Page 62 of Falling Fast

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Page 62 of Falling Fast

‘There.’ Dan finally brushes his hands together. ‘What do you think?’

‘Perfect. Thank you.’

‘I’ll send you a bill.’

‘Haha.’ Now that he’s leaving, I feel marginally more grateful. ‘Sorry about not making you a cup of tea. Next time I’ll cook dinner as a thank you.’

‘I’ll remember that.’ He stops in the hallway and looks seriously at me. ‘I’m glad you’re dating again, Ava.’

‘Me too.’ I reach for the door handle. ‘So thanks again and …’

I freeze as there’s a knock on the other side of the door. It’s Leif. I know it. And now Dan is lifting an eyebrow at me, so I have no choice but to open up and introduce them to each other.

Crap.

I close my eyes and drag in a breath. This is going to be mortifying …

‘Hi.’ I open the door.

‘Hi.’ Leif’s gaze heats as he takes in my jumpsuit, which I don’t mind because I’m ogling him too. He’s still wearing his suit, as requested, and looks even hotter than he did earlier, possibly because there aren’t a dozen people bustling around us. Unfortunately, my appreciation is spoiled by the presence of my big brother, who decides to step into view right at this moment.

I clear my throat as Leif’s gaze shifts sideways. ‘This is my brother, Dan. He came,unannounced, to fix a light fitting for me.’

‘Hey.’ Leif holds a hand out. ‘Good to meet you.’

‘Dan is just leaving,’ I say after they’ve shaken.

‘Actually, I didn’t catch your name.’ Dan’s expression is quizzical.

‘It’s Leif.’ A faint look of surprise crosses Leif’s face. ‘Olsen.’

‘Leif Olsen …’ Dan rubs his chin. ‘I feel like I’ve heard that name before.’

‘I’ve probably mentioned it,’ I answer, because it hits me suddenly that, despite watching the Spanish Grand Prix with me and Maisie, he’s clearly forgotten who Leif is. If I weren’t so annoyed with him for ruining my evening, it would be funny. But I still want him to leave before he puts two and two together.

‘Do you work at Rask too, Leif?’ Dan folds his arms like he’s settling in for a long discussion. ‘Are you in the technical or administrative side?’

‘Ah … Technical.’ Somehow Leif manages to keep a straight face.

‘And the two of you are seeing each other?’

‘We’retryingto.’ I tap my foot impatiently.

‘Since when? Is it serious?’

‘Dan!’ I hiss, because now he’s going too far. ‘That’s none of your business.’

‘You’re my sister.’

‘Your twenty-one-year-old sister!’

‘It’s still my job to look out for you.’

‘It’s OK,’ Leif interjects. ‘Dan, I promise you, I’m not messing around here. I’m serious about Ava.’

‘There.’ I swivel to Dan. ‘Satisfied?’

‘Actually …’ Dan gives Leif an appraising look. ‘Yes. Nice to meet you, Leif. Enjoy your dinner.’


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