Page 7 of Dedicated Billionaire

“Yes,” I sigh, because I can’t exactly tell him how I’m about to be the unwilling star of my own personal dating show the minute I walk through the door.

“Come on, it won’t be that bad,” he says, reaching to chuck me under the chin. “Buck up, little camper.”

“There you are,” I say with a laugh as I swat his hand away. “There’s the annoying Braden. I was wondering where he went.”

His eyes widen in mock surprise. “Wait, so you’re saying you haven’t been annoyed by me up until now?” He looks at his very expensive watch and all I hone in on his muscular forearm, all rippled and veiny and tan. “So what’s that? Four hours? Is that a record?”

“Shut up,” I mumble, but I’m still laughing, despite the sudden interest in his arms.

I don’t want this car ride to end, and not just because I don’t want to face what’s waiting for me. I’m actually having fun and feel more relaxed than I have in a long time. Maybe I did need a break from school and the hectic internship schedule.

Or maybe it’s Braden.

We turn into the final stretch of mountain road, and I see the palatial cabin that my parents have rented. I take one final look in the mirror and see that my cheeks are glowing now, and my eyes are bright. Too bright.

Whatever strange magic this new and improved Braden is working on me has to be stuffed under wraps. There’s no way I can let my parents or my brother see the way my feelings are shifting.

I mean, they’re not shifting. Not like that. I’m still just in shock at how nice he’s been. Surely that will change.

I really hope not, though. Or maybe I should, for my own sanity, which I’m barely clinging to as we pull up behind a row of cars. Braden jumps out and opens my door for me, and I shove his hoodie back at him. Last thing I need is for someone to notice I’m wearing it.

Before I can fully gather my thoughts, my mom is racing out and enveloping me in a hug. She smells like a mix of bloody marys and garden herbs and it’s clear she’s delighted to see me.

“Oh my goodness, Braden too? Did you ride in together from the airport?”

“Sorry I didn’t have time to give you an update,” I say, not mentioning all the time we had in the car where I just didn’t want to call her. “He managed to squeak in ahead of the storm, so I wasn’t stranded.”

Am I gushing? Is my face red? Why do I feel like my mouth isn’t working properly when I’m talking about Braden? Mom gives me a long look and I shrug. “I mean, I could still be camped out in the airport.”

There, that sounded natural. There’s no way she’ll sniff out my newfound weakness.

“Well, wasn’t that lucky?” she asks, reaching up to hug him next.

I breathe a sigh of relief, which is quickly snuffed out as Mom drags me toward the house, telling me there are so many people she wants me to meet. People, as in men, because I’m sure she’s not really interested in me making new friends. She’s on the hunt for a future son-in-law.

“Wait until you see your father’s new accountant. He’s twenty-five, loves tennis, and has the cutest dimple. Oh, and he actually knew who Modigliani is, honey, so you two will have lots to talk about.”

Oh my God, she’s not even trying to disguise her motives. I groan and let myself get washed along in her wake.

I glance back at Braden, maybe hoping for a bit of commiseration, but he’s still hanging back by the car with a disconcerting, tight jawed look on his face.

I guess the fun part of my vacation is over.

Chapter 4

Braden

Okay, now that I’m here at the resort, and no longer in the close confines of a small plane or the backseat of a car, I should feel free of Carly. I should be able to relax after several long weeks of grueling meetings and training sessions.

I love the Colorado mountains and breathe in the fresh, rain scented air, still heavy from the passing storm. It doesn’t make me feel any better. In fact, I feel more tense than when I was figuring out the flight situation. I am feeling more drawn to Carly, but her mother has taken her away and is playing matchmaker.

I can’t get over the look of frustration on Carly’s face as her mom dragged her away; was she asking me for help?

The Carly of a few years ago would never, but I saw glimpses of a newer, softer Carly today. She didn’t kick me back to my seat when I tried to calm her down on the plane, didn’t toss off my hoodie when I offered it to her in the car.

I shake off my sense of confusion; it’s time for vacation and I should be enjoying myself with my best friend. But, as it turns out, he’s not even here yet. I head to my room prepared to nap the afternoon away.

I find myself unable to relax and hope that a swim will help take the edge off. Decked out in my suit, I head out to the extensive back yard, with a pool that takes up a good chunk ofit, extending out to appear to drop right over the edge into the vast mountains that surround us. The view is breathtaking and the only thing that distracts me is the sound of Carly’s sigh from behind me.

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