Page 29 of My Brother's Best Friends

“I’d never get any work done with a view like this,” Makayla says, nodding toward the window.

I’m supposed to follow her gaze, but instead I admire her soft profile. Her lips are slightly parted, slick with pale-pink gloss; her cheeks are rosy and full; her nose, perfect; and her eyes sparkle with a wintry twinkle. Every inch of her radiates beautyand sweetness. No wonder we’re so smitten—she was made for us.

“Hey, we should go skiing,” I suggest.

“Great idea,” Kellan agrees.

“What about work?” Oscar asks.

“Won’t Jan from HyperCore expect all four of you to attend?” Makayla asks.

“Actually, you know what, guys? I can handle the afternoon meeting,” Bryan responds. “You should go skiing if you want. You only live once, and I’m sure Jan will understand. I’ve had my fair share of briefings with him, too, and I’ve got his profile well defined in our portfolio. If anything, I’ll send each of you a detailed summary once we’re done. I’m sure Jan’s eager to grab some slope time himself, so it shouldn’t run long.”

“Are you sure?” Oscar presses. It sounds to me like he’s looking for an excuse to stay away from our gorgeous suitemate, which is the exact opposite of what I want him to do.

“He’s sure,” I snap. “Let’s give our partner more credit, brother. Bryan has never steered us wrong before.”

Kellan gives a wry smile. “Besides, Bryan knows to consult us on clients who’ve been with us less than three months. I trust him.”

“Your confidence is greatly appreciated,” Bryan replies.

Makayla shifts in her seat. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on skis,” she says. “The last time nearly ended in tragedy.”

Her brother laughs. “Don’t be so dramatic. You veered off the slope—I caught you in time.”

“You could take a class,” Callie suggests. “The receptionist mentioned that they provide hour-long training sessions with experienced instructors, directly billed to your suite.”

“I don’t know,” Makayla says, lowering her gaze. “I can’t really afford a Swedish ski instructor right now.”

“Pish-posh,” Bryan cuts in. “Bill it to my suite!”

I raise a hand. “Or—just a suggestion—we could help Makayla ourselves.”

She gives me a surprised look, and I’m not sure what to make of it. Does she want us to steady her on the slopes, or is she searching for an excuse to keep her distance after Oscar’s ice-cold rebuff? The signals are mixed.

“Great idea,” Kellan agrees, catching on. “We’ll help you get your ski legs back—keep you safe.”

Oscar narrows his eyes, nostrils flaring. I can almost see the million excuses forming, but to his credit, none of them leave his lips.

I smile at him, hoping to entice my brother back into the game. “We could all go.”

Oscar glances at Makayla and then at Callie. For once, I can’t read what he’s thinking. Bryan has already given him permission to skip the afternoon seminar, and there’s no way anyone will believe he would prefer to sit in a conference room. He’s out of options until Callie offers him a way out.

“Your brothers can help Makayla, and you and I can hit the grown-up slopes,” she says.

Oscar sighs. He’s clearly not on board with the whole “fun” thing. I almost feel bad for the guy. He’s trying a little too hard to be a wet blanket, but no one’s letting him.

“Okay,” he finally says. “I’m still not comfortable with it, though. You’d have more fun with your boyfriend, Callie.”

She looks over to Bryan and gives him a gentle pat on the hand. “Oscar’s right,” she says. “Are you sure you can’t reschedule Jan at all?”

Now it’s Bryan’s turn to look uncomfortable. I know he’s got a legitimate excuse. He’s one of the people who organized this whole trip and it might look bad if he bailed.

“Why don’t you ask Jan?” I suggest. “It’s worth a shot.”

“Alright,” he agrees.

“Then we’re set. See, that’s why we’re partners. We figure out ways to get along,” Kellan says.

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