Page 100 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“I’m thirty-eight.”

“What does the birthday boy want?”

“A–”

“Mind away from sex.”

My lips twitch. “Damn it. It’s exactly what I was thinking.”

“You’ll get that, but I need a gift to bring to the dinner.”

“You are my gift. A surprise gift.”

“Oh, look at you being all cute.”

I turn to lean my back on the railing. “Don’t tell my brothers I’m cute.”

“Your secrets are safe with me. But I don’t count as a gift. Give me an idea.”

“I have no ideas. If I want something I buy it. And no one buys me gifts.”

“Not even your ex?” she says.

“Not even her.”

“Well, that's an even bigger reason to give you a gift.”

I look at the wooden porch. “Are you jealous of my ex?”

“No. She isn’t around anymore so she’s not competition.”

I smile and jerk my head back up. I’d never look away from Nova. No one could compare. She’s everything to me, even though it’s only been a short amount of time.

“So why do you need to worry about a present then?”

“It’s the principle of knowing I’m the best.”

My lips part to a stupidly wide smile. “You are the best.”

“I will be even better with a gift.”

“Good luck with that,” I say.

“Bring your roommates. Gram insisted.”

“You have the coolest gram.”

I look into the enormous arch windows, looking around her indoor and outdoor plants to see Grams moving around her large kitchen. “I know.”

“I’m excited to meet her.”

“I am too.” I expected to be filled with regret about inviting her to meet my family, but it doesn’t come. Chatting with her now just makes me want more time with her.

“I better go back inside before she calls a search party.”

Nova giggles.

“I miss you,” I say, standing up from the rail.

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