Page 37 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
Just then, the door to Oliver’s office opens, and he steps down the stairs with Fred.
“I still can’t believe that I lost out on that investment deal,” Oliver grumbles, running his fingers through his hair and looking up at the ceiling. “I gave a killer proposal, don’t you think?”
I exchange glances with Alice and Erica, who also pick up on Oliver’s irritation.
Fred shakes his head in agreement. “It was a tough one for sure,” he says sympathetically, giving Oliver a pat on the back.
Oliver’s expression is full of annoyance as he peers around the living room. “When did you get here?” he asks Erica.
“A few minutes ago,” she quips, intent on her drawing session with Alice. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Oliver’s been grumpy ever since he lost out on an investment deal,” I explain.
Erica nods in understanding. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she says, setting the drawing aside. “Is there anything we can do to help, Mr. Grumpy Pants?”
Oliver shrugs, his expression still sour. “Not really. Just need to regroup and come up with a new plan.”
“You’ll figure it out,” Fred says, giving Oliver an encouraging smile.
Oliver nods, but the tension in the room remains thick. I can tell that he’s not in the mood to talk about work anymore, so I decide to change the subject.
“Oliver, should I make something for you and Fred?” I point to the kitchen. “You’ve been upstairs for hours. Why don’t you guys take a break and eat?”
Oliver glances at Fred, who nods eagerly. “That sounds like a good plan. I haven’t eaten this morning.” He turns to Alice. “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
Alice furrows her brows. “We don’t have that here.”
Oliver chuckles, then gestures toward the kitchen. “Let’s go.”
As Oliver and Fred head into the kitchen, Fred turns to Erica. “You look nice today,” he says with a grin.
“Thank you.” Erica blushes slightly before turning her attention back to Alice. I can tell that she’s pleased by his compliment.
“Don’t you look nice today,” I tease her, nudging her playfully.
Erica laughs and shakes her head, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. “Oh, stop it,” she says. “By the way, what do you plan on doing about your personal life?”
I eye her curiously. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, are you going to spend all your time around Mr. Grumpy Pants over there? I can’t imagine spending time with him is good for your energy.” She frowns. “You don’t even want to date anymore.”
I breathe out a laugh. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m perfectly happy with my life at the moment.”
She scoffs. “You cannot possibly tell me you’re having a good time with my brother.”
“Actually, Catherine, Daddy, and I are having a wonderful time,” Alice chimes in, her eyes never leaving her drawing.
“It’s true,” I admit.
Erica looks at least somewhat surprised. “You two are… getting along?”
I nod, a small smile forming on my lips. “We are,” I say. “Thanks to our mutual adoration for Alice, we get along swimmingly.” I refrained from adding that we only get along around Alice. And our mutual adoration for each other’s bodies.
As we return to our drawing, I recall how Oliver offered to take my virginity and help me practice getting more sexual experience. However, now that the business deal fell through, I’m not sure if that offer is still on the table. A part of me is relieved—I don’t even know why I agreed to his offer. But of all the men I know, he’s the one I’ve grown to trust the most.
Suddenly, Oliver steps into the living room from the kitchen and interrupts my thoughts. “Are you guys hungry? I’m making chocolate pancakes,” he says.
Alice leaps out of her chair and starts for the kitchen. “I’m in,” she says frantically, skipping off with a smile on her face.
