Crushing on my Billionaire Best Friend - Jolie Day Page 0,79

I sat down at my desk and got busy. Until my apartment was finished, work was my only refuge away from all the confusion and unsatisfied wants boiling up inside of me. Which reminded me, I needed to check in with Mr. Cruz and see how the renovations were going. I’d heard it shouldn’t be too much longer. Sooner would be better right now, at least so Oliver and I could finally get back to what we had before. Maybe some time apart would be best. Hell, what did I know? I just knew something had to give.

By lunch, it was all pushed into the back of my mind. The anxiety of being in his presence, wanting him, and not really having him, always lingered in there somewhere, but at least while I was working, it wasn’t in the driver’s seat anymore. Right after placing a delivery order for pizza, my phone started ringing. I was convinced it was Oliver, asking me about whatever he wanted me to do that night or that weekend. But I was surprised to see an unfamiliar name scrolling across the screen. I answered, hoping it might have something to do with my apartment, or maybe it was someone from NYU calling.

“Hey, Elaine! I’m glad I got a hold of you. This is Kyle.”

The man’s voice didn’t ring any bells. My brain fired off trying to place him, but I just couldn’t. Kyle…Kyle…I don’t know any Kyles. “I’m sorry?” I said.

“We met a few weeks back at the club,” he added after my painful silence. “Sorry I didn’t call sooner, but things got really crazy at my clinic. I haven’t had a night off since we met.”

I pressed my hand to the side of my face, my features softening as it all clicked into place. Tall, devastatingly handsome Dr. Kyle. The guy who so boldly approached me the first night Oliver and I ended up sleeping together. He’d been quick to remove himself when he saw Oliver approaching. It was funny to think back on it then. I’d been surprised to learn that he, too, was a doctor like Frank, just not in the same field.

“Kyle! Yes, of course. I remember you. How have you been?” I rattled off nervously. “Oh, wait. I guess you just told me how you were. Busy.” Oh, great, Laney. Real smooth.

He chuckled graciously. “Other than being busy, I’m great. How about you?”

“Oh, you know,” I stammered, realizing that my life since meeting him had been completely devoured by all things Oliver. “Good. Everything’s good. I’m actually at work right now.”

“Then I won’t keep you. But I was curious, do you have dinner plans this evening? I’d love to see you again. And get a chance to talk when we’re not surrounded by loud music and drunk people.”

My brain froze.

First, Oliver.

Now, this ridiculously gorgeous successful doctor wanted to see me. What was happening in the universe?

“Oh, thanks, Kyle. That’s really sweet. I don’t think I…” I racked my brain for excuses not to go, but then…I stopped.

Why the hell shouldn’t I go?

This guy had the potential to be every bit as enticing as Oliver if I gave him a chance, only it wouldn’t be muddied up by years of friendship and other complicated feelings. Even if it was just a one-night stand, maybe it was exactly what I needed to detox from Oliver Humphries. It was evident that Oliver didn’t want anything serious anytime soon. Obviously, he wanted a best friend with benefits, nothing more. And as much as I loved the benefits part, I didn’t think my heart could go on like this.

“You know what, I actually don’t have any plans this evening,” I decided. “And dinner sounds lovely.”

“Great! I can pick you up around seven?”

“Perfect. I’ll text you the address,” I replied, still in disbelief at what was transpiring.

“Can’t wait to see you,” he said in that deep sexy voice that only rich men with six-pack abs and a huge package seemed to be able to master.

My body tingled with anticipation as I hung up and shot him the text. I typed it out and paused, blinking at the screen. Was it strange that he was picking me up from Oliver’s? I mean, it was my home for the time being. It was obvious that Oliver didn’t want a real relationship with me. He didn’t feel what I felt.

But I still didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

Enough of that, Laney. We aren’t a couple. Theoretically, we’re both single.