Crushing on my Billionaire Best Friend - Jolie Day Page 0,81

doctor, that’s a downgrade—times ten. I’d never trust a dentist, that’s for sure. Let alone take me on a date. Gross. Small popsicle for sure.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“Everybody knows that. That’s why they like to torture people. It’s to compensate.”

“Stop it, Lisa. Or I won’t be able to keep a straight face all evening.”

“Good!” she said. “You know, I’m normally all about you getting out there and livin’ a little, but won’t it just drive you crazy not to know for sure? Not at least try?”

I humored her enough to sit back and consider it. I stared at the dress hanging in the closet and thought how good I’d look wearing it on Oliver’s arm. But trying to predict the “feelings” conversation always ended in the same inevitable way—me crying and hiding in my bedroom, wishing I’d just kept my mouth shut.

“I’m a big girl, Lisa. I know what I’m doing,” I told her finally.

“Mm-hmm, sure.” She sounded like she believed I didn’t know what the hell I was doing. “That’s why you were about to wear a tropical sundress off to some fancy restaurant with that tooth doctor. Because you know exactly what you’re doing,” she taunted sarcastically.

“Maybe I just threw that out there so you’d get back on topic and tell me to wear the black one.” I flashed a cocky grin at the screen.

She let out a sigh, shaking her head. “Oh, how I long for the day when my best friend can just have normal conversations with people without trying to dictate the outcome.”

“Yeah, yeah. So, I’m a control freak. Get over it. I’ll call you later.”

“You better! Even though I think this date isn’t the best idea, I still want to hear every last detail about it. Bring a measuring tape.” She threw her head back and cackled.

“You can count on it.” I ended the call and tossed the phone back into my bag before grabbing the black dress and sliding it on. It fit like a glove, and even without fixing my hair or doing my makeup, it made me look like a sexy vixen.

I’d just finished applying the last touch of mascara to go with my smokey-eye look when my phone dinged with a text.

Kyle: Hey, Gorgeous, I just pulled up to your building. I’m coming up to get you.

My hand dropped limply to my side, and my eyes grew wide as I swallowed a hard lump down my throat. I hadn’t considered what it would be like if Oliver saw the guy picking me up. I meant to tell him to wait for me in the parking garage, but the phone call with Lisa had me all over the place.

The penthouse had been empty when I got home, so maybe Oliver went straight to the gallery opening from his office. Oliver hadn’t come home yet. So, when I get out as quickly as possible, I only have to pray that I don’t run into him leaving the building. I crossed my fingers and opened my bedroom door, but of course, I was instantly hit with the sound of the stereo playing in the living room.

I walked around the corner to find Oliver standing there with a glass of wine.

Shit. He was home! I didn’t even hear him coming in. Shitshitshit!

His jaw dropped at the sight of me, which at least let me know I was looking as good as I thought I was.

“Hey, you’re—wow—you look beautiful.” He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “I thought you were working late tonight?”

Before I could answer, there was a knock at the door.

Knock. Knock.

“Hang on. Who the hell could that be?” He started for the door.

“I’ll get it!” I shrieked, racing to cut Oliver off. With my hand on the knob, I glared back at him over my shoulder. He was hovering so close behind me, I could feel his breath on my neck. I didn’t need those sensations creeping over me right then. “Do you mind? Can you back up a little?”

Knock. Knock.

“Geez, okay.” He stepped back with his hands up in mock-surrender, his eyes dark.

I flung open the door and smiled at Kyle who was waiting there with a bouquet of roses in his hand. Red roses! He looked just as handsome as I remembered, but his perfect smile faded into confusion when he noticed Oliver standing right there behind me.

“Barney?” Oliver narrowed his gaze on Kyle’s face.

“This is Kyle,” I corrected him through clenched teeth. “And this