Anyone But the Billionaire by Sara L. Hudson

Author:Sara L. Hudson [Hudson, Sara L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

17

CHASE

As soon as I exit the peaceful tranquility of upscale dining, the cacophony of city noise hits me. Bell’s hand in mine is the one thing keeping the feelings roiling inside me from imploding.

I’m halfway down the block before I realize Bell is tugging on my hand for me to stop.

“What the heck was that back there?” she pants after I make a sudden stop.

A fast-walking New Yorker bumps into her, and I turn to shield her, drawing her closer to the building and out of the way of pedestrian traffic.

I try to steady my own breath, which is also heaving. From exertion, anger, hurt. Who knows? “That,” I say, jerking my head behind us, “was an ambush, apparently.”

“An ambush?” Bell’s small smile falters, then fades when she realizes I’m serious. “You really think Thomas and Em planned that?” When I don’t answer, she scoffs. “How would they even know where you were, Chase? That’s crazy.”

Her coming to their defense irritates the shit out of me. As does her logic. She doesn’t know my family’s history. Doesn’t know them. Should never have even met them.

“Oh, I’m sure Thomas and your new best friend Em could’ve found a way.” I can’t help but sneer.

Bell takes a step back, pulling her hand free from mine. “Wait, are you mad at me? How did I become the bad guy here?”

My hand flexes with the loss. I take a deep breath, trying to recover from her withdrawal. I don’t like how quickly I calm at her touch. But I hate her physical retreat from it even more.

“I just sat through one of the most uncomfortable brunches in the history of brunches, which never even made it to actual food being served, and finished with your brother insinuating that I was some sort of prostitute-marketing-exec, which is the very reason I didn’t even want to start something with you, and you’re mad at me?”

Fuck. “No. No. Of course not.” I run a hand through my hair, trying to calm down. “Sorry, I’m just… it’s just… my brother and I don’t get along.”

“Really? I couldn’t tell.” Sarcasm heightens her Southern accent, and she plants her hands on her hips. When I keep silent, she quirks a brow, daring me not to explain.

I clear my throat. “In fact, I don’t really get along with my family in general.”

She lets out an exasperated breath. “What about Liz? You seemed to get along with her just fine last night.”

Remembering the bar last night and the laughter between Bell and Liz settles the churning in my chest. “Okay, so I only get along with Liz.”

She cocks her head to the side in that adorable way she has when she’s trying to figure things out.

“Does Liz feel this way about the rest of your family?”

“Ah, no, actually.” It’s just me that’s the outcast. Me who can’t measure up. “Besides my father, who mostly just ignores her, Liz is on good terms with our mother and brother.” I pause as I remember Liz calling Thomas a douche.

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