Chapter 1
“You have tickets to the game?” Jamie Radcliffe asked his coworker at the London Stock Exchange in excitement. “Tonight? At Parks United?”
“Yes, lad. Can you make it last minute?” Harry waved the pair of tickets in front of him enticingly.
“Let me ring Ruth… I’m coming!” he warned, “Don’t you ask anyone else or I’ll murder you!” Jamie wagged his finger to prove his point. He slipped back inside his office and picked up the phone.
“Is he coming?” Mike leaned on Harry, both peering into the office as Jamie spoke on the phone.
“Don’t know. I assume so.” Harry glanced back at Mike quickly then tried to make eye contact with Jamie for the decision. Harry smiled at Jamie. The lad was adorable. Late twenties, with blue eyes and thick brown hair, which was quite long for the office work.
The lad was trim, almost muscular, and around six-feet tall. With his good looks and infectious smile, he was well-liked in the workplace, and good fun to be around.
Knowing Jamie would be permitted to do as he pleased without a fight, Harry wasn’t surprised when Jamie smiled brightly and nodded to the men, giving them a thumbs-up.
“He’s got some understanding bird at home. I only wish my own wife were a bit more,” Mike said, “Had to go through hell before she cut the tether.”
“Aye, me as well. And Annie and I aren’t even married. Just living together.”
“You’ve got a kiddie, you may as well be married.” Mike watched Jamie as he spoke on the phone.
“Not half!” Harry laughed sadly.
“Right, you too, sweet. Yes, I’ll be late. You tuck yourself into bed for me,” Jamie whispered, “Love you too.” Hanging up the phone with one hand, loosening his tie with the other, he stuck out his chest and said, “Awright, mates! I am a free man!”
“Well done!” Harry handed him one of the tickets.
“What do I owe you?” Jamie stuffed his tie into his jacket pocket.
“Naught,” Harry said, as he led the way out of the office. It had emptied as they lingered and they ended up the last to leave, shutting the lights behind them.
“No, Harry, you don’t need to pay for my ticket—” Hurrying to catch up with him, Jamie dragged his hand through his hair to tame it.
“No, my dear boy.” Harry laughed as Jamie shoved his way into the elevator between the other two. “I didn’t pay for them. They were gratis.”
“Strewth?” Trying to feel comfortable while still in his work clothing, Jamie opened the top buttons of his starched shirt.
“Indeed.”
Mike glanced at the lighted display of numbers as they descended. “He’s a mate who always hands them out.”
Jamie stopped short as the elevator doors opened. “A mate? Inside the club?”
Both Harry and Mike reached for Jamie’s elbows and dragged him out of the elevator before the door closed him back in.
“You’re sure you want this one showing you up in front of the team?” Mike tilted his head at Jamie.
“Well, Michael, now that you mention it, he may turn out to be a bit of an embarrassment for me.” Harry winked playfully.
“All right you two. Just because you’re both older than I am doesn’t mean you have to treat me as if I were a toddler.” Jamie’s smile was full of affection.
“Oi? I think we could both picture you still at the teat!” Mike shouted, then roared at his own wit.
“Now- Leave Ruth out of this!” Harry added quickly, not covering his own laughter.
“Aye! Stop takin’ the mick!” But, he loved the warmth and attention from them. Heading down the street to the tube, he placed a hand on each of their backs; his two big brothers, overprotective and adoring.
