Page 72 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
She nods, clearly surprised by my confidence. “That’s good to know.”
I watch as Jamie walks toward her car before turning back to me.
“Just be careful, Catherine,” she says before getting into her car and driving off.
I head back inside, completely confused.
I let out a big exhale and attempt to shake off the negative thoughts. I watch Jamie’s car drive out of sight, her warning hanging heavy in the air between us. The chilly breeze brushes against my skin, but inside, a storm is brewing, muddling my thoughts and emotions into a confusing whirlwind.
As I head back inside, I try to decipher why Jamie’s words cut so deep, creating cracks in the solid ground upon which I’ve been treading. With each step, I mull over my relationship with Oliver, analyzing every shared moment, conversation, and silent understanding that has passed between us.
Shutting the door behind me, I lean against it, closing my eyes. I’m startled by the realization that creeps up on me, gentle but unyielding in its truth. Despite the casual nature of our relationship, what I have with Oliver has rooted itself deeper within me than I ever anticipated. It’s no longer just about the convenience or the physical connection; it’s about the person he’s been with me, the support system he’s unknowingly morphed into.
The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating, like standing at the edge of a cliff, wondering what it would feel like to fall or if I’d be caught. Jamie’s words, meant as a caution, felt like a push toward that edge, challenging the security of what I feel for Oliver.
Just then, my phone rings, and I see that it’s Erica calling. I quickly answer, hoping that she will provide some much-needed distraction from my thoughts.
“Hey, Erica,” I say, trying to sound as cheerful as possible.
“How’s everything going? What are you up to?” her voice booms through the phone.
“I’m good, just busy with Alice and work. How about you?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation light.
“I’m good, just calling to see if you wanted to meet up this week,” she says.
“I think that could work,” I say, the words coming out more slowly than I had intended. “Alice is at school, so I could probably meet up for lunch or something.”
“Great,” she says.
“Actually, can I ask you about Oliver’s dating history?” I ask, trying to sound nonchalant. “Someone I used to work with might be interested in him, and wants to know,” I lie.
Erica sighs heavily. “Oliver’s been pretty closed off to anyone else since Emily passed away,” she says slowly. “I mean, he’s dated a bunch, but it’s never turned into anything serious. He seems pretty determined to remain single and focus on Alice. Honestly, I’m losing hope for him. He changes the subject every time I bring up dating recently. Perhaps your friend shouldn’t waste her time if she’s looking for commitment.”
I feel a flush creep up my neck. “What do you mean?”
Erica sighs. “Because I know my brother, Catherine. He may be a grump, but women have always called him a total gentleman. It can get confusing if you fall for his charms. I just don’t want to see her get hurt.”
My heart drops as Erica’s words confirm my fears.
“I understand,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. “Thanks for letting me know.”
I hang up the phone and take a deep breath. Jamie’s words are still ringing in my head, and I can’t help but fear that she’s right—that Oliver is only using me to pass the time.
Still lost in my thoughts, I make my way into the kitchen where Alice is working on her homework at the table. She looks up from her notebook when she sees me enter and flashes me a smile.
“Catherine, are you okay?” Alice says as she looks up from her work.
I force a smile and nod my head. “Yes, I’m fine,” I lie. “We should start getting dinner ready, since your father will be home soon.”
Alice doesn’t press any further and gets up to help me in the kitchen, but all I can do is try to focus on the present and push away my doubts about Oliver. No matter how much I try, though, I can’t help but fear that I’m nothing but another conquest to him. My mind keeps wandering back to Erica’s words, and I can’t shake off the feeling that I’m just a distraction until he moves on to the next woman.
Chapter 26
Oliver
It’slatewhenIget home. Catherine has already gotten Alice to bed, so all the lights are out except for my bedroom light.
As I step into the room, Catherine is walking out of the bathroom in nothing but a black satin slip and damp hair. “Hey, you,” she says, her voice equal amounts of sweet and sultry.
