Page 104 of Playing Pretend

“It’s likely you did, but I’m enjoying every minute of it.” I give him a pointed look. “Perhaps the next time I ask for your opinion when buying clothes, you’ll dedicate more attention to the dresses than getting your hands on the lingerie beneath.”

Rett enters the room and sits on the other side of Rome, placing his laptop on the table. “Any idea where Johnathon and Olivia are?”

Rome shakes his head as Olivia hustles inside, her breaths panted and brows furrowed. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic was horrendous.” She drops into the seat next to me. “I miss being able to walk to work.”

Olivia moved to LA from New York a month ago to help her mother through a personal crisis. She started working here three weeks ago, and to say she’s changed the office dynamic is an understatement. That’s thanks to her history with Rett. A history that involves high school, first love, and heartbreak.

Due to the six-year age gap between Rett and me, I only vaguely recall that time in our lives, but I do remember the angst of it all when they broke up and Olivia moved across the country to attend college. I’ve never seen my brother as devastated by a breakup as he was with that one. And while I don’t know for sure, I suspect something happened between them a year ago when Olivia was in town visiting her mother.

Displeasure pinches his features. “Perhaps you could set your alarm earlier. Or better still, cut back on your nights out.”

Olivia crosses her arms. “I’ve apologized, and I’m rarely late. But what I do outside of work is none of your business.”

“It is if it’s causing you to wander in late.” Rett sneers, every word dripping with hostility.

Olivia opens her mouth to respond, but Rome cuts her off. “Let’s get started. I’ve got an appointment after this I can’t be late for. Johnathon will have to catch up later.”

Rett’s lips press together while Olivia’s arms remain firmly crossed. They glower at each other for another moment before Rett glances at his laptop and takes charge of the meeting.

We discuss the current projections for the Bellefont Residences that are nearly all sold as well as the new Chevron Residences in West Hollywood.

After Rome details some key information regarding the pricing and marketing of these properties, Olivia says, “I still think we should price higher. Demand is growing for luxury condos in that area, which I know you’re aware of, but a friend I had drinks with last night told me they just sold a condo for fourteen mil.”

“Afriend?” Rett shoots Olivia an icy glare. “And how many so-calledfriendsare you discussing company business with?”

She bats her lashes, pasting on a fake apologetic smile. “Oh, I’m sorry. Is there a limit I wasn’t aware of? Given your example of sharingcompany businesswith an unending list offriends, I thought it would be okay.”

I clear my throat.

Obviously, we’re no longer talking about condos.

Rett barks a laugh. “How about you stick to marketing and leave everything else to me?”

Olivia was hired as the Senior Vice President of Marketing. She’s brought a wealth of knowledge and skill with her, yet my brother rarely acknowledges it. As far as I know, he only agreed to her working here because she’s Rome’s cousin. And ever since he did, he’s been in a mood I want nothing to do with.

“That’s no problem at all.” Olivia returns his glacial scowl.

Anyone in the office will tell you there’s no love lost between these two. Yet it’s obvious to me that there actually is. Their eyes linger a little longer on each other than necessary. They ask after each other while trying to make it appear that they couldn’t care less. And they find ways to get into heated arguments, even when those disputes are redundant.

“Right,” Rome jumps in. “If anyone has questions, I’m taking point on this, so direct them to me.” He looks at Rett. “I think we’re done here?”

My brother nods and pushes his chair back, then strides out of the room without another word.

“Someone needs to remove that stick up his ass,” Olivia mutters as she closes her laptop and stands. Then, looking at me, she says, “Are we still on for drinks tonight?”

“Oh, shit, I forgot. Sorry.” I scrunch my face. “I can’t.”

She arches a perfectly shaped brow. “You’ve got a better offer?”

Rome’s deep voice comes from beside me as he stands. “She does.”

Olivia eyes him. “Let me guess—you’re taking her somewhere scandalous again. Maybe one of those erotic masquerades I hear you and Rett whispering about.”

My pulse skips a beat. Rome hasn’t taken me to an adult party yet, but we’ve spoken about it. More than once.

The last year with him has invigorated me in ways I never knew possible.

I’ve found the love of a man who worships and cherishes me. I’ve claimed a new-found confidence. And the spicy exploration he’s patiently guided me into has me enjoying sex in a way I hadn’t thought existed.

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