Page 45 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
“It’s only because this proposal is going to get us that hotel,” I reply, trying to downplay my emotions.
Fred shakes his head. “I don’t think it’s just that. I think there’s something else going on.”
I raise an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve been lit up like a damn Christmas tree lately. Are you seeing someone?”
I chuckle, trying to deflect his observation with humor. “Fred, are you implying that my professional enthusiasm is somehow related to my personal life?” I quip, shuffling the papers on my desk, attempting to seem preoccupied.
Fred isn’t deterred. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms with a knowing smirk. “Come on, Oliver. You can’t fool me. I’ve known you for years, and you’ve never been this… chipper. It’s more than just work. So, spill it. Who’s the lucky lady?”
I feel my defenses rise, but I do my best to maintain a neutral expression. “I’m not seeing anyone,” I respond firmly, hoping Fred will just let it go.
He watches me for a moment, his gaze sharp. “Is that so?” he says, not quite convinced. “Because every time your phone goes off, you seem to get this particular twinkle in your eye. Quite suspicious if you ask me.”
Certain Fred is talking about every time Catherine texts me, a wave of warmth washes over me and I curse inwardly, realizing that my reaction might be giving away more than I intend. I clear my throat, striving to regain my composure.
“Whoever you’re thinking of is probably just a friend,” I explain, hoping my casual tone is convincing.
Fred’s smirk widens, and he lets out a playful huff. “A ‘friend,’ huh? Well, your ‘friend’ seems to be doing wonders for your mood. Maybe I should send her a thank-you basket,” he teases, wagging his eyebrows.
“Very funny,” I retort, but I can’t help the grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. Regardless of my attempts to deny it, Fred’s words ring somewhat true. There’s no denying that Catherine has brought a new kind of excitement into my life, one I’m eager to explore further.
Fred studies me for another moment before shrugging, seemingly accepting my explanation for now. “All right, I’ll drop it. But just know, I’ve got my eye on you,” he jests, pointing a playful finger in my direction. “Now, let’s get back to work before you start daydreaming about your ‘friend’ again.”
Just as I’m about to delve back into the work topic, my phone vibrates on the desk. Instinctively, I reach for it, and my lips curve into an involuntary smile when I see Catherine’s name on the screen. It’s a simple message checking in, asking about tonight’s dinner plans, but it’s enough to noticeably lighten my spirit.
Fred, sharp as ever, catches the change in my demeanor. “What’s got you smiling like that?” he probes, a hint of mischief in his tone.
“It’s nothing,” I deflect quickly, trying to slide my phone back into my pocket discreetly.
But Fred’s too quick. He leans across the desk in one swift motion, snatching the phone from my grasp. “Ah-ha! Let’s see who’s got Oliver so—Oh,” he pauses as he reads the screen, and an ‘I-knew-it’ smile spreads across his face. “Catherine, huh?”
I let out a sigh, part exasperation, part resignation, reaching out my hand. “All right, give it back, Sherlock,” I say with mock annoyance.
He complies, tossing the phone back to me but not without a pointed look. “You can deny it all you want, buddy, but it’s pretty obvious she’s not just ‘some friend.” His teasing tone takes the edge off his words, making it clear he’s ribbing me more than anything.
I can’t help the chuckle that escapes, shaking my head. “You’re relentless, you know that?”
“Only because I care,” Fred counters, grinning. “And also, because your reactions are priceless. But seriously, Oliver, if there’s something there, don’t let it just pass you by. Opportunities like that don’t come often.”
I roll my eyes. “There’s nothing going on with Catherine. She’s Alice’s nanny. That’s all.”
“Uh huh, sure.”
“Fred, I’m not interested in anyone. Emily only passed away four years ago. I still love her.”
“Of course you do. But that doesn’t mean you can’t move on and find love again,” he suggests, trying to reason with me.
I shake my head. “It’s not that simple. And even if I moved on, it wouldn’t be with Catherine.”
“Because she’s younger than you?” Fred teases, knowing exactly how to push my buttons. “Because ten years isn’t that bad. She’s twenty-three.”
“It’s not just that. It’s complicated,” I say, my emotions rising.
My thoughts drift to our “lessons.” It’s exciting and new, but she’s my employee and my daughter’s nanny. The problem is, every time she’s near me, I can’t help the heat rising in my body.
I’m brought back to reality by Fred’s voice. “Maybe you should think about it. Emily would want you to be happy.”
