Page 60 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
“What? That’s impossible. How did he find out about your offer?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
Catherine shrugs, taking another sip of her drink. “Who knows? He’s pissed that I’ve moved on, and he’ll stop at nothing to get me back.”
I frown, feeling a sudden surge of anger toward Jason. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Catherine places her hand on my arm, calming me down before saying, “Because I’m a big girl. I can handle rejection just fine. Jason can’t buy every studio in town. Eventually, he’ll give up. But I won’t give up my dream.”
I nod, impressed by her determination. “You’re right. I’m sorry for getting worked up about it.”
Catherine smiles at me, her hand still resting on my arm. “It’s okay, Oliver. It means a lot to me that you care about my dreams.”
I feel a warmth spread through my chest at her words, and I can’t help but lean in closer to her. “I do care,” I whisper, my voice low and husky.
Catherine’s eyes meet mine, and I can see a desire burning within them.
“So when you get this studio of yours, what do you plan to do with it?” I inquire.
Catherine smiles, her eyes brightening with excitement. “I want to make it my own. You know, add my touch to it. I’m planning on installing a state-of-the-art photo lab and darkroom with all the latest photography equipment. I want to give aspiring photographers the chance to use some of the same equipment I’ve used throughout my career.”
I narrow my eyes on her. “And lose out on business for yourself?”
She nudges me playfully. “Hey, I’m all about helping the future generation of photographers. Plus, I’ll still have my own clients and projects to work on. It’s a win-win situation.”
“Fair enough,” I tease. “It sounds like you have it all figured out, then.”
We both take a sip of our drinks, the sound of music in the background and conversations all around us slowly lulling us into a comfortable silence.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you. Do we still have more lessons planned, or are we completely done?” Catherine asks tentatively, leaning toward me ever so slightly.
I pause for a moment, allowing myself a few moments to truly think about her question. “We can still have more lessons, as long as we establish some professional boundaries.”
Catherine nods, relief clear in her expression. “That works for me. I worried that it was off the table for good.”
“Not at all,” I breathe, locking eyes with her again and giving her a small smile.
“Do you think we can have one tonight?” she whispers, her voice low and sultry.
My heart races as I consider her request. I lean in closer to her, my voice equally low. “I think we can arrange that,” I say, my lips hovering dangerously close to her ear. “But first, I need to find a cause to donate to tonight.”
“Need some help?” she offers, batting her eyelashes playfully.
I chuckle, my eyes twinkling as a smile spread across my face. “As long as you promise to dance with me.”
She gives me a single nod. “It’s a deal,” she replies, and we head over to the dance floor.
Chapter 21
Catherine
It’slatewhenOliverand I return from the event. Alice is already sound asleep upstairs, while Grace is in the kitchen.
“There you two are,” she says from her seat at the table. “I was thinking I should get comfortable on the couch and go to sleep.”
“Sorry we’re so late,” Oliver apologizes. “We lost track of time.”
Grace just waves it off with a smile. “No worries, but I’m sure you’re starving. There’s still some leftover pasta from dinner if you guys want some.”
“You’re too kind,” Oliver says. “Let me walk you back home.”
