Page 23 of Billionaire Bachelor

“Remember the time I stole a bottle of whiskey from my dad’s liquor cabinet?”

Rosie laughs, nodding her head. “God, yes. The summer before my junior year. That was the very first time I ever tasted alcohol. I didn’t even like it, but I wanted to seem cool in front of you.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured that out when you took a monster swig and couldn’t stop coughing afterward.” I chuckle at the memory. “We were so convinced we were being grown-ups.”

She laughs again. “We were such dorks.”

“Yeah, but we had fun,” I say, my tone turning more serious. “I have a confession.”

“What’s that?”

“I was planning to kiss you that night after I downed a little liquid courage.”

Her brown eyes widen. “Seriously? Why didn’t you?”

“I chickened out,” I answer with a shrug. “And then we both got a little too shitfaced. Christ, that treehouse was the setting for most of my teenage fantasies.”

“I bet.” Rosie snorts. “It was the perfect hideaway. I’m pretty sure my brother lost his virginity in it.”

“He did,” I confirm. “To Chelsea Caldwell. Then he continued using that treehouse to hook up with your fellow cheerleaders and half the dance team. He went really wild during our graduation party and brought a cheerleaderanda girl from the dance squad up there. Now that I think about it, it was quite the den of iniquity during our senior year, thanks to him.”

“Ew.” Rosie crinkles her nose, like she’s sucking on something sour. “I really didn’t need to know that. Why doyouknow that?”

I laugh. “Ryan was a cocky little shit with a big mouth. Thankfully, he’s grown up, and no longer regales me with stories of his conquests. But let’s just say I knowfartoo many details about his sex life back then.”

Ryan was one of those dudes who got along with everybody—still is, really. And unlike me, he was not an ugly duckling in high school. Far from it, and the fucker knew it. He didn’t need to play sports or join a clique. People were naturally drawn to his charming ass, so they sought him out.

Most days, we hung out at his house after school because he preferred to just chill, but on weekends, if one of our classmates was throwing a party, he’d be there, looking for weed or girls. He dragged me to a beach party once, and I felt so out of my element, I avoided them at all costs after that. But no matter how popular Ryan was, it never impeded our friendship. He’s always been more than a best friend to me—he’s like the brother I never had. And growing up, I spent more time with him than with anyone else, including Rosie.

Back then, it was easier to bury my feelings for her because Ididn’t want to betray him. But now? Hell, now I’mactivelycrossing the line. And I can’t stop thinking about what might happen if this doesn’t work out. It’s not just my relationship with Rosie on the line—it’s my bond with Ryan, too.

But then I look at her, radiant and so damn sure, and I know I’d regret not trying more than anything Ryan could throw my way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned this weekend, it’s that Rosie is worth the risk. She always has been.

Rosie jabs my arm with her finger, snapping me out of my thoughts. “So, how many girls didyouhook up with in high school?”

“You mean besides Palmela?” I wiggle the fingers on my right hand, making her laugh. “None.”

Rosie’s laughter fades, replaced by a curious look. “Seriously?”

I nod. “Dead ass.”

“Why not?”

I look her straight in the eye. “Because right before I had the balls to finally make a move on the only girl I wanted, she started dating Cody Warren. And she didn’t stop dating him until I was already at Stanford.”

A crease forms between her brows. “ButIwas dating Cody Warren right before you left for Stanford.”

“Bingo.” I fire off quick finger guns with a playful wink.

Rosie’s face falls. “Logan, if I had known…I never would have…I was only with Cody because I thought…God, I lost my…”

I lean forward and press my index finger to her lips, silencing that train of thought. “It’s in the past, Pip. We could ponder all the what-ifs for days. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that. But you know what I’ve learned over the years?”

Rosie sets her wineglass on the table and crawls onto my lap, legs hanging off to the side. “What?”

I trace the delicate curve of her jaw. “Hindsight has a way of putting things into perspective. Remember what I said about timing?”

She nods.