Chapter 13
Alexander met Jamie by accident.
Or maybe Jamie engineered it.
My brother showed up at Sterling Row with a backpack and a suspiciously casual expression.
“I was nearby.”
“You go to school six miles away.”
“Nearby spiritually.”
Alexander approached while Jamie was stealing pastries from the employee lounge.
Mara, this your brother?”
Jamie nearly choked.
“Yes,” I said.
“Unfortunately.”
Jamie wiped crumbs from his mouth.
“You’re the billionaire.”
Alexander looked amused.
“I’ve been called that.”
“You like my sister?”
I wanted the floor to open.
“Jamie.”
Alexander did not laugh.
He looked at my brother seriously.
“Yes.”
My heart stopped.
Jamie narrowed his eyes.
“Rich guys are usually terrible.”
“I know.”
“You hurt her, I’ll ruin your shoes.”
Alexander glanced down at shoes worth more than our old couch.
“That would be fair.”
Jamie nodded, satisfied.
“I like him.”
“I don’t care,” I hissed.
But I did.
Later, Alexander found me behind the boutique, pretending to inventory boxes.
“I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable.”
“It did.”
“I won’t bring it up again.”
That irritated me.
“Why not?”
He blinked.
“Because you looked uncomfortable.”
“I can be uncomfortable and still want honesty.”
His expression softened.
“All right.”
I turned toward him.
“Do you like me?”
“Yes.”
The answer came without performance.
I swallowed.
“Why?”
“Because you are beautiful.”
My stomach dropped.
He continued before I could shut down.
“And stubborn. And funny when you forget to guard yourself. And loyal. And furious at injustice in a way that makes rooms uncomfortable. Your face is the least interesting reason.”
I looked away.
My eyes burned.
“I don’t know how to trust rich men.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“I may never.”
“I’m not asking for never.”
“What are you asking for?”
“Coffee. In public. You can leave whenever you want.”
May you like
For the first time, I wanted to say yes more than I wanted to run.
So I did.
