Page 30 of Billion Dollar Vow (The Lincoln Brothers #4)

Oliver

I wake up feeling surprisingly refreshed, knowing it’s my last day here.

It's Saturday, and as I climb out of bed and walk to the window, I can’t deny how breathtaking the view of this private island is.

So far, we’ve had meals prepared by top chefs, listened to a live band one night, and spent our days jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, diving?and even unwinding at a beachside cigar bar.

For the final few hours today, Harvey and I are taking over, as Evan was in charge, but the girls have gone a little wild.

On Nova’s social media, there’s one shot that shows Chelsea laughing with a drink in hand, her hair wild from dancing, and her friends crowding around her in the background.

Another photo features Nova, her hand raised like a cheerleader, urging the crowd on with a big grin as the party goes into full swing.

The captions are full of playful challenges, like “Let’s take this up a notch” and “Who’s ready for round two? ”

I’ve seen enough pictures of Nova, Chelsea, and the girls having fun that I urge us to turn it up.

So, today will be a James Bond-themed event…

including tuxedos, casino games, and luxury speedboats.

Looking at those photos, I can’t help but think Karley would fit right in with them since she has the same energy.

Then my phone rings. It’s Liam. I ignore it and then a text comes through; it’s a photo of him and Warne at the golf course.

I didn’t realize they’d still play without me.

When I called to tell Mr. Warne I married Karley, he was thrilled.

It made me feel like I’m miles ahead, but I know I can’t relax until the gallery’s in my name.

I’d hoped the bachelor party might delay the golf game.

But of course, Liam went out of his way to make sure it still happened.

I don’t respond. I’m too annoyed, and I should focus on being with family today.

Harvey and Jeremy are the only ones who know what’s going on with Karley.

I needed someone to confide in, especially after I kissed her.

When I’m around others, I keep my ring in my pocket.

I couldn’t bring myself to tell Evan because he’s like a second dad.

He’d just lecture me about responsibility and how I need to think things through before acting, so I keep it between Harvey, Jeremy, and me.

Being the two youngest, we naturally bonded more than with our older brothers, Jeremy and Evan.

And since Harvey met Jemima, who’s expecting, he’s softened. He just wants me to be happy, like him.

There’s a knock at my door. I quickly put my phone away and open it to see the boys, all dressed up in sharp James Bond suits. “Coming or what?” Richard, my friend, asks with a goofy grin.

“Give me a second; I just woke up.” I laugh, running my hand through my hair.

“Well, hurry up! We’re starting early,” he says before walking off.

I walk into the house and kick off my shoes, hearing a faint noise that makes me smirk. The TV’s on, so she must be watching something.

When I enter the living room, I stop and grin at the sight of her curled up on the sofa, a blanket wrapped around her, eyes closed. She looks peaceful, beautiful…

I inch closer, squatting in front of her, covering her with the blanket, then brushing her hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. There’s a tiny trail of drool on the cushion that catches my eye, and a deep chuckle bubbles out of me.

She jerks awake, practically launching herself off the sofa, eyes darting around before they land on me with a mix of confusion and irritation.

“Hey, you’re back.” She wipes at her mouth, sitting up. Her face is bare, no makeup, just freckles scattered across her cheeks, her hair messy from the nap. She finally looks up at me, her eyes bright under the light.

“I am.” I rise, smirking, move to the kitchen, grab a glass of water, down two Tylenol, and settle on the sofa. Grabbing the remote, I flick through the channels.

“Did you want to watch the next episode of Nobody Wants This ?”

“Already watched it.”

“You didn’t.”

A soft laugh escapes her. “Gotcha.”

“You had me there for a second,” I say, eyes narrowed playfully. “Now come on, let’s binge this.”

She curls up beside me, leaving a little space between us. “Did you have fun?”

“I did. Thanks. It was good to hang out with them, just us, no work, with nothing but time,” I say, watching her expression soften.

“Spending one-on-one time with each of my brothers was something I didn’t realize I needed.

I wouldn’t say we’ve drifted apart, exactly, but life keeps us all so busy.

Even at Sunday dinners, we’re mostly there for Grams. But this trip…

it gave us a chance to really reconnect. ”

“I get that,” she says quietly, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. “Sometimes you don’t realize how much you’ve missed someone until you finally slow down and really talk to them again.”

“Yeah. You’re right. I think I needed that trip more than I thought.” I pause, holding her gaze. “And maybe I needed this too.”

She smiles faintly. “Yeah… me too.”

I settle back beside her, pressing play on the next episode. “Let’s see if you can stay awake for the whole thing.”

She elbows me gently. “I’ve had my nap… I’m good. You’re the one who looks ready to crash.”

My lips lift into a small smile. “Just don’t give me the blanket.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “I hear excuses.”

“Excuses?” I snort. “Please, I’ve got stamina for days.”

As the words leave my mouth, her eyes widen briefly before returning to normal. I catch that reaction and feel a flicker of heat in my chest, knowing exactly where her mind went. I try not to smirk.

“Stamina?” she teases, throwing a corner of the blanket over me. “Better?”

I pull more over me. “Much better. Just don’t be surprised if I outlast you.”

We share a smile, a silent dare to see who’s really going to make it through this episode.