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“Charlie won’t fall for that crap, will he?” Drew asked, worried.
“No, we’re not as rich as you, but we’ve had our fair share of gold-diggers in our lives. Charlie’s adept at avoiding them,” Shelley replied.
“Mirry seems determined,” Drew commented as he moved towards the window Shelley was leaning out of. Shelley nodded as she hung out of it. Mirry sent them a look, clearly seeing Shelley for the first time. She mentioned something to Charlie, who frowned and shook his head.
“Mirry isn’t going to let him go easily. She’ll pry for information,” Shelley murmured, noting Mirry’s curious expression.
“Charlie won’t tell her anything,” Drew said confidently.
“Nope. But that won’t stop her curiosity. Sorry, Drew, this could become awkward for you,” Shelley muttered, biting her bottom lip.
Drew’s gaze dropped until his eyes locked with hers. There was a heat in Drew’s that made Shelley pause. Did he desire her?
A blush started on Shelley’s cheeks. Of course, he didn’t. She was plain old Shelley Evans, not some famous beauty. But Drew continued to hold her eyes, and she couldn’t tear away.
“Whatever bull you’re thinking, stop. You’re beautiful,” Drew murmured.
“Not like Mirry,” Shelley retorted.
“No. Not like Mirry,” Drew said. Shelley didn’t want to admit it, but that hurt. “You’re genuine, and that is much more attractive than that fake over there,” Drew continued.
Shelley’s blush deepened, and a soft smile crossed her lips.
“I like how you look at me, Shelley. You see the man and not the name.”
“Because you’re more than a name and your fame, Drew. What you’re doing for me is very kind,” Shelley replied.
“Bro, you owe me a stronger drink than beer,” Charlie announced, interrupting the moment.
Shelley looked at his face and laughed. “Oh, you don’t look happy.”
“The army should employ that bitch as a specialised inquisitor. Mirry tried multiple ways to uncover who you are and if it was really Drew Martin with me. God, she’s a nightmare,” Charlie complained.
“Sorry,” Drew said.
“No, you’re not. Dude, you sacrificed me,” Charlie snapped good-naturedly, and Drew shrugged.
“What did you tell her?” Shelley asked.
“The truth. We’re a group of friends having a good time, and I dodged every other question,” Charlie stated.
“Without being egotistical, did she recognise me?” Drew asked, and Charlie nodded.
“Sorry, dude, but yeah. Bitch wanted me to introduce her to you, but I informed her we were heading out,” Charlie responded.
“Nice. We’d better go. Will you be okay, Shelley?” Drew inquired, turning to her.
“Yes, go have some fun, I’m totally envious. I love skiing,” Shelley replied and made a face. Charlie laughed and ruffled her hair.
“As soon as you have that cast off, we’ll plan a trip,” he promised.
“Or I can,” Drew added, and Charlie sent him a look before he grinned.
“Or maybe I’ll let Drew take you!”
Shelley laughed. “Sod off and have some fun. Will you be back for lunch?”
“Yeah. I’ve ordered in, so don’t worry about making anything,” Drew said, and Shelley nodded as her brother and their new friend walked off.
