Mr. Brockwell

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

*Adrian*

It was Monday morning, and though I was going into the office today, it didn't have much to do with work itself. I was expecting some very important deliveries to arrive this morning and I wanted to make sure everything was perfect. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it before, because it's necessary for the job, but better late than never. Calista is going to love it.

I arrived at the office, nodding at Tara on my way past, heading straight for my office. The delivery man just so happened to be in the elevator that I got into, and we rode it to the top together. I led him towards my office and opened the door for him. He unloaded all the boxes and handed me a clipboard to sign.

Once he left, I began tearing open the boxes and retrieving all the pieces. Making separate piles for each piece of furniture that needed to be built. Normally, I'd have someone else do this for me, but for some odd reason, I get a thrill knowing who I'm doing it for. I want to be the reason she smiles, I want to know that it came from me, every last bit. Is that normal? Is that jealousy in some odd way? I feel like a child, having to receive all the attention and credit.

I already had some space lined up for where I'm putting Calista's desk, right next to the bookshelf. I thought it'd be best to have her in the same room as me, because... well, she's my assistant, I'll need her close by. Even to myself, that excuse sounds pathetic. Ever since I admitted my feelings for Calista out loud, I felt this undeniable need to do things that I knew would make her happy.

I want her to smile more and frown less. Getting Ivan out of the picture is a good start, but is he truly out of the picture?

Something tells me no, we'll be seeing him again, unfortunately.

After a couple of hours, I finally finished building Calista's new office area. A new desk, computer, computer chair, file cabinet, lamp, and other desk accessories. Smiling at myself, happy with my purchases, I sat at my desk and stared at her office area. I think she'll be pleased, at least I hope so.

After completing some paperwork, I decided to leave the office a little after three in the afternoon. I knew Calista was inviting Quinn over today, so I didn't want to return home too soon and ruin their girl time. Instead, I complete some of my errands. Some things I made note of last night, given the situation I've put Calista and myself in.

Deep down in my gut, I know I've started a war with Ivan's stepdad, and instead of ignoring my intuition, I'm going to plan on the worst-case scenario. I'm planning on retrieving a lot of things from storage, devices I haven't used in years. After serving in the Military for some years, I decided to keep some of my gear, and I'm glad I did.

I drove to a storage unit I hadn't been to in years, but still had a key to it. I stood there and unlocked the door, sliding it open and revealing the hidden treasures inside. Tracking devices, guns, ammo, and all kinds of different gadgets. My eyes lit up with nostalgic memories, there were some good times and not so good. Taking a deep breath, I began unloading the unit into my car. I was going to take everything, and figured I'd shuffle through it later. My phone started ringing, and I saw it was Coop, which was odd.

"What's up, Coop?" I answered the phone, hoping he didn't have bad news.

"What are your plans for today?" Coop asked, his voice low and haunted.

"Just gathering some old s**t from storage, why?" I asked.

"The boys want to see you today." He said, his voice firm.

"Meet at the same place, thirty minutes." I confirmed and we hung up.

Something about Coop's voice told me that it was serious, which had my heart thumping like a hammer against my sternum. I shut the storage unit and locked it up, hopping in my car and driving towards the diner. My mind was reeling with all the different possibilities, until I settled down and took a few deep breaths. No use getting riled up. I don't know why they want to meet me sooner, but it's not a terrible idea. The sooner, the better.

Though, as I'm nearing the diner, my gut starts churning inside and nausea hits me like a tidal wave. I swallow the fear that's building inside my throat and pull into the parking lot, parking just a few feet from the entrance. I got out and locked the car, not wanting to lose precious valuables that I'd stowed in the trunk and backseat.

Upon entering the diner, I casually gaze around until I spot the crew I'm looking for. A broad smile finds its place on my lips, stretching from ear to ear. Cooper waves me over and the others immediately spring into their wild alpha male selves. Hollering "brother!" and damn near toppling over each other to exit the booth they were sitting in. A stampede of four fully grown men swarmed around me with out-stretched arms.

"Damn dude! It's good to see you again!" Dallas roared in his low rumble.

"You look good, bud." Christian said, clapping me on the shoulder.

"Good to see you guys," I chuckled, and we made our way back to the booth, "Thanks for coming on such short notice. Seems as though none of us got too far away from home."

"Yeah... about that..." Cooper mumbled with a nervous smile.

"What's the problem?" I calmly asked, I already knew s**t was going to hit the fan when they wanted to meet sooner.

"We did some research on your guy," Teo chimed in, "and he's as shady as it gets. Well, the stepdad, that is. The stepson, on the other hand, appears to be a complete dipshit. He's been in trouble with the law plenty of times, but each time he's excused."

"We think step-daddy has a lot of friends in high places, which is going to make your job a helluva lot more difficult." Christian added, chewing the inside of his lip.

I couldn't help the crooked smirk that was slowly creeping up on my face, because the fact that these guys are already getting started just reminds me of how great of a team we were. I'm glad I asked for their help. They're all staring at me with perplexed expressions, probably because of the s**t eating grin on my face. I cleared my throat and sat up straight, taking a large gulp of the iced water in front of me.

"What the f**k are you smiling for?" Cooper asked with arched eyebrows.

"Just thankful for your help, that's all. I'm glad you guys are here." I smiled again, then I noticed all of them looking at me like I had two f*****g heads.

Dallas looked at me with concern. "You sound like a chick, dude... Are you okay?"

"He's in love, feelin' all mushy and shit." Christian teased and they all burst into laughter.

"f**k you guys." I grunted, glaring at them until they became silent.

"Sorry dude, but the last time we saw you... let's just say, you were different." Teo shrugged, acting like his usual mysterious self.

"Yeah..." I know what he's talking about, and I don't care to bring it up.

"Alright, let's get down to business. Ivan's stepdad's name is Harvey. He's a millionaire, but we're not entirely sure how. He's got a touch and go record, not anything we can work with. The man's got something to hide, we're just not sure what." Cooper stated, and the chuckles seized, soon becoming silent.

"It'll take more digging, I've got some old gear from Delta. I plan on bringing it back to my place, but I don't want to alarm Calista. I don't want her to worry if she doesn't have to." I said, hearing myself made me realize that maybe they were right?

Am I becoming soft? That's not a bad thing. In fact, I actually like the thought of warming up to someone. I just never expected it to happen quite like it did. Calista fell right into my lap, without even having to try. The minute I set eyes on her, I knew that I didn't want her to leave my world. It's cheesy as f**k, but shit... it's the truth. I have feelings for this girl, whether I like it or not. It's weird, though, because we don't know each other, but it's never felt that way--

"Earth to Adrian?!" Dallas shouted and I was brought back to reality.

"Daydreaming about the pretty little lady that's waiting for him back at home, I bet." Christian snickered.

"Alright, follow me back to my house. I need your help setting this s**t up." I grunted, ignoring them, and leaving the booth.

"I hope your house is big enough to accommodate all of us." Cooper chuckled, as they followed me outside.

"You guys want to stay?" I turned around with a confused grin.

"How else are we going to help you?" Cooper smirked.

"Thanks guys. Remember, don't cause any alarm. Calista has her friend over, she might still be there when we arrive. All I ask is you guys act casual." I pleaded.

"You got it bud." Christian winked, and we got into our separate cars.

I led them from the diner back to my house. It was a little after five o'clock, and dinner would probably be served by the time we got there. That's just that much more that will distract Calista. However, it dawned on me that I'd have to explain why four other men would be living with us. That's going to cause suspicion, but at least I have another seven minutes to figure it out before we're there.