Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

Billionaire My Husband 392

11.1300

CONFRONTATION

JOSH

I was running around the house like a madman, double- checking every damn thing for what had to be the hundredth time. The house was open-plan, which worked in my favor, but the front entrance and backyard both had steps that needed ramps. The nurse said she'd help Laura with movement, but I didn't want her struggling more than she already had to.

I adjusted the ramp at the front door, pressing down on it to make sure it was stable, then moved inside, checking the couches to make sure they were close enough for her to transition into without too much effort. The bedroom-our bedroom-was on the ground floor, and I'd made sure the bed was set at the right height. Jess had even helped rearrange the bathroom, clearing unnecessary clutter so Laura could navigate more easily.

"Jess, do you think we should put something next to the bed? Maybe a walker?" I called out as I moved toward the kitchen, where she was stirring something on the stove.

"She has a nurse, Josh," Jess reminded me with a knowing look. "She'll tell you what Laura needs. And Laura? She's stubborn as hell. She's going to want to do more than she should."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I just-"

The doorbell rang, cutting me off. I checked my watch, a pit forming in my stomach. It was too soon. Laura's flight had only

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CONFRONTATION

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just landed. Maybe they'd gotten through the airport faster than I expected?

Jess met my eyes with a shrug. "Don't look at me. I'm picking up Asha at four, as you said."

I shook my head and walked to the door, my heart pounding for reasons I couldn't quite name. When I pulled it open, my stomach dropped.

Vivien.

tucked neatly behind her ears, her brown eyes uncertain as she shifted on her

"Hey," she said softly.

I exhaled slowly, stepping partially out onto the

awkward silence, one that made my chest feel too tight. Vivien cleared her throat and leaned in slightly, as if she was going to kiss my cheek, but I pulled back

out a breath, shaking her

is on her way here, and I need to

together, nodding stiffly. But then, she

get it," she

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CONFRONTATION

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turned, walking back toward her car, and I

I say? There was nothing that wouldn't

had spent a year convincing myself that I loved Vivien. That I could love her. She was safe-the opposite of Laura in every way. Where Laura was fierce and unpredictable, Vivien was calm and steady. She had been there when I was at my lowest, when I had given up hope, and I had clung to

But now?

in front of her, watching her shoulders shake as she reached for her

was

tried to force something that

was,

a way no

years, after everything, she was still the most beautiful person in the

And Vivien...

only ever been a distraction. A way to fill a

determination in every step. Before I

CONFRONTATION

and kissed

for half a second before I gently

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whispered, her voice

my mouth, but she cut

know it! You think you can just pick up where you left off? You think it's all going to be okay?" Her voice cracked, and she clenched her fists. "You would be happier with me. We could have a life together. A real life. A