Page 10 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother

Erica laughs at this. “That’s exactly what I said. I suppose even if nothing comes from this date, at least she forced my brother to go someplace that doesn’t require a reservation to enter. Anyway, I doubt the date will go well.”

I raise a single brow. “Why?”

“Oliver’s pissed that his team is trying to interfere with his latest investment deal,” she replies.

Alice looks intrigued by all this information. “Do you think Daddy will fall in love with her?”

I can see the hopefulness in her eyes, a softness that I’d hate to see taken away from her.

“I don’t know, Alice,” Erica tells her gently. “It isn’t easy to fall in love with someone after just one date.”

“How long does it take?” Alice inquires.

“It’s different for everyone,” Erica says. “Some people fall in love after a few dates, other people take several dates, or longer.”

“But I thought you could fall in love the instant you see someone,” Alice replies.

Erica nods. “That can happen, but unfortunately, it’s rare.” She leans in closer to Alice. “Say, why don’t we clean up and play a game of hide and seek until your dad comes back home?”

Alice’s eyes light up. “Really? Dad doesn’t let me play.”

“Why not?” I ask.

She flashes a pleased smile at both of us. “He’s a sore loser and can’t stand that I can fit into all the best hiding spots in the house.”

Erica and I laugh before we gather the plates and drinks.

“Aunt Erica, I want to hide with Catherine first.”

“Fair enough,” Erica answers as she places the dishes in the sink. “But then you and I get to hide from Catherine.”

Alice nods, thrilled at the idea.

Suddenly, Erica’s phone rings. “Hang on, I’ll be right back,” she says, shielding her home screen as she enters the kitchen.

I turn to Alice. “She’ll be back, then we can play.”

Alice smiles. “I already know where I want to hide.”

“Do you?” I say enthusiastically.

“Catherine?” Erica calls out, her tone serious. “I have bad news. Can you come out?”

“What’s up?” I ask.

Erica is standing at the doorway with her phone in her hands. “There’s an emergency at work,” she tells me. “Someone forgot to email some important documents to our client’s office in Paris. Since Fashion Week is approaching, it’s going to be a disaster if I don’t submit them by tonight. The thing is… everything is on my work computer…”

“Handle it,” I insist. “I can watch Alice in the meantime. You’re a superstar fashion buyer. You can’t let your team down this close to Fashion Week.”

She bites her lip. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” I scoop up Alice, and she wraps her legs around my waist as I hold her in my arms. “The two of us will befine.”

Erica nods. “Thanks so much, Catherine.”

We follow her to the foyer, and Erica picks up her purse and jacket.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” she assures us.