Chapter Twenty-Six

C hapter Twenty-Six

A ndy

" I 'm just saying, Andy, you need to be more careful if you don't want the world to know your business." Pup's voice hissed through the speakerphone, the only sound in my otherwise silent apartment. The table was ready, snacks out, pizza ordered and beers in the fridge, all ready for poker night.

"It was four am." I grumbled, already tired of this conversation. It was the exact reason I wanted to get Arna home so early – even though the needy inner voice begged me to bury my face between her thighs and spend my entire life there.

"And they were still outside waiting. Now your girlfriend's face is plastered on every reputable news outlet in the nation. She is being dubbed as Gloss' Jewel for Christ's sake." Pup chuckled at himself.

"She isn't my girlfriend and with a name like that I'd hardly say they are reputable." I positioned the chairs before placing my drink on the seat facing the balcony. Even when inside, I liked to be able to see the view of the outdoors where it was easy to breathe, and the confines of a regimented life were forgotten. There had to be some perks to hosting poker with the pack of brutes.

"What is she then, because I don't think you can say it's only for the interview with these pictures."

"You're my agent, Pup, which means business advice."

"Nice try, Andy. You called me for guidance, remember." He sighed into the phone. "Look, I know she matters to you. You haven't so much as kissed a girl in public before and now you've been captured escorting one from your house. She clearly isn't a hooker."

"Watch it, Kieran!" I snapped.

"Ooooooh, touchy." His laugh irritated the fuck out of me, leading me to open the fridge and reach for a beer instead of the juice I had been having. "All I'm saying is you might want to get over your fear of labels. You may be able to keep up the bullshit with the team, but I've known you a fair amount of time, and I've never seen you smile this much."

Running my hands down my face I sighed, leaning over the bench, my phone propped against the coffee machine.

"She wants to be proactive and have Urban Pulse release a statement." I admitted.

"And what do you want?" He asked.

It was times like this that reminded me why I paid him so much when I could get an agent for half the price. He never pushed anything that he wasn't certain was in my best interests. On the odd occasion he wasn't entirely confident with a decision, he always sought my opinion, and I appreciated the autonomy more than he knew.

"I don't know, man. I think I really like her. Fuck. I think about her all the fucking time and when I'm with her, she is all that matters, you know." I tapped my fingers against the marble of the bench.

"Leave it with me then." He answered decidedly. "I'll speak to Urban, and we will put out a response."

"Saying what?"

"Nothing. But enough. It's none of their concern but unless we give them something, they will be everywhere, including all over your not -girlfriend." The thought alone made my hands clench into fists. The last time I felt rage on behalf of another person was when Mum was hurt. I was resigned to the bullshit they pulled on me, the inability to have anything even remotely close to a personal life, but I didn't want this for her. She didn't deserve this intrusion.

The intercom buzzing cut through the air, and I reached for my phone. "Pup, I gotta go. Release what you need but just keep it tight, yeah?"

"Of course." The line went dead as I headed to greet my guests.

I knew of all people, both Pup and Arna would work to compose a statement which was tactful yet appealing, but it was hard not to let the constant trash written in the past play through my mind.

"Mr. Gloss, you have some approved visitors." Graham's voice informed me.

"Thanks, send them up."

I grabbed a few more drinks from the fridge as I heard the door to my apartment open and laughter echo through the entryway.

"The party has arrived, old man, where the booze at?" I couldn't stop my smile when Dylan entered first, his arms spread wide, ever the confident dickhead.

"Happy birthday, bro. Can't believe you're twenty-one." I ruffled his hair like always, knowing it pissed him off and handed him one of the beers I just opened. We clinked bottles and each took a sip as Sebastian, Cooper and Jack appeared.

"So, this is what it's all about? Been waiting to join the Outback Aces for years." Dylan said, circling the table like a shark.

Cooper's laugh thrummed around the room, and he stepped forward to put my younger brother in a playful headlock. Seb and Jack both watching with matching grins.

"I would have let you join earlier but been waiting for you to reach puberty." I retorted.

"Fuck I'm glad you came, little Gloss. Outback Aces. Classic." Coop was still laughing as he took the outstretched beer from my hand and knocked it gently against my own.

