Page 87 of The Billionaires' Prize

Does she feel that? How amazing it is to be connected like this? To finally stop denying the pull between us?

Of course she does. She was ready for it years ago. Smart girl.

I lower my lips to the shell of her ear. She shivers against me and my heart knocks around in my chest like a pinball. “Do you need something, sweetheart?”

Her chest rises and falls beneath the modest bodice, but her nipples poke against the soft fabric. Needy little things.

I wish we were in a proper limo with a partition so I could give those sensitive little buds the attention they deserve. Unfortunately, limos garner too much attention.

“We’re here,” Roman’s voice cuts through my lust, and the car slows.

Katherine holds her chin high as we approach the front door of my parent’s brownstone, but I can tell her knees are a little less stable than normal. I keep my hand pressed against her lower back, offering support.

There’s no way around it. This is momentous. I’ve never brought anyone home that I wanted to keep. I’ve brought friends. I’ve even brought Katherine many times but as a friend. This is special. And I’ve gotta play it cool.

We haven’t discussed what to tell anyone, and I’m not sure what we’d say.I’ve finally given in to my feelings for my best friend, but she’s also dating these two other guys.

My finger’s still on the antique doorbell when the door opens, golden light pouring out.

“Kingston!” My name bursts from my mother’s lips. “Katherine. Look at you.”

She reaches for Katherine’s hands, her keen gaze surveying the sundress. It’s a colorful print on a white background, the pattern thicker at the bottom of the skirt and around the bodice. Colorful shapes and swirls, bold leaves, and a smattering of polka dots. The pink cardigan wrapped around her shoulders adds an elegant touch.

“This is gorgeous. Isn’t she gorgeous, King?”

She glances over at me, and that’s when she notices my hand is still nestled against Katherine’s back.

“It’s stunning,” I agree. “But we both know that the woman makes the dress.”

“Mmm. . .” She reaches for me, pressing a kiss against my cheek. “Such a charmer. Come in. Come in.”

“You’ve got to let them through the door, dear,” my father says, his blue eyes watching my mom.

As soon as we’re in the foyer with the door closed, Mom sweeps Katherine into a hug. I don’t have to see her expression to know how much my mother’s embrace means to her. Mom has always been a touchy-feely person. The opposite of Katherine’s upbringing.

She wraps her arms around my mother, melting into her hug, a happy little hum on her lips. “It’s so good to see you both. It’s been too long.”

“You know whose fault that is.” My mother shoots me a disapproving look as if I was holding Katherine hostage.

But I’m not going to throw Katherine in front of the bus.

Their butler takes Katherine’s purse, and Mom shepherds us into the salon.

“What would you like to drink, dear?” she asks. “Still a chardonnay fan?”

“Yes, please.”

I ask for a beer because I need to keep my head tonight.

As always, their home is warm and inviting. Lots of lamps. A mix of priceless and inexpensive art. A collection of antiques and stylish new pieces.

Best of all, there are plenty of windows. I’ve always felt at home here, like I can relax and breathe.

We settle onto one of the sofas flanking the fireplace. Katherine perches on the middle cushion across from my parents.

That’s new. Normally, she sits at one end, and I sit at the other. But now she’s close enough to touch. I guess we’re doing this.

I drape my arm over the back cushion behind her, and of course, their eyes follow the movement.

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