Page 44 of Her Brother's Billionaire Best Friend

I shook my head and reached out to take Laura’s arm. I looked into her eyes, and for a moment, I wished we were far away from the noise in the reading room. “I don’t see why you need to be anywhere else. The PA job is the best salary for the fewest hours you could get in this town.”

“I know that,” Laura yanked her arm away. “But it’s not about that.”

“What is it about, then?” I growled.

“What happened between us—”

“—What did happen?” said a sharp voice behind us.

I turned around. David had appeared out of the crowd. He was standing a little too close to me, and I turned to face him.

“Nothing,” I said.

“No? Because it seems like you have something to say to my sister.”

David’s nostrils were flared, and his eyes were dark. I looked into the eyes of the man who I’d once called my best friend. The man who told me that he’d rather I marry his sister than anyone else.

“Is there a problem, David?” I said.

“Yeah, I guess so,” he said. “For one thing, I heard you’ve been coming round my house and talking to my nephew.”

I frowned. I had talked to Kyle, but I’d never gone into the house. Sometimes, I talked to him when I dropped Laura off for work. But I’d never speak to someone’s kid unsupervised.

“I’ve been giving Laura lifts and saying hello to him,” I replied cooly. “If that’s what you mean.”

“And I heard your speech.”

“What about it?”

“I just didn’t like it, is all. Making out like you’re some sentimental guy. Everyone knows you just want to build a fancy development complex or something on the Parkland.”

“David, that’s not true,” Laura began. Only he wouldn’t listen.

“Well, you’ve been mishearing things,” I said, folding my arms. “I wouldn’t dream of doing that. I love the Parkland.”

“And that’s the other thing,” said David, planting one of his feet towards me. “You don’t know anything about this place. You just keep your fancy summer house around at the top of the Falls to visit. So what gives? Why are you throwing your money around now.”

“I wanted to keep the donation private,” I said. “Only, Laura said to come here.”

“It’s true, David,” said Laura. “And can you stop being so rude?”

“Who’s being rude?” said Kyle. I turned and saw him on my right.

“It’s nothing, Kyle,” I said, unfolding my arms. “David was just talking something over with me.”

“I was telling Mr. Barnes,” said David, “that he doesn’t have the right to walk in here like he owns the place.”

“What?” said Kyle.

“What indeed?” I replied drily. I was hurt inside by David’s remarks, but I wasn’t about to let it show.

“Uncle David,” said Kyle. “You’re being cringe right now. You know that?”

“That might be so,” said David. “But you stay the hell away from my nephew, Barnes. I’ve had it with you walking around like you’re best pals with my family.”

“It seems like it’s not me who’s got an attitude problem where Laura’s concerned,” I said.

David sneered, and turned away. “Come on, Kyle,” he said. “Let’s go.”