"Cheers, Captain. Saw your ugly mug all over my phone today. Who's the lady?" It was good to see Coop smiling again. It was obvious at our last meet up he was struggling but Seb had assured me he was on top of it all so I didn't need to dig any further. This invitation for banter was welcomed and it was clear he was fucking giddy at the photos, hoping I lost my shit over him mentioning them.

"Surely you're too busy with the distillery to be sitting on your phone all day." I snarked. You wouldn't have known it from the way he presented himself, but Coop came from money. His dad was a well-known name in the real estate market, helping me and plenty of the other boys in the team, but on top of that pretty fortune, Coop had coin courtesy from his own hard work and perseverance. That little pot of dollars was something I loved to chip away each time I beat his arse at poker.

"I'm never too busy to see pictures of you and your latest piece. What's she like?" He grinned as Dylan, still standing next to him, laughed.

"Cooper Dane, you have a death wish. He almost knocked me out when I met her because I kissed her hello."

"Piss off, Dyl, you practically came in your pants when you saw her." I said, moving towards the table where Seb was already arranging his area, ensuring everything was perfectly organised.

"You need a ruler to make sure it's all evenly spaced?" I joked.

"Fuck off." He replied and I laughed watching him move the snacks evenly into the centre of the table. He always had little idiosyncrasies and one of them was an obsession for detail. Depending on his mood, moving his shit a few centimetres to one side was enough to evoke an eye-twitch. Other times, it could earn you a right hook – it was a gamble, but that was why we were here.

"How's the club?" I asked Seb.

"Yeah, good. I was saying to the boys on the way up, we've got a new DJ playing on Saturday nights. Finally found one who doesn't leave the booth to prey on the customers. She's good, you should come in the next weekend you're off." Seb pulled his chair out and sat down, and I followed.

"I'm in for sure." Jack said, throwing a few bags of snacks down on the table before cracking a beer.

"You're always in, fool." I spoke. The kid loved partying and it was part of the reason I kept him close. At twenty-two he was susceptible to enjoying the high-profile life more than he should and he had far too much potential to risk it over foolish impulses.

"Now that I'm a member of Outback Aces, I'm in too." Dylan chimed sending Seb and Cooper into peals of laughter.

"Outback Aces – where the fuck did that even come from?" Seb asked, holding his stomach.

"That's what Mum calls these poker nights. Anytime Dad tries to ring Ando on a Monday, Mum will say, " It's the first Monday of the month, love. He has Outback Aces tonight ." The very accurate rendition of my mother's voice nearly caused me to choke on my beer.

"That impersonation is disturbing, bro." I said. "Now we going to play, or you blokes just come to talk shit?"

"I came to take your money but tell us about your new bed mate while you deal." Cooper grinned and Seb slapped him up the back of his head.

"Shut the fuck up, Coop. You're just jealous because you have no time to get any." Seb rebutted.

Cooper rubbed the spot where Seb just whacked and whined playfully.

"You try running an entire distillery and seeking out a decent woman. You literally have them at your doorstep every weekend and you still don't get laid." We all laughed as Seb ignored the insult, discreetly glancing at his two cards, his face void of any reaction.

"What do you mean he doesn't get any? I never leave Nexus without company, that place is always pumping with the best of the city." Jack said, pride written all over his face.

"Sign me up." Dyl added, gesturing towards Jack with his thumb. "And don't think I won't be telling people I'm your brother. I have no shame in the search for loooooove ."

"Clearly." I mumbled as the boys all laughed.

"Cheers, Andy. That was the easiest cash I've made in a while." Seb collected his winnings, folding it neatly and placing it in his money clip.

"You're a prick." I said, my tone holding only a hint of humour.

I hated losing, especially to these knobs because the winner bragged obscenely for the next month, and it was thrown at you as often as possible. But I loved poker night. I didn't get the opportunity to relax often, especially with any mates who weren't on the team – so it was always something I looked forward to. When Jack asked to join, I made it clear we kept footy talk to a minimum unless the others specifically asked, because it was a time to pause and just be us again. I could be Andy. Not Andy Gloss, Captain of the Sydney Hearts.

