Page 60 of Mr. Almost

“Come on, Little Bit,” Brantley says.

Ari comes skipping over to him and slips her hand in his.

While the guys and Ari head toward the dining room, I approach Livvy and pull her into my arms. “I told you it would be okay,” I say as I press a kiss to her forehead.

She leans her head on my shoulder and sighs. “You did, but you can’t blame me for being scared.”

“I know, now come on. We better get in there before Brantley corrupts her.”

Livvy giggles. “He can’t be worse than Chloe.”

Right when we step into the dining room, the doorbell rings.

“I bet that’s Chloe. I’ll go let her in,” Livvy says.

Before she can even take a step, we hear the front door open and close.

Livvy sighs. “I’ve told her a thousand times that she can’t just let herself into other people’s homes.”

“Honey, I’m home!” a woman shouts.

“In here, Auntie!” Ari yells back.

A woman with red hair and freckles comes into the room. “Man, this place is nice. You’ve really moved up in the world, Liv. I don’t see any roaches or anything. Niiiice.”

Olivia covers her face and groans while I laugh. The guys are giving her a calculating look.

I know what they are thinking. There’s not a doubt in my mind that they’ve pegged Chloe as a gold digger who’s convinced her friend to go after my money.

Olivia wouldn’t be friends with someone like that. Besides, I’ve heard countless stories about the girl. I get the feeling her personality is all about getting under the skin of others. This is going to be interesting.

“I paid enough, I hope I don’t have any bugs,” I tell her. “Why don’t you join us?”

I wave toward the table the guys have already settled into with Ari.

Chloe’s face goes serious as she eyes me up and down. “So you’re the dude who knocked up my best friend and left her high and dry.”

“Chloe,” Olivia hisses.

I don’t look away from her. “I am, unknowingly, but yes.”

“I owe you a nut check,” she tells me.

I wince but nod.

“Maybe later. Are you going to stick around this time?” she questions.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell her honestly.

“Good.” She points two fingers at her eyes before pointing them at me. “I’ll be watching you.”

“Who are you?” Brantley asks, his tone harsh.

“I’m out of your league,” she tells him before taking a seat next to Max.

Brantley goes to respond, but she ignores him, addressing the rest of the table.

“Now what are we eating? I’m hungry,” Chloe says.

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