Brandon (Anderson Billionaires #3) - Melody Anne Page 0,48

he was behaving. After their hot kiss the night before, maybe she could believe it a little bit.

“That was certainly the right thing to say,” she said with a small laugh she had to force from her tight throat.

“So Jordan said the two of you are heading out to attend the annual Christmas concert. I might see you there,” Brandon said. He looked as if he was trying to make polite conversation, but his words came out more as a threat. She glared at him, quickly wiping it away as Jordan turned toward her.

What in the heck was Brandon thinking? He couldn’t show up where she was having a date. That was insane. He couldn’t be that clueless.

“I’m sure it will be very crowded, and I wouldn’t advise you getting mixed up in all the mess,” Chloe said while looking straight into his eyes with a clear message that he wasn’t wanted there. She was certainly trying to convey the message not to interrupt her date.

“We’ll just have to see. Have a wonderful evening,” he replied before walking off. She let out the breath she’d been holding, grateful he hadn’t said more and that his brothers hadn’t joined him to try to intimidate Jordan. The man might’ve given up at that point. He’d be well within his rights to do so.

“Are you ready to leave?” Jordan asked, obviously wanting to get away as much as she did at that moment. At least he wasn’t a stupid man. It was obvious Brandon wasn’t thrilled about the two of them dating. She just hoped Jordan didn’t realize it was because the two of them had some weird connection between them.

“Yes, of course,” Chloe answered. He placed his hand on her back and led her toward his waiting car. This time he had a silver BMW, gleaming in the setting sun. It was a beautiful vehicle that screamed money. He was obviously trying to impress her. He hadn’t figured out yet that a man’s wallet wasn’t what made her all tingly inside. He helped her into the car, where she sank down into the luxurious seat. She decided to put some effort into her date this time and forget all about anyone with the last name of Anderson.

“I really enjoyed our night last night, but what in the world is going on between you and Brandon?” he asked. He seemed more curious than upset.

She wanted to lie to him, but she didn’t appreciate when people lied to her, so she pushed off the cavalier answer she’d wanted to give and took in a long breath.

“I honestly don’t know how to answer that. We’re working on this project together, and he’s definitely made his interest in me known, but I’ve told him it can’t work. I’m not sure what he’s doing right now.”

The car was filled with silence for a few moments as Jordan took it all in. Then he sighed. She waited for him to say something, though she desperately wanted to fill the void with words. She was really uncomfortable at the moment.

“I knew this would one day happen,” he finally said. She finally looked at him, and he was giving her a smile, but not the bright one he normally wore.

“What are you talking about?” she asked.

He chuckled. “I know you feel bad every time we’re together, and it’s my fault for pushing it. We’re friends, Chloe, and we’ve never been more than that. I was just hoping it could become more. But I’m pushing it, too. Neither one of us feels the fireworks exploding when we kiss. We’ve managed to push ourselves into the friend zone,” he said with a shrug.

“Now I feel really bad,” she said. She didn’t want to tell him he was inaccurate, though.

“Don’t feel bad. It’s been obvious for some time,” he said. “But I knew some man would one day come along and make you go crazy. I think it’s happened.”

“No, Brandon isn’t the one for me,” she said a bit too loudly. He chuckled again.

“I guarantee he’s going to show up tonight. That man is green with jealousy. He’s let me know—in every way except for coming out and saying it—that you’re his woman.”

Chloe bristled. “I don’t belong to anyone,” she said with a narrowing of her eyes. “I’m independent and do just fine on my own.”

“I wasn’t trying to offend you. But the guy is head over heels. Maybe you can give him a little bit of a break,” he said. “I am