Page 79 of The Billionaire Experience

“I was hoping you’d say yes. Now I’m concerned.”

“Why’s that?”

“He’s been known to turn tail and run when things become uncomfortable. I mean, sure, he brought Alexis to a big party or two, like the one in New York City we’re going to, but you’ve been to a family party. Brody doesn’t make a habit of that. Like, ever.”

Sweat prickled Reagan’s armpits.

“I like you guys together. And, selfishly, I don’t want him to have a reason to run.” Jaylyn squinted one eye. “I was hoping you would give Brody a reason to stay longer. Zander is already here, and now so am I, and I can imagine Dante in Chicago again. He attended college here.”

“You want your family in one place.” Reagan understood Jaylyn wanting to be close to her brothers. “I can relate.”

“Because of your mom,” Jaylyn guessed correctly.

“Even though I have accepted that she’s gone doesn’t mean I don’t miss her terribly.”

“I don't see my mom often, but I would miss her if I couldn't pick up the phone and call. I'm sorry you don't have that with your mom.”

“Me too.” Reagan may have healed where her mother was concerned, but she also wished things were different.

Jaylyn plopped onto her white leather sofa. Reagan joined her, not wanting to leave when Jaylyn was speaking from the heart. It seemed a rare occurrence from the youngest Crane. “When Zander’s wife died, I flew to London immediately. And so did Brody. Even Dante. And Dad.”

Jaylyn said that as if Octavius wasn’t one to hang around any one place for long.

“We intermittently grew up around each other. We spent holidays together and other occasions, but since we’ve been adults, we don’t do much together. I miss the times when I’d be making a sandwich and could call into the other room to ask if anyone else wanted one.” She paused. “Is that silly?”

“Not at all.” Reagan smiled. That was one of the best parts of living with Brody. “Eating alone sucks.”

“Right?” Jaylyn’s expression took on a wistful quality. “He promised he’d stay in Chicago until the book was done. How far along is it?”

“I’m…not sure.” Reagan hadn’t asked. Probably because on a deeper level she didn’t want to know. In a way, the end of the book signified the end of them. “He moved my belongings from my storage unit to the house.”

“Whoa.” Jaylyn blinked.

“I plan on making an offer to buy the house from him when he leaves.” She had concluded it was smart to stick to the original plan. Even though he’d been doing very boyfriend-y things, permanence wasn’t his style. “He believes that home is an illusion. A temporary stop on the way to something better. But for me, that house, my home, is a sanctuary. My grandfather isn’t going to live forever, and when he’s gone, I want to live where my memories of him are strongest.”

Jaylyn’s eyes misted over. “That’s beautiful, Reagan.”

That was as much truth as Reagan had admitted since she’d stumbled into a relationship with Brody.

“He doesn’t slow down enough to know where he belongs,” Jaylyn said. “As much as I wish he’d stay, I expect him to fly off to his next adventure and leave me here. Leave us here.”

Reagan hated that a part of her agreed with the youngest Crane’s assessment. She palmed Jaylyn’s shoulder and made a promise. “No matter where Brody is living, I’ll be a phone call away if you need emergency cabinet repair. Or anything else.” She meant it. Jaylyn never needed to feel alone in this city, not when Reagan was living down the road.

“Thanks, Reagan. Can we go to the champagne bar on the Magnificent Mile sometime?”

“Of course.”

Jaylyn perked up. “Now?”

“Um…”

“My treat.” Brody’s sister grabbed Reagan’s hand and hauled her off the couch. Reagan reminded both of them that she hadn’t packed for New York yet during the elevator ride down, but Jaylyn wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Two hours later, Reagan returned to a mostly dark house. Odd, since it was only nine thirty. Usually, Brody was up late, sitting on the couch with his laptop, and she was the first to go to bed. Even the recent night she’d fallen asleep on top of him, she’d woken up and slipped out to brush her teeth and wash her face, leaving him to sleep alone.

She never felt strange about not sleeping next to him. In the morning, they would drink coffee and talk. They kept things simple. Easy. She tiptoed down the hall on the way to her room and reconsidered. What had once been simple had become complex. She’d spent the evening with his sister and would be flying off for a weekend trip to his penthouse. Simple didn’t begin to cover it.

As she passed by his room, she found him propped up in bed, a book on his lap, glasses perched on his nose. He looked over, blinked, and then smiled. She was momentarily paralyzed by how handsome he was without a shirt, his eyes magnified by the lenses, golden light hugging the mouthwatering bumps and curves of his bare torso.

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