Page 25 of Baby for My Billionaire Rival

Caroline giggles.

“Must have been… awkward though. Afterward.”

She nods. “Yeah, it was. I mean, it still is. We’re all fine. I see them all the time when I’m home in Savannah, but… the two people I trusted most in the world decided to keep something huge from me. I still can’t believe it.”

I don’t know the feeling of not having someone to trust. But I do know the feeling of not knowing where to turn when you need an ear. “You can trust me, Caroline.”

Her gorgeous brown eyes lift to mine. And she smiles. A glorious little smile I’ve started saving in the back of my mind for moments when the world becomes too difficult to manage. When the pain of missing my dad hits too hard, I can remember that little smile. Warmth spreads across my chest. “Do… you have to get married before your fortieth birthday?” Is it crazy that I’d be willing to volunteer?

“No, thank God. I just have to get my MBA and take over the company,” she replies then gulps down half her glass of wine.

“You say that like it’s no big whoop,” I observe.

“Well, it is, isn’t it? It’s what I was born to do. Whatwewere born to do, right?” Caroline says with a gesture between the two of us.

We’re more similar than we are different. That’s a known fact at this point. Both of us born into families that care deeply about legacy, and want to continue expanding their empires. Part of us married to obligation, while the other part of it is a real, genuine passion for our trades. “Tell that to the half glass of wine you just drank in one gulp,” I say, shifting on the couch to face Caroline.

She laughs. “You don’t miss a thing.”

“No, sadly, I don’t.”

We are both quiet. Outside, I hear the wheels of a car on wet pavement after the latest rainstorm.

“What about you?” Caroline breaks the silence. “Christmas plans?”

I sigh. “You know, I’m actually looking forward to Christmas a little this year.”

“Just a little?”

I nod. “Just a little.”

She moves her mouth to speak but decides against it. We’re not that close where she can just bring up my dad out of nowhere. But I wish we were. “Last year was hell. Without my dad. Didn’t feel very celebratory at all.”

“I can only imagine.”

“But this year, I think I have a few things to look forward to. I’ll actually have room in my stomach to enjoy Mama’s food. Last year I wasn’t eating because of the grief and –” I stop short. Why am I spilling my guts to her like this? How does she do that to me?

Caroline shifts just a bit closer to me so our knees nearly touch. I stare at that little inch of space, willing her to come closer. “I’m sorry. It must be really hard.”

My jaw clenches. So many things I want to say, but I’m not sure where to start. Not sure if I should even say them. “My dad was my best friend.”

And then Caroline reaches her hand out, resting it on her knee, palm upturned. It’s an invitation. To take her hand and…

Fuck it. I place my palm in hers. Her fingers curl around the back of my hand. Something unlocks inside me. In the center of my chest. I’ve been strangled for so long, trying to get by without the grief overtaking every piece of my life.

I’m tired of pretending I don’t want more of her.

“You can trust me too, Jake.”

I close my eyes and furrow my brow. This doesn’t make sense. We hated each other and now we like each other. Surely, we can just be friends and call it a day. But no, my heart has to want more. It has to want every little bit of her from her silky blonde hair to those stupidly high-heeled shoes she wears.What’s happening to me?“Thanks,” I murmur.

I feel her tug me closer. I give in. Her arms slide up my arms and around my neck. Not going in for a kiss, but a hug. A deep one.

I bury my face into her shoulder and let out a long sigh.

We stay like this long enough that I feel a question forming in the air. Feels like it’s asking, “More?”

Caroline tilts her head ever so slightly toward mine, her nose in my hair. Lips close to my ear.Just an inch further, please…

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