A Baby For Her Billionaire BFF (Billion-Dollar Babies) by Holly Rayner

Author:Holly Rayner [Rayner, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

OLIVER

Idrum my fingers on the metal table, the sound drowned out by the clang of utensils and the chatter of the lunch crowd. Ben’s got his typical laid-back grin as he digs into his Caesar salad, oblivious to the bombshell I’m about to drop.

“Man, you wouldn’t believe the project they’re launching,” he says between bites, mustard dressing at the corner of his mouth. “It’s this massive, mixed-use development⁠—”

“Speaking of massive developments…” I cut in, the words tumbling out before I lose my nerve, “I’ve been seeing someone.”

Ben pauses mid-chew, eyebrows shooting up. “Oh yeah?” He swallows, leaning back in his chair with an interest that seems more professional than personal. “New investor? Someone I know?”

Of course he would think I’m talking about an investor. My romantic entanglements have been few, far between, and short.

“Not exactly.” My heart does a weird skip. “I mean I’ve been dating someone. It’s Nora.”

His fork drops with a clatter. “Nora? As in, Nora from college Nora? The Nora who works with us?”

“Yep, that Nora.” I grin, the sound of her name sending a thrill through me. I pick at my sandwich, suddenly not so hungry.

“Oliver, man, that’s huge!” He laughs, shaking his head. “About time you got your act together with her.”

“Tell me about it.” My smile feels permanent.

The moment hangs between us, comfortable and familiar. Ben has seen me through failed ventures and fleeting romances, always the constant in a sea of change. And now, as everything starts falling into place, his approval means the world.

“Your turn, then,” I say, nudging him with my foot under the table. “When are you gonna find a girl, settle down?”

He holds up a hand, chuckling. “Whoa there, chief. Slow down. The bachelor life suits me just fine.”

“Come on, you don’t want to end up a lonely old man surrounded by models and yachts.” I tease him, trying to imagine Ben tied down. It’s like picturing a wild bird in a cage — unthinkable.

“Lonely? Please.” Ben scoffs, tossing his napkin onto his empty plate. “I’m enjoying the freedom. No complications, no commitments.”

“All right, Casanova,” I concede with a laugh, knowing better than to push.

Ben moves to his own rhythm, always has. But I can’t shake the feeling that one day, he’ll meet someone who’ll make him want to dance to a different beat. Just like with what happened to me.

“Ready to get back?” Ben stands and stretches. “Those contracts won’t sign themselves.”

I nod, collecting my things. We weave through the tables, stepping back out into the hustle of the city. The sun is high, the air crisp with promise. For now, everything seems right in the world.

Pushing through the revolving door of my building, I’m hit with the blast of air conditioning that’s a little too chilly for the early autumn. Ben nudges me forward as we shuffle into the lobby, his mind already racing back to whatever project he’s got stewing on his desk.

“Hey, say hi to Nora for me.” Ben winks as we split towards our respective elevators, his voice echoing slightly in the marble expanse.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.