Page 5 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)

H olding Brandon’s gaze, I can’t believe I have a date with a billionaire’s son. Talk about manifesting. But I need to focus on why I’m here.

“We should stop guarding the water bottles,” I joke. “Want to walk around with me and look for Nicholas?”

“I don’t know what he looks like, but I’d love to stroll with you.”

I loop my hand around his arm. “Stroll away,” I tease, feeling his strong bicep.

I can’t believe he asked me out on a date already. It’s giving if he wanted to, he would , which is sexy. But I am not used to this. Usually, it goes from bantering on the apps, to texting for a few days, to finally getting asked out on a date. Brandon just went for it.

“Nicholas is a tall guy with brown hair and a short beard. He has a sleeve tattoo that is Celtic in design with interwoven knots throughout.”

“Oh, that’s cool. Do you have any tattoos?”

“A few tiny ones.”

“That’s cute.” He looks down at me, and I’m so attracted to him.

Why am I negotiating with myself about going back to his place or driving back to Chicago?

He might not even want that, but as he said, “a little flirty before lunch.” The vibes are there though.

My roommates would die if I ended up sleeping at a mansion tonight.

But no. He will take me out on a date in the next couple of weeks, and we’ll go from there.

“What about you? Have any tattoos?” I ask but then spot Nicholas out of the corner of my eye. I pull Brandon’s arm and start toward the patio door.

Nicholas is wearing a white button-down and has a glass of champagne in hand. So formal. Weird. He taps it lightly with a fork, and Brandon and I stop in our tracks as the conversations quiet.

“Alright, alright,” Nicholas says, smiling. His free hand rubs the back of his neck like he’s … nervous? “I know you’re all wondering why we’re really here.”

A few people chuckle, and some guy whistles.

Nicholas scans the crowd. “Well,” he says, then takes a sip of his drink.

“Tell us!” someone shouts.

He laughs, looks over his shoulder, then looks out at the crowd again. “Let me introduce you to my wife—Mrs. Emily O’Malley.”

“What?!” I exhale.

I can’t believe I was invited to this. I know he thanks me for their meeting, but still.

The patio erupts in shouts, cheers, and gasps.

Emily steps into the doorway, hand in hand with a little boy.

I think Nicholas mentioned she had a son on one of our calls.

The crowd cheers again as she walks to Nicholas.

She’s radiant, her brown hair beautifully styled to one side, wearing a fitted white midi dress.

I love that dress. With my hips, that would be a flattering cut if I had a casual wedding.

Good joke. I’m approaching thirty and never even had a boyfriend. Although, I want that. Marriage and at least one baby.

“Looks like I’m a wedding crasher,” Brandon whispers into my hair. I shiver at the proximity and the way his deep voice sounds.

“Reception crasher,” I correct.

He leans his shoulder into me, and our height difference sets in. I’m five-four, and he’s over six feet.

“I could be your date and then I’m not crashing anymore.”

“Thirsty, Brandon.”

“Hydrated.”

Innuendo? There’s an intensity of his blue eyes looking into mine. Why does he feel too good looking for me?

“Well … I don’t think now’s the time to pitch my business idea.”

Brandon nods. “After you say congrats, want to hang at my place? I have a few people that are chilling until after dinner.”

I shake my head. It’s not that I don’t want to hang. It’s that if I go back to his place, I know exactly what will happen. The energy between us. It would be fun … but no.

Don’t rush this.

“I wouldn’t sleep with you,” he says, a smirk growing.

“No?” I bat my lashes.

“I mean …” His cheeks blush.

“That’s exactly why I am not going to hang .” I drag out the last word. I don’t want to ruin whatever is going on between us by hooking up too soon.

“What day this week is best for you to go to Cable?”

“I don’t know yet …” I manage because I’ve never been put on the spot like this. Guys have always asked me out over text or dating app. Never in person like this.

“Be a tease then.”

I look away from him, giggling. “I should go tell Nicholas congratulations.”

Brandon grabs my hand, squeezing it. “On Thursday, I’m taking you out. Because the week after, I’ll be in Europe.”

I fight back the urge to say oh, really? and give in to this idea because I really want to go on a date with him.

“Thursday. Okay.” I smile wide, looking forward to seeing him again.