Page 42 of Billion Dollar Vow (The Lincoln Brothers #4)

Oliver

I pull up outside Jeremy’s house; the headlights cutting through the dusk as I park. It’s poker night, and while I haven’t made it here much recently, with Karley working, I’ve decided to show up. Being home alone has lost its appeal now that she occupies my bed.

As we walk into Jeremy’s den, cards are shuffling, ice cubes clink against glasses, and chatter bounces off the walls. The others are already here, Evan, Harvey, Lukas, and Richard. They’re all seated at the table like they’ve been there forever.

“Hey,” I say, sliding into my usual seat. “I’d say sorry I’m late, but I’m right on time.” I tap the face of my Rolex. “What’s the deal? None of you want to be at home tonight?”

“No,” Evan quips. “It’s the opposite. We want to play, win, and get the hell back home.”

For the first time, I feel a rush of agreement with Evan’s thought. Usually, I’d be the one pushing to extend our fun, but tonight, all I can think about is getting back to Karley.

“Then let’s get to it,” I reply, cracking my knuckles like I’m a professional poker player, even though they all know I’m not. I actually suck compared to them.

We settle into the game, each in our so-called “lucky spots.” Lukas insists his seat gives him “the winning energy,” which usually means he’s the first to lose.

I glance around as the cards are dealt. “What’d I miss?”

Before anyone answers, there’s a loud pop. A spray of beer spills all over Richard’s lap. He stares down in shock.

“First casualty of the night!” Lukas laughs, holding up his can in a mock toast.

Richard glares at us as he grabs a handful of napkins. “This is sabotage! Someone shook my fucking beer.”

Jeremy, failing miserably at looking innocent, leans back with a smug grin. “Don’t blame the beer. Blame your inability to open it like a normal person.”

“Next time, drink the good shit, and it won’t happen,” Evan mumbles.

As the laughter dies down, my phone lights up beside me. A grin tugs my lips before I can catch myself. I reach for the phone as Harvey leans over, peering at the screen like an overgrown teenager.

“Wifey?” he asks, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

The rest of the table joins in, chiming, “Wifey’s calling!” in unison.

I grab my phone and stand, rolling my eyes as I head out of the den. “I’ll deal with you idiots when I get back.”

In the quiet of Jeremy’s living room, I answer. “Hey.”

“Hi,” Karley’s soft voice comes through. “Sorry, are you busy?”

“Not for you. What’s up?”

“My group canceled, so I’m home. Do you want me to cook you dinner?”

“How about I bring something home instead?” I suggest, as poker suddenly seems less important.

She sighs with something that sounds like half-relief. “That sounds amazing.”

“What do you feel like?”

“Whatever.”

I smile. “Okay, I just need a few. I’m at Jeremy’s.”

“You don’t need to leave. I can order delivery.”

“No,” I say firmly. “I’ll pick it up. I need you.”

I’ve never been the type to admit needing anyone, but with Karley, it’s true. I brace myself for the inevitable teasing from the guys, but at this moment, I find I don’t care.

There’s a pause on the line, and then a quiet, “I need you too.”

Her words hit me hard as I say goodbye and hang up. She’s still hesitant in the relationship, but when she opens up, it feels like a big step forward. It’s going to take a long time to earn her trust.

Movement in the corner of my eye catches my attention. Jeremy’s fiancée, Nova, enters the room with a warm smile.

“Hi, Oliver. Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear.”

“It’s okay,” I reply, gesturing for her to join me. “I’m going to have to face those idiots in there soon. It might be nice to talk to someone sane first.”

She sits across from me. “So... you have a girl at home?”

A stupid grin spreads across my face. “Yeah.”

Her smile grows. “Is it serious?”

I tread carefully, knowing they all don’t know about the marriage and gallery. I can't risk it getting out. “At first, it wasn’t...”

Nova raises an eyebrow, leaning in with playful curiosity. “At first, it wasn’t... but?”

Chuckling, I scratch the back of my neck. “But now, it’s... complicated. Good complicated.”

Her grin widens. “Good complicated sounds serious to me.”

I shrug, trying to play it cool, though the thought of Karley makes my chest tighten in a way I can’t breathe. “Let’s just say, she’s important.”

Nova studies me for a moment, then tilts her head with a knowing smile. “You look different. Happier. Whoever she is, she’s clearly good for you.”

I laugh and shake my head. “Let’s hope the guys don’t figure that out. They’ll never let me hear the end of it.”

“Don’t worry,” Nova says with a wink. “Your secret’s safe with me… for now.”

Before I can respond, the door to the den bursts open, and Jeremy sticks his head out, grinning like the devil.

“Oi, Oliver. Are you spilling secrets out here? Nova’s probably grilling you isn’t she?”

Nova waves him off with mock irritation. “Go back to your cards, Remy. Let us talk in peace.”

He smirks, but retreats, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Nova leans closer, her expression softening. “You know, you deserve this. Happiness, I mean. I don’t know much about her, but if she’s making you smile like that, then hold on to her.”

Her words catch me off guard, and I nod. “Thanks, Nova. That means a lot.”

“Now go,” she says, standing and shooing me toward the den. “Before they come out here and start interrogating both of us.”

Before I can do exactly that, my phone buzzes again. It’s Ray from the school shop, calling about a painting of the anonymous artist’s being ready for pick-up. The excitement is contagious, and I promise him I’ll have Cora pick it up ASAP.

When I return to the den, I’m practically buzzing.

“He’s got the look, boys,” Harvey says with a grin.

“Shut the fuck up,” I reply, packing up. “I just got off the phone with the school shop. Another painting came in.”

Harvey smirks. “Stop avoiding the topic. Unless she works at the school?”

“No. I talked to my girlfriend first,” I say.

That stops them. Richard whistles.

“I couldn’t let you boys have all the fun,” I say nonchalantly.

“Who is she?” Evan asks, eyeing me over his drink.

I hesitate, anticipating their shock and disbelief when they realize it’s Declan’s sister. “Karley.”

A glass clinks hard against the table. “You’re kidding, right?” Evan says.

“Nope. Dead serious.”

“What about Declan?” Lukas chimes in. “He’ll have your balls.”

I shrug. “He doesn’t know.”

Jeremy leans back, smirking. “This is going to be fun to watch.”

I shake my head as my thoughts drift back to Karley. They can tease all they want, but I’ve got exactly what I want.

Soon, I need to have a conversation with Declan before he moves to Florida.

We’re friends, and I want to make it known Karley and I aren't faking our relationship anymore. I’m not sure how he’ll react.

I didn’t want to tell him last night with everyone around.

This conversation needs to happen one-on-one.

I drain my glass before saying goodbye, thinking how not long ago I wanted what all my brothers had, yet I did it better. I got married first…