"A dick who just beat your arse."

I paused to look at him, waiting for him to realise the innuendo in his retort.

"Oh, fuck off. You know what I meant." He replied as I erupted into laughter.

"I think I do." I chuckled. "You want another beer?" It was only Seb, Dylan and I remaining as Jack and Coop left earlier after getting sick of having to buy back in.

"Nah, man. Thanks. I'm driving tonight. Drink enough at the club these days anyway between Coop's never-ending tastings and sampling any new cocktails the staff make."

"Business is good?"

He picked up a row of the discarded poker chips, before letting them drop, one by one, into a neat pile. "Yeah, man. Surprisingly so. Usually a bit quieter this time of year, with it booming in Summer, but it's been consistent. Keeping me busy, that's for sure."

"It's a good vibe there. Heard a few of the team saying they rate the atmosphere but like the anonymity more. It's an impressive thing you have going. Proud of you, brother." He looked down, focusing on the chips falling through his fingers. He never did take compliments well. "Seriously, Seb. You should be proud of yourself. It's been a dream of yours forever and you did it on your own. Not many people could say that." I reached for the cards, ready to pack them away.

Seb harrumphed still staring at the table. "Wasn't easy, ya know? But once I decided I wanted it, I didn't give myself any other option. And hard work pays off and all that other philosophical bullshit." He shrugged and, in that moment, I understood him more than I ever had before. The need for control and regimentation because it eliminated disappointment. The soul deep drive to succeed at all costs, for no one other than yourself.

I stopped packing the rest of the poker stuff, concentrating only on what he was saying.

"When you compete with yourself and no one else, how can you not be the best, right?" He looked up at me and nodded slowly, recognition in his eyes.

"That's it, bro. My staff make it easy too. The club is a nice place to be most of the time."

"Come on Micallef, get me a job. I would love to work there too." Dylan called from the lounge where he was sprawled out watching some action movie after he cockily went all in and lost everything.

"How about you focus on perfecting your poker skills, little bro." I moved over and ruffled his hair again, noticing he was also scrolling his phone. "Can you give anything your full attention?"

"I'm just reading up on the latest shit being written about you and Arna. Or the Captain of HIS Heart as Gossip Gazette is calling her."

"Gossip Gazette is for idiots. Nobody reads that shit." Seb scoffed.

"Except that idiot." I replied, throwing my thumb back over my shoulder towards Dylan.

"Is it serious?" Seb asked mockingly. "Is she the captain of your heart?" He grinned and I threw a poker chip at him which he easily caught.

"Honestly, I don't know wh–" My ringtone distracted me, and I pulled my phone from my pocket to Arna's name on the screen. "Sorry, just a sec."

Seb smirked knowingly and I walked into the kitchen for some privacy before accepting the call.

No sooner had I answered when she started speaking. "Andy, hi. I'm so sorry to call you, I know you are in the middle of a boys night but I really wanted to know what you were thinking over the statement we put out and I was going to text you but I also wanted to hear it from you and now I'm a stalker who is sitting out the front of your apartment hoping I can see you for literally five minutes to make sure you're okay." She paused briefly. "That we are okay."

I walked past Dyl on the lounge and to the edge of the balcony. When I looked down to the street, sure enough there was a taxi, lights on, idling at the kerb. While I still hadn't replied, too shocked at the fact she came all the way here, she continued.

"Oh my god. I'm a stalker. I'm literally at your house even though you said you were busy. Forget I called. I will –"

"Arna." I said, shaking my head as she continued to ramble. "Arna." I repeated, smiling when she quieted. "Come upstairs, would you?"

"What – now?" Her obvious shock made me chuckle.

"Yes - now. Graham will buzz you up." I watched below as the door to the taxi opened and she slowly walked towards the building. She hesitated, running a hand through her hair, before she continued walking inside.

"Who was that?" Dyl asked when I returned.

I ignored his question, heading straight for the entrance. When the lift doors opened, I felt my stomach settle. The familiarity of her mouth, the curve of her shoulders and the innocence of those damn blue eyes was as calming as a week of sleep. I hadn't recognised feeling on edge, so it was unexpected as much as it was comforting.

