Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 36

**The Night We Borrowed Fire from a Broken Star by Selvin Arlo Crest 36**

**Bailey’s POV**

Every single day felt like a relentless punishment in what was supposed to be my internship. I was convinced that I had stumbled into the worst experience imaginable, one that would haunt me for years to come.

It wasn’t the workload that weighed me down, nor was it the hours, which were mercifully short at just three days a week. No, my tormentor was none other than Kaleb.

He had transformed into my unyielding shadow, a constant presence that clung to me despite my desperate attempts to shake him off. It was as if he had nothing else to occupy his time, trailing behind me in the office like a lost puppy. The most infuriating part? He made it seem so natural, so effortless, that some of our colleagues had started to assume we were an item.

The very thought of it was torturous. Each time I encountered him, I was reminded of his cruel words—how he had declared that we were nothing.

This morning, I dressed with a fierce determination to ignore him, steeling myself for the day ahead. I pulled on my blazer, grabbed my bag, and nodded at my reflection in the mirror, channeling the confidence of a soldier preparing for battle.

As I entered the office, the familiar buzz enveloped me. Phones were ringing, keyboards were clattering, and people rushed about with papers in their hands, as if the fate of the world rested on their shoulders.

To my relief, Kaleb’s desk was empty when I arrived. He usually got in early, eager to engage me in conversation, which I consistently brushed off.

But as I settled in at my own desk, I noticed a paper cup of coffee and a warm baguette, neatly wrapped in paper, waiting for me. On top of it all was a little yellow sticky note, scrawled in his messy handwriting: “Let’s have a good day, Bails.”

My jaw clenched involuntarily, and I crumpled the note, tossing it into the trash bin as if it were a piece of toxic waste.

I rolled my eyes so dramatically that I half-expected them to get stuck in the back of my head. The coffee and baguette were shoved aside, treated like they were contaminated objects I wanted nothing to do with.

Just then, the door swung open, and in walked Kaleb, exuding an air of confidence as if he owned the place. Of course, he wasn’t alone.

Denise, the tech support intern, trailed closely behind him, her eyes practically sparkling with admiration. She had been flirting with him for weeks, often stopping by our desk to laugh too loudly at his jokes while twirling her hair like a lovesick schoolgirl.

Today was no exception; I could practically feel the