Page 73 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“What are you doing?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

“Running, but I figured that was obvious.” He gestures to his sneakers, running shorts, and the earbuds hanging out of his ears.

He’s such a smartass, but his cocky grin makes it hard to keep a straight face.

“Do you want to play?” Chad holds out his ball toward Harvey.

“Hey, I’ve been good, haven’t I?” I say, pretending to be offended.

“Mom, you're trying, but Harvey’s better,” Chad says innocently.

“Ow,” Harvey chuckles under his breath. “I really want to play now,” he teases. “Especially since your mom sucks.”

Chad bursts into giggles. The sound is so pure that it makes me laugh too.

“You suck!” Chad shouts between fits of laughter.

I cross my arms and narrow my eyes at them both, pretending to be annoyed. “You two are mean.”

“Sorry, Mom,” Chad says, still laughing.

“She just needs practice,” Harvey says as he steps closer. He ruffles Chad’s hair, and his hand grazes my arm as he pulls away. The soft touch is light, but it sends a spark through me.

“Your hair looks like mine,” Chad says, reaching up to smooth his own.

“Do you like it?” Harvey asks as he crouches to Chad’s level.

“Yeah! We’re twins now,” Chad beams.

I roll my lips together, not wanting to correct him. Let him have this moment.

“We aren’t, but I like your hair,” Harvey says.

Harvey’s watch chimes, breaking the moment.

“I have to meet someone.” He glances at his watch.

“Well, better not keep her waiting.” I start to retract my steps and tug Chad gently.

“He’sat our meeting point,” Harvey corrects me, holding my gaze.

“You better go. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I reply, trying to hide the embarrassment creeping up my neck, feeling a heat in my cheeks that I’m sure he notices.

He nods. “Are you ready for the bake-off?”

“It’ll be an easy win. I’d be worried if I were you.”

“Molly’s got my back.” He winks, and it hits me harder than I want to admit.

I raise an eyebrow and whisper, so Chad doesn’t hear. “You better not be seducing her.”

His grin widens. “Is that what you think I do?”

“People do anything to get ahead,” I tease, crossing my arms.

“I don’t. I win fair and square.” He smirks, then adds, “But I can always use some backup.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Well, good luck with that. I’ll show you what I’ve got tomorrow."

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