Page 4 of A Baby For Her Billionaire BFF

“Let’s go show that party what we’re made of,” she declares with a grin, grabbing her clutch off the dresser.

“Let’s do it,” I agree, following her lead.

As we head toward the door, I can’t shake the thrilling possibility that my cousin’s encouragement might just be the catalyst I need. Maybe, just maybe, this will be the night that changes everything with Oliver.

CHAPTER 3

OLIVER

The bass thumps against my chest like a second heartbeat as I lean against the wall, plastic cup in hand. It’s supposed to be one of those end-of-year bashes where everyone forgets their looming finals and just lets go for a night. Everyone except me, apparently. I scan the crowd, watching people laugh and dance and spill drinks on each other. A girl with a pixie cut and a neon smile sidles up beside me, her eyes bright and inviting.

“Hey, you’re Oliver, right?” she asks, voice barely audible over the playlist that’s been curated to obliterate conversation. “Anthropology major?”

I nod, but my response is automatic, robotic. “Yeah, that’s me. And you are?”

“Marie,” she beams, leaning closer. “I’ve seen you around. You always look so… focused.”

“Focused” isn’t the word I’d use right now. Distracted, maybe. Because even as Marie chatters on about something — I think she mentioned a summer dig in Peru — all I can do is keep an eye on the door, waiting for Nora to arrive. If she even shows up.

Was it stupid of me to come here? What if she’s made other plans and ditched the party? What if she’s out with another guy?

That last one makes my stomach twist, and for a moment, I think I might actually throw up.

“Oliver?” Marie prompts, and I realize just how checked out of the conversation I’ve been. I have no clue what she’s said for the last few minutes.

“Sorry,” I mumble, feeling like a jerk. “Just a little out of it tonight.”

“Tell me about it.” She laughs, brushing her hair behind her ear. “End of year is so stressful, right?”

But then she follows my gaze to the door, and understanding flickers across her face. “Waiting for someone?”

“Sort of,” I admit, because what’s the point of lying?

“Ah, the elusive Nora,” she says sagely, and I’m surprised she knows. But then again, maybe it’s obvious to anyone who looks at me for longer than a minute.

“Is it that transparent?” I ask, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly.

“Only to someone who pays attention,” she replies with a wink. But before I can respond, the crowd parts like the Red Sea, and there she is.

Nora.

My breath catches, and it’s like I’m seeing her for the first time. She walks in with her cousin Lynn, her usual jeans-and-shirt attire swapped for a dress that hugs every curve. Her hair cascades in waves I’ve never seen it in, and her makeup, usually minimal, now accentuates her lips and eyes, making them pop in a way that sends my heart racing.

“Wow,” escapes from my lips before I can stop it.

Marie chuckles beside me. “I’ll say. Girl cleans up nice.”

“Understatement,” I mutter, pushing away from the wall.

Nora catches my eye and smiles, but it’s not her usual, comfortable grin. It’s laced with nerves, excitement, and vulnerability. I feel my palms start to sweat because suddenly, I don’t know how to talk to my own friend. The distance between us feels like miles instead of feet.

“Go talk to her.” Marie nudges me, pulling me out of my stupor. “Before someone else sweeps her off her feet.”

“Right,” I say, though my feet feel glued to the floor.

Taking a deep breath, I finally manage to move, crossing the room toward Nora and Lynn.

“Hi.” My voice cracks slightly like I’m going through a second puberty. God, could I be more awkward?

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