Page 23 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother

“I wanted to see if it was okay to take a photography gig tomorrow?” she asks. “Of course, if you have plans, I can say no.”

“Go for it,” I tell her. “It would be good for you to maintain your connections. I just have a meeting later in the afternoon.”

She seems pleased with my response, and I can see the gratitude in her eyes as she sits at the table and enjoys her breakfast. I hand her the coffee and take my seat across from hers, content that our morning has gone so smoothly despite my initial worries.

“Well, Alice. It looks like it’ll be just the two of us tomorrow,” I say in between bites. “What do you want to do? Go to a museum?”

Alice shakes her head. “No, I just want to relax and watch TV.”

I laugh. “That’s all we’ve been doing lately.”

Catherine chuckles softly beside me, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

“Maybe we can play some board games?” I suggest.

Alice’s face brightens at the idea, and she eagerly nods. “Yeah! I want to play Monopoly. You suck at Monopoly.”

I scoff. “I do not.”

“You really do, Daddy.”

Catherine grins. “That sounds fun. I haven’t played board games in forever.”

“You can join us another time,” I tease her.

When we finish breakfast, I tell Alice to head upstairs to get washed up and dressed.

As Catherine steps away to clean up the kitchen, I follow her.

“Do you need any help?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

Catherine turns around, surprised. “Oh, no, it’s okay. I’ve got it.”

I lean against the counter. “Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

She thinks for a moment before nodding. “Actually, that would be great. I appreciate it.”

We work together in silence, clearing off the table and washing dishes. Every once in a while, I catch Catherine stealing glances at me, an amused expression on her face.

“What?” I ask finally, unable to take it anymore.

Catherine laughs softly, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “It’s just… you seem so relaxed this morning. You haven’t even snapped at me for making any mistakes yet.”

My eyes widen in silent astonishment. “I guess I’ve just become more tolerant of your errors this morning.”

Catherine smiles at me, a soft look in her eyes. “I like it,” she breathes.

For a moment, the air between us feels changed, and I can feel my heart racing in my chest. I want nothing more than to lean in and kiss her, to feel her body pressed against mine. But I know I can’t. Not with Catherine or anyone. There are still too many things I need to figure out before I can take that step.

Chapter 9

Catherine

I’mrunninglatefrommy gig, eager to get home in time so Oliver can get to his meeting. Traffic is picking up, which is the last thing I need right now. My mind is racing, thinking of all the possibilities that could go wrong and how I’m going to make it home in time.

Just as I’m deep in thought, my phone rings. It’s my mother. I answer the call from the car. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hey, dear. What are you up to?” she inquires.