Page 61 of Falling for my Brother's Best Friend

Phoenix opens the conference room door, and I catch Savannah’s rising voice in the background. She looks at Dori, sighs, and at the other end of the table, cracks open her iced tea bottle. Dori waits silently for Phoenix to look at her.

Finally Phoenix notices. “What?”

“Liam might like a drink,” Dori says.

“I’m good, Phoenix.” I wave her off.

“You’re not going to eat without a drink. Phoenix.” Dori’s tone is the one she gave us when she babysat the Baileys and I happened to be over. It has a bite to it, suggesting Phoenix not test her. A few of the Baileys are immune to that tone, Phoenix being one of them.

“Tell me where to get them and I’m happy to do it,” I offer.

“No, Liam, Phoenix will get you a drink.” Her eyes shoot invisible lasers at Phoenix.

“Ugh!” Phoenix sighs dramatically, sliding her chair out from the table and standing. “What do you want, Liam?”

“I’d love a water.”

“And I’ll have a Diet Coke, dear.” Dori smiles at her.

Phoenix pushes the door open and Savannah can still be heard. Where are they and why has no one shut the door wherever she is?

“She really should try her hand at acting instead of singing.” Dori puts her fingers on her temples and massages.

I put a plate of orange chicken and rice in front of Dori. I’m about to sit down myself when the door opens, and Savannah appears.

I missed her this morning because I’m trying to be a gentleman and give her space. It’s clear now that I missed out on some beat-off material, because her dress is enough to turn my mouth into a water fountain. All I can do is commit her to memory. I haven’t seen her this dressed down for work the entire time she’s lived with me. Maybe it’s because we’re in record heat, or maybe the meditation is having an effect on her. Either way, she looks good enough to eat—for hours.

“Sorry I’m late. I’m glad you started without me.” She glances at Dori.

They share a look of worry, and I realize maybe Savannah is under more pressure than just being the mother hen of her family. Could she be trying to keep a failing company from sinking?

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