Page 21 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
Despite the butterflies that stage a rebellion in my stomach, I recognize this nervous energy as a sign, nudging me toward a path of rediscovery and freedom. Maybe I should have a night out without an agenda or worrying about the future. Perhaps tonight I should choose to embrace uncertainty.
“Yes, I do,” I tell them both firmly. “Let’s go.”
Oliver’s jaw drops. He clasps his hand around my arm. “Why don’t you two just go see a movie instead? I’ll buy your tickets.”
I pull away from him, shaking my head. “No,” I say firmly. “I want to go to the club. And I don’t need you pressuring me to do what you want me to do.”
Oliver steps back. He opens his mouth to say something, but before Oliver says anything else, Erica grabs my arm and pulls me out the door. “Let’s go, Catherine.”
“Wait,” I say, stopping Erica in her tracks. “I left my phone upstairs.”
She sighs. “Let’s go get it.”
“Alice, it’s time for bed,” Oliver tells her. “Why don’t you say goodnight to Aunt Erica and Catherine and head upstairs?”
Alice gives me a wide smile and a thumbs up sign. “Have fun!” she calls out as she rushes up the stairs.
Oliver, Erica, and I make our way up the stairs behind Alice, and I feel Oliver’s gaze on me as we part ways. I look back one last time, and I see him standing in the doorway, still watching us until I shut my bedroom door.
As Erica and I enter my room, I can feel my hands sweat. “Erica, I don’t know if I’m ready for this yet.”
She furrows her brows. “What do you mean?”
“I know I’ve been putting on a strong face for everyone, but I’m still heartbroken after what Jason did to me.”
Erica turns to me with an incredulous look on her face. “Catherine, you don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. But there’s actually a really simple solution to that problem,” she says with a sly grin.
“I know,” I breathe, but I still can’t help but feel anxious about the night ahead. “Admittedly, after everything that happened with Jason, I’m thinking it’s pointless to wait until marriage to have sex.”
She gives my arm a comforting rub. “Just focus on enjoying your life. Eventually, you’ll meet someone who respects your wishes and understands your boundaries. But don’t fuss about it until it comes up.”
I think about her words for a moment before nodding slowly. While I may not feel any less nervous about my first night out as a newly single woman, at least I know whatever happens will be on my own terms.
The problem is, I don’t know the first thing about sex. Even if I meet someone who respects me enough not to pressure me, what if he’s tired of waiting and still leaves me for someone else? I don’t know if I can handle that kind of betrayal again.
But then my thoughts drift back to Oliver and Alice, sitting at home together and eating takeout while cuddling up on the couch watching a movie. I can almost feel the comfort of the sofa cushions and the warmth of Alice’s embrace. That’s where I want to be right now, not out in some unfamiliar place trying to prove something that I’m not ready for yet.
Suddenly, I can feel myself relaxing. I imagine Oliver taking me in his arms and holding me close. His touch is gentle and reassuring. I imagine what it would be like if he were the one to take my virginity. He would be patient and loving, so different from the pressure Jason put on me before. My cheeks flush at the thought, but I force myself to shake off these feelings before they consume me entirely. I can’t think like that; he’s not only my best friend’s brother but my boss, and that makes him doubly off-limits.
Chapter 8
Oliver
MyheartplummetsasI hear the words fall from Catherine’s mouth. I didn’t mean to overhear their conversation, but it’s too late now. Now, I can’t help but feel the blood pounding through my veins as my face cheeks flush.
“Have you ever thought about what you would do if you met someone you want to have sex with?” I hear Erica ask.
“I-I don’t know,” Catherine stammers. “I haven’t felt the urge yet.”
I clear my throat as I enter the room, hoping they don’t know that I’ve heard their whole conversation. At the sight of me, Catherine’s face turns bright red. Jeez, I don’t intend to embarrass her.
“Hey,” I mumble. “I just put Alice to bed. Is everything okay? Are you still going out?”
“We definitely are,” Erica says with a frown. “Unlike you, Catherine doesn’t plan on giving up on her personal life.”
Catherine groans. “Erica.”
“Ha, ha, sis,” I say.
