Page 36 of Billionaire Unexplained: Kaleb

Anna was an artist and incredibly creative, too.

Strangely, she didn’t think she was anything special even though millions of people adored her and her talent.

“Great,” I said drily as I saw the vehicles in the driveway. “My brothers invited themselves to dinner, too.”

“That’s good,” Anna said in a happier tone. “I like them.”

“You didn’t have to grow up with them,” I replied. “I should have known they’d be here if Mom was cooking. They both hate to cook.”

Anna laughed for the first time since we’d been out to the river, and it was a sound that made my gut ache.

I’d missed that sound.

A lot.

I was starting to depend on hearing her laughter and seeing her smile every day to remind me that life wasn’t all about work. Anna also continued to teach me that life didn’t have to be serious every single minute of the day.

Granted, we’d discussed some serious topics, but we also laughed together equally as much.

“Don’t fuss,” I told her as I grabbed the hand messing with her hair. “You look beautiful.”

I was starting to realize that messing with her hair was a nervous habit, probably because whenever she went out, she was often being watched by the public.

She rolled her eyes at me as we hit the porch. “You always say that.”

“I’ll always think so,” I shot back.

Everything about Anna was beautiful to me, no matter what she did to her physical appearance.

The door swung open before I could try the handle.

“Here you are,” my mom said brightly. “And you’ve brought your friend with you.”

She stepped back so we could step in.

As usual, Anna stepped forward. She might be nervous, but she hid it well.

“Hi,” she said to my mother warmly as she held out her hand. “I’m Anna. I’m so excited to meet you. I’m a huge fan of your artwork.”

My mother’s eyes twinkled. “And I’m a fan of your music. I don’t always listen to classical music,” Mom said as she clasped both of her hands around Anna’s. “I’m so sorry about your parents.”

Anna shot me a surprised look, and then her gaze flicked back to Mom.

My mother winked at me. “Did you really think I couldn’t get Devon to tell me everything? That boy never could keep a secret from me.”

I kissed her cheek before I walked into the house. “I was afraid of that,” I replied, wanting to kill my brother for not letting Anna tell my mother whatever she wanted to tell her.

Maybe I shouldn’t be that irritated though. Mom could finagle info out of a CIA agent if she wanted it, and it did mean that Anna didn’t have to get through her painful story again.

When I turned back, Anna actually did look relieved that she didn’t have to tell her story again, so I decided I wouldn’t kill my youngest brother after all.

“Thank you,” Anna said politely. “I’m grateful to be here. Crystal Fork is a very peaceful place.”

“It is most of the time. The boys are already at the table,” Mom informed us. “Should we eat?”

“Tell me that you didn’t leave those two alone with the food,” I groaned.

“I told them not to touch it until we got there,” Mom answered, unconcerned.

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