AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nate gives me a brief tour of the house. The opulence is staggering. Granite floors in the entryway, real-wood floors, probably walnut given the color, throughout the living and sitting rooms. There are dramatic displays for auction items set up on podiums throughout a wide sitting room, and ballot-like boxes mounted on the sides of the podiums where bidders can insert their bids.
“What should we buy?” he asks, pointing out a stunning photo of a mountainside advertising a wellness retreat for couples. There is also a private dining experience at the very restaurant where Nate and I had our first meal together, which makes me nostalgic.
“We? This is all you, buddy.”
“Not if I put in for the retreat.” He wraps his arms around my waist. “It’s for couples. You’re required to attend.”
“You’re a romantic sap, do you know that?”
“Bullshit,” we hear behind us. Nate releases me and we turn to find Benji, cocktail in hand. “Nate is a lot of things, Vivian, but if you believe he’s romantic, he has you snowed.”
“Benji considers himself the romantic one, but serial dating isn’t romantic,” Nate says.
“I second that.” Cristin appears at Benji’s elbow.
“I assume you approve of my date tonight.” Benji tells Nate as he cups Cris’s elbow. Having just taken a drink of her wine, she sputters into her glass.
“This is not a date.” She clears her throat. “You’re paying me to be here as your life assistant.”
“Life assistant coach,” he corrects, and she rolls her eyes.
“Whatever. If you’re paying me, it’s not a date.”
Ho boy. These two.
“Archer,” Nate greets as the middle brother joins our gaggle. They shake hands, formal as per their usual.
“Vivian,” Archer greets.
“Benji’s on a date with Cris,” Nate supplies.
“It’s not a date,” Cris growls. “Where’s your date?” she asks Archer.
“Right here.” He holds up his cell phone. “She’s slim, beautiful, and agreeable.”
“You mean boring,” Nate says. “Agreeable is a good quality for a coworker, not a girlfriend.”
Cris and I laugh. Me a little harder since “agreeable” is not one of my crowning qualities.
“Are you bidding on the retreat?” Benji asks, nodding to the photo we’re standing in front of.
“No,” I say at the same time as Nate says, “Yes.”
“Interesting. I wonder if you’ll outbid me.” A glint of challenge sparks in Benji’s eyes.
“It’s for a good cause.” A familiar stubborn expression takes Nate’s gorgeous mug. “Bring it.”
Cris shakes her head. “I have a mad case of testosterone exposure. Viv, accompany me to the bar?”
“Gladly. I don’t want any part of this.” I wave to the three billionaire brothers and take my leave.
Two hours later,I’m as bubbly and light as the champagne Cris and I sipped while mingling around the silent auction. I ended up bidding on several items including a spa day, but I doubt my meager offer will take the top spot. This place reeks of money—I’m familiar with the stench. I return my empty glass to the bar at the same time Nate shows up with a full whiskey for himself and more champagne for me.
“Want to go outside?” He hands me the flute.
“Sure.” I’d agree to anything right now. My limbs are loose and my mind’s a little fuzzy, but not in a bad way. I never understood my brother’s and mother’s problems with substances. Bottoming out a vodka bottle never appealed to me. An evening sipping bubbly is more my jam.
Outside, Nate and I are walking along the path and admiring Lainey’s rose gardens when two deep voices slice the air. We are out of sight, hidden by the lush floral landscape.
