Page 231 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set

14

CHANCE

The fabulous foursome—Sadie’s name for them, not mine—are all seated at the breakfast table when I return to the house.

“Nice of you to grace us with your presence.” Austin smirks at me.

“Looks like you finally took my advice,” Miles drawls, looking me over as if he can tell by looking at me that I spent the early morning with Avery. That we fucked not once, but twice.

“You okay, Chance?” Carly asks with a touch of innocence. She’s beautiful and kind, but too fragile for me. I instantly compare her to Avery. There is no comparison. “You look a little flushed.”

Miles lets out a guffaw. “He’s just fine.”

Then Carly reddens, catching on. “Oh. So you and Avery worked things out, then?”

Austin smiles and hides it behind his coffee mug.

“Looks like Miles and I weren’t the only ones with a conflict of interest in this case,” Sadie offers, with a smile of her own.

The four of them all look so pleased with themselves that I want to puke. Except I can’t get this stupid fucking smile off my own face. I head to the counter and pour myself a cup of joe. I don’t kiss and tell, no matter whether they know what I’ve been up to or not.

“What would you like for breakfast?” Louisa asks me, turning away from the sink and wiping her hands on a dish towel.

“Whatever the peanut gallery is having is fine.” I head to the table to join my brothers and their women.

They’re all noshing on what looks like French toast. I’m not much into sweets at breakfast—I like my protein—but one inhale of the buttery cinnamon goodness has me singing a different tune. When Louisa slides a plate in front of me, I grab my fork and dive in.

“Thanks,” I tell her.

“You going to clue us all in?” Austin asks.

I shove the forkful of toast into my mouth, effectively ending any chance of a reply. The eggs, butter, and maple syrup make it rich and delicious. I chew and swallow, and then find four sets of eyes all staring at me.

“What?” I ask innocently.

“Come on,” Sadie says. “You watched the rest of us fall down the rabbit hole. We want to see you happy, Chance.”

“He looks pretty happy from where I’m sitting, babe,” Miles says with a chuckle.

I glare at my brother. “I think the port-a-potties on the west quadrant need cleaning today, and you look like just the man for the job.”

He laughs. “Oh hell, no. I shoveled manure when you asked but I draw the line at human shit.”

In reality, the port-a-potties have to be cleaned by a company that specializes in hazardous waste, but I couldn’t help giving him shit. Damn, I’m in way too good of a mood.

By the looks on their faces, it surprises them. Was I really a grump? Yes. Did Avery seem to pull me out of it? Hell, yes. Was it the sex or her? Both. Because sex with Avery was the best I ever had.

“I’ve gone way too easy on you two the last couple days,” I say, still chuckling. “That’s over.”

“I’m with Miles,” Austin wipes his mouth with his napkin. “No way in hell am I going near those portable johns.”

“Fine.” I shove another bite of breakfast into my mouth, chew, swallow. “I’m sure I can find something else for us today.”

“Make it something that doesn’t involve feces of any kind,” Austin says. “Otherwise, my bro here and I are out.”

I can’t help it. I smile. Then I laugh. I’m happy, damn it. I’m fucking happy.

Avery and I are together.