Page 58 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
She raises an eyebrow in confusion. “Why? I thought you were going alone to the event.”
“Change of plans,” I say, leaning forward in my chair. “I’m taking someone to the event tonight, and I need someone to watch Alice for us while we’re gone.”
Jamie’s face is unreadable, but her shoulders slump slightly. She sighs heavily and then nods her head, a hint of resignation in her voice.
“Of course, sir,” she says. “I’ll take care of it right away.”
As Jamie exits the room, a pulse of anticipation runs through me, setting every nerve alight. There’s an energy buzzing under my skin, a youthful vibrancy that I haven’t felt in what seems like a lifetime. It’s as if layers of complacency have been peeled back, revealing the raw edges of excitement that used to drive me before life became a series of calculated risks and predictable outcomes.
Internally, I find myself grappling with the realization that this exhilaration stems from the mere prospect of spending time with Catherine outside the confines of our home—outside the scripted interactions of daily life. It’s spontaneous, slightly reckless, and undeniably invigorating.
The women I’ve dated in the past, as lovely as they were, often fit into the carefully curated sphere I constructed. Our interactions, though pleasant, were transactions of companionship, and I rarely felt the desire to show them off or step outside of the comfort zone of my controlled environment. With Catherine, it’s startlingly different. I find myself wanting to be seen with her, to step into the light of a public setting, unafraid of any judgment or speculation. She doesn’t fit the mold, and that, in itself, is a thrill.
As the day goes on, I get increasingly nervous about the night ahead. I haven’t felt this way in years, and it’s both terrifying and exhilarating. In Catherine’s company, I feel alive—not because of any physical aspect, but because she challenges me, engages me on levels I’ve neglected in myself. It’s casual, yes, but it’s authentic, unguarded, and there’s an undeniable pull in that freedom. It’s as if, after years of systematic living, I’m finally tuning in to a long-muted frequency: the thrill of genuine human connection. And it’s Catherine who’s turned the dial.
My phone vibrates on my desk, breaking me of my thoughts. I grab my phone and check my notifications.
“What’s the dress code for tonight?” Catherine texts.
I break into a smile. “Black tie,” I write back.
Just as I hit send, I’m jolted by a knock at the door. When I peer up, Jamie is standing in the doorway.
“None of your backup sitters are available on such short notice,” she informs me.
I frown and glance at the clock on my desk. It’s almost six o’clock, and I’m supposed to be home by seven.
“That’s all right,” I say after a moment of thought. “I’ll call my neighbor Grace and ask if she’ll watch Alice for us. You can go home. It’s getting late.”
She nods. “Have a great time tonight,” is the last thing she tells me before she exits the room.
I quickly finish up the rest of my work for the day and then rush to gather my things so I can get dressed and leave.
By the time I arrive home, Grace is already over, playing with Alice in the living room while Catherine gets ready.
Alice immediately notices me when I walk in and runs over, her brown eyes wide and sparkling with excitement.
“Daddy, you look so handsome,” she gushes, throwing her arms around my neck for a hug.
I laugh and hold her tight before pulling away. “Thanks, sweetheart,” I chuckle. “Grace, thanks again for coming on such short notice.”
Grace waves a dismissive hand. “It’s no problem at all,” she says. “I love spending time with Alice. Besides, I think Catherine is looking forward to a night out with you.”
I smile at the mention of Catherine. “Glad to hear it,” I reply. “If you need anything while we’re gone, just call me.”
“Will do,” she tells me.
Just then, Catherine appears at the top of the stairs wearing a cobalt-blue dress that clings to her curves in all the right places. Her hair is pinned up, with strands falling lightly around her face in gentle curls.
The dress’s brilliant cerulean shade contrasts beautifully against her pale complexion, and I can almost feel my heart pounding in my chest as I take it all in. She looks stunning, taking my breath away with every step she takes down the stairs.
Alice notices Catherine’s appearance, too, and without hesitation runs over to her.
“Catherine,” she cries out in excitement. “You look like a princess.”
Alice throws her arms around Catherine’s middle, practically jumping up and down with joy.
Catherine laughs in delight and kneels down to give Alice a tight hug. “Thanks, Alice. But not as much as you do.”
