Inglewood near the stadium, and my jaw drops when I check the area’s listing prices. It’s not that far off the mark, but it’s a lot of money.

  Maybe I should consider a move to LA. And that gives me an idea. I drive over to Maya’s apartment after sending Max a text. He’s home working on his laptop, and the baby stuff has been put away. Only his stuff needs to be picked up.

  “Still with the girlfriend?” I ask, looking around.

  He stares at me for a moment, then recovers, “Yes. She’s just... You know, women stuff.”

  I frown. “Is something up?”

  Max shakes his head so fast his face is a blur. “Nope, I just have a job to do. And need the place to myself this afternoon. Maya will be back later.” He frowns when I sit down in the recliner instead of walking out the door. “Does she know you’re here?”

  I ignore the question. “I’m thinking of taking on a few jobs in LA. My real estate license is in NY, but Cali is very lucrative. I may look into getting my license here.”

  Max surprises me by looking pleased. “Sounds promising,” he says, “so you’ll be around more.”

  I tilt an eyebrow. “You think Maya would mind?”

  Max smiles widely. “I think she’d like it.”

  At that moment, the door opens. I walk over to help Maya with all the stuff she’s carrying in her arms. I reach out and lift a bundle out of her grasp. I almost drop it when it moves in my hands. Maya hurries to put down a tote bag, but I have a firm hold on the baby. He scrunches up his tiny face, and then he opens his eyes. I grin when he smiles back at me.

  “So this is Lucas?” I ask. No one answers. “Cute kid. Are you still babysitting for him?”

  Maya reaches for the baby, and I let her take him out of my arms. She’s very gentle with the kid and pulls the blanket away from his face. He coos at her as he kicks his feet. I watch them together and have to put my hands in my pockets to keep me from touching Maya. I want to stand near her and watch her with the baby. But that might seem strange. After all, it’s not my kid.

  “Yes, we’re looking after him this afternoon,” she replies, “but we’re going out to run an errand. Me and the baby. As soon as I change him.”

  I nod. “I’ll help.”

  The silence is deafening, and it’s the first time I noticed the a/c running. “I’ve been around babies,” I laugh. “I was around you when you were little.”

  “You never changed my diaper,” Max scoffs.

  I fold my arms over my chest. “How do you know, little man?”

  Max laughs, shaking his head. “I’ll piss in your eye if you try it again.”

  Maya frowns. “Stop, you two. I have to change him.”

  Maya disappears down a hallway and into a bedroom.

  “So, does the boyfriend come around?” I whisper to Max.

  “Not often.” Max watches the bedroom door. “He’s a tool head. Not much class. Maya’s on a mommy kick since Lucas. I think it’s scaring him away.”

  A mommy kick? I look over at the bedroom door, and I can hear Maya talking sweetly to the baby, calling him a big boy and a sweetie sweetheart. Before I can stop myself, I wander over to the bedroom. She’s leaning over little Lucas while he lies on top of a changing table. Maya is smiling, and her eyes shine with love as she tickles the baby. He kicks his legs and shakes his arms, and I can hear the smile in her voice. Maya always had a way with little kids.

  “Can I help?” I ask, walking into the room.

  Uncertain, she looks at the baby and then nods her head. I feel like I might be intruding, but when the little guy smiles at me, I get a rush that I can’t explain. I feel pride in my chest as I look at Lucas, and though he’s not mine, I want to protect him.

  “I have to put on his footsies.” Maya tenderly puts his feet into the pajamas.

  Lucas grabs my finger, and before I know it, I’m leaning in. “Who’s a good boy?” I ask him. “Yeah, that’s you.”

  Maya finishes and smiles at me shyly. My gaze holds hers while Lucas coos and kicks his legs. The boyfriend isn’t around and should be here to help out, whether it’s her kid or not. Vince took care of his siblings, and it doesn’t surprise me that Maya’s helping someone else with theirs.

  I’m not going to give up so easily. Maya loved me once, I think she can again. I move in a little closer.

  Maya’s gaze lowers to my lips. I touch her mouth gently, and Maya closes her eyes. I brush my lips gently against hers, as soft and tender as she is with the baby. She sighs as I press harder.

  “Maya,” I whisper, “I missed you.”

  She opens her eyes, and tears cling to her lashes. Her soft lips remain parted, and I lean in again. Maya presses her hand against my cheek, and that longing to hold her tight builds in me.

  My hand still rests on the rail on the table. The baby takes my finger and puts it in his mouth. I’m not sure if he should do it. But kids are made of sturdy stuff. I wrap my other arm around Maya’s waist and give Lucas a tickle under the chin. She tries to pull away, but I shake my head.

  “Jackson,” she whispers, “I have to take care of the baby.”

  “Fine,” I reply, “I’ll drive.”

  Her eyes widen. “Don’t you have work to do?”

  I shrug, then pick Lucas up into my arms. His warm body squirms in my grasp, and then he kicks his feet into my chest. It makes me laugh. “I’ve been working hard all my life, Maya. And I’ve missed out on some things that I wish I hadn’t. I’m going to take the day off and play house with Lucas.”

  She bites her lip as she grabs the diaper bag. “Okay,” she says, “we can play house. But only for today.”

  We end up at a local big box store looking at baby furniture. At first, Maya seems uncomfortable pushing the bassinet stroller down the aisle as I walk behind her. The store is filled to the rafters with stuff that I didn’t know existed for kids. Not that my old man would’ve been able to afford this stylish high-tech crap. I stop and look at the wheels on a black mesh stroller that’s better constructed than my Mercedes. Rolling it out into the aisle, I push it back and forth, thinking that it’s better handling on the slick surface too. It’s definitely better made than what Maya is wheeling that kid around in.

  “What are you doing?” she stops to ask.

  I execute a perfect wheelie with the stroller. “Just checking it out. It’s better than what Lucas has. What are you looking for anyway?”

  Maya bites her lip, which is so fucking cute. “A baby cam, so I can hear him when he’s down for his nap.”

  Nodding, I roll the stroller back in place. “It’s a lot to watch after someone else’s kid. But you were always like that.”

  Maya stares at me cautiously. “Like what?”

  “Kind, caring, and giving a damn.” I smile. “Not like the brutes you grew up with.”

  “Excuse me.” We both turn around to face an older woman carrying a plastic shopping basket.

  I tap down my paranoia, but I notice that Maya seems wary too. I know why I’m worked up, but why is she watching the lady so hard?

  The woman is dressed in slouchy jeans and a pink sweat jacket with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Not a threat but nowadays, who knows. We stand frozen to the tile floor like ice sculptures waiting to hear what the lady wants.

  “I just wanted to tell you both that you are a handsome couple. And what a sweet baby.” The woman leans over the bassinet to admire Lucas, who is sleeping. “Ah, such a cutie. Four-
months?” She looks at Maya. “My daughter just had her first. How long have you two been married?”

  Maya colors immediately, and the woman realizes her mistake. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she laughs slightly, “I shouldn’t have assumed.”

  I don’t give a fuck what a stranger thinks, but Maya is too flustered to speak, so it’s up to me to swoop in. I place my arm around Maya’s shoulders and give her a squeeze.

  “We’re babysitting for a friend,” I reply. “Sort of a test run for the real thing.”

  The woman smiles but then glances at Lucas and frowns. She looks at us again, peering hard over her glasses. Something is off, but I don’t know what. The woman nods and takes a step away.

  “Well, good,” she smiles stiffly. “And good luck.”

  Maya’s shoulders lower under my grasp, and I pull away. I watch as the woman disappears down the aisle. It’s apparent that she didn’t believe us, and I take another look at Lucas as Maya watches me.

  She spins the stroller away and quickly walks down the aisle in the opposite direction. “We have to put some speed in it, Jackson. I have to show up for work at some point today.”

  I watch her push the kid away and something doesn’t seem right.

  Chapter 11

  Maya

  For the next two weeks, when I arrive home from work, Jackson is waiting there, and it’s awkward. The dishonesty has reached epic proportions as I try to explain why I have someone else’s baby in my apartment twenty-four seven. At home, I’m a nervous wreck waiting for the doorbell to ring, Jackson to come in and maybe today, call me out for hiding his baby.

  Max is too absorbed in work to help cover. He doesn’t even bother to sound convincing. I ask for back up, and Max shrugs his shoulders. He stares at his laptop and says, “Yeah, the kid’s still here.”

  In the morning, I check my phone, and I’m running late for work. I have five minutes to drop off Lucas, drive fifteen minutes to my job, park the car, and run to my desk. Or I can ask Max to help. He is sitting cross-legged on his bed in his room, banging on his laptop. He managed to cobble together a full-time salary with a few remote marketing gigs, which is excellent for both of us. I’m about to ask for another big favor.