Page 44 of Born a Billionaire

“I like your family, and I feel honored that you all trust me so much.” They walked down the hallway to the living area. “And I’m glad you got all your stuff worked out.”

Gus nodded. “Me too.” He stepped up beside Merritt and put his arm around her back, bringing her into his side. “This one had a lot to do with that.”

“What did I do?” she asked.

He pressed a kiss to her temple. “You fell in love with me.”

She smiled up at him with a twinkle in her eyes. “Guilty.”

They shared a kiss, and Oliver looked at Adelia, who was watching them with a half-smile on her face. He wasn’t sure how to interpret it, and he didn’t know much about her friendship with Merritt or all the circumstances that had brought Gus and Merritt together. Maybe Adelia wished it had been her and Gus. He knew they had been friends since they were kids. Maybe there had been something more between them along the way but it hadn’t worked out.

Oliver was surprised by how curious he was about it, and he found himself saying, “I’d love to hear your story.”

The three of them exchanged glances and started to laugh.

“That good, huh?” Oliver asked.

“Let’s get a drink first,” Gus said.

Adelia lay her hand on his bicep. “You’re in for an interesting tale of enemies to lovers.”

He smiled, trying to ignore the spark that danced up his arm at her touch. “I’m intrigued.”

Gus poured them drinks, and they settled in the living room. Merritt snuggled up next to him on the couch as they told their story—from Merritt almost hitting him with her car, meeting at Adelia’s Christmas party, their strong dislike for each other, and Gus’s sudden fake marriage proposal. They shared how their friendship had blossomed and their fake displays of affection had turned real until they actually fell in love.

Oliver shook his head. He could not have guessed that’s how their relationship began.

“We almost ended the marriage,” Gus said. “I even had the paperwork drawn up, and we both signed. But it was before I knew how she really felt about me. I was trying to do the right thing and give her back her freedom.”

“But I didn’t want it,” Merritt said. “I only wanted him.”

Gus drew her close. “So we tore them up.”

“But I thought you guys were getting married in December,” Oliver said.

“We are. More of a renewing of the vows,” Gus explained.

“We didn’t mean them the first time,” Merritt said, “and I really want an actual wedding, not at the courthouse, with my parents there, so we can say the vows again in front of everyone we love.”

“That’s great,” Oliver said.

“What a story for the grandkids someday, right?” Adelia said.

They all laughed.

“Not sure we’re ready for that yet,” Gus said.

Merritt smiled over at him.

After all that Gus had been through the past couple years—changing his bad-boy ways, trying to prove to his family he was capable of running the company alongside his siblings, and dealing with legal trouble from his sister’s ex—Oliver was pleased to see him so happy and in such a good place.

Oliver noticed Adelia yawning and stood as he said, “It’s getting kind of late for us. I think this one needs some rest.”

“Darn jet lag,” Adelia mumbled as she got up.

Gus and Merritt stood.

“We’ll let you get to bed then.” Merritt hugged Adelia. “Goodnight. I’m so glad you’re here.”

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