"Hey." I said as she barrelled straight for me and threw her arms around my waist, burying her face into my chest.

"Is it weird if I say I missed you today? How much of a stalker am I if I say that?"

"I'd say that's definite stalker material, Ando, get rid of her." I felt Arna freeze at Dylan's words. Nosey prick couldn't stay put, instead coming to get a glimpse of who was here before she even entered the apartment.

"Shut up, Dyl." Lowering my voice for only her, I added, "It's only him and one of my mates, Seb. And I missed you too." The uncertainty in her eyes was exactly what I needed to see from her at that moment. While I hadn't given the niggling thought that she wanted to be seen kissing me any credence, I was ashamed to admit it was there all the same. I squeezed her quickly, planting a soft kiss on the top of her head before ushering her inside.

"Hey, Dylan. Nice to see you again." She greeted, a genuine smile on her face, any sign of unease gone.

"As always, the pleasure is all mine. It's my birthday today, do I get a birthday kiss?" He asked, leaning forward and I put my palm smack bang on his face and shoved him, his laugh muffled against my hand.

"Would you piss off, kid?" I said, grinning towards Seb who was also quietly chuckling.

"Seb, meet Arna. Arna, this is Sebastian, a good mate of mine." Seb stood giving her a brief wave.

"Nice to meet you, Arna."

While Dylan would say whatever he could to rile me up, Seb was far more likely to remain quiet, assess the situation and provide me with his opinion when it was just the two of us. Another one of his qualities I respected. He wasn't interested in fame, gossip or notoriety. He just wanted to be better than he had been as a kid.

"Likewise. I'm sorry to intrude." She said turning back to me. "I just wanted to see what you thought of the – urgh – statement." She shrugged pointing to her phone.

"I haven't even seen it. Show me." I answered truthfully, heading towards the fridge to grab her a drink.

"Shit, okay." She gave me her phone as she took the glass of wine I offered. "Oh, gosh, thank you. I needed this."

I scanned the page she had open on her phone, feeling instant relief at the short statement on Urban Pulse's site.

Amidst recent speculation, Arna Frost, editor at Urban Pulse, and Andy Gloss, Captain of Sydney Hearts Football Team, wish to address their close friendship, declining to comment on personal matters.

They request your understanding of their privacy.

"Friendship?" I asked, my brow raised questioningly.

"What the heck was I supposed to say?" She flummoxed before taking another gulp of her wine. She was nervous and for some reason I found that I liked this flustered side. She was usually so confident, supported by her charm, but here in this moment she cared about what I thought.

"Judging by the photos you could have said your close sexual friendship. We all know you two boned." Seb shoved Dylan backwards over the lounge and I threw my head back in laughter as I reached for Arna.

"Thanks, Seb." I laughed. "Don't listen to him, Arns, he is jealous."

"On that note - I'm off. Come into the club soon, Andy." Seb said, turning and smiling at Dylan who was dusting himself off.

"Club?" Arna asked as I acknowledged the suggestion with a nod.

"Seb owns Nexus. It's a nightcl–"

Arna pushed me off as she swung to face Sebastian. "Shut the fuck up! You own Nexus? That place is apparently amazing. I have been begging my friend Marlee to go with me for ages."

Seb laughed softly. "Thanks. You'll have to come down with Andy and your friend so you can see for yourself."

"We definitely will." She said, gravitating back to me, which I revelled in, and wrapping her arms around me tight.

Once we closed the door after Seb, I breathed in the scent of her shampoo and felt my dick twitch at the feel of her in my arms. It had been a bloody long day, and I wasn't expecting to see her, which made her being here all the sweeter.

"Dyl, you staying here tonight or what?" I called.

Arna was staring up at me, her hands tracing tracks up and down my back. And if her dilated pupils were anything to go by, she felt my bodily reaction to her proximity as much as I did.

"Yeah, I'll probably just crash on the lounge if that's okay?" He replied, yawning.

"No worries. There are earphones in one of the kitchen drawers. You might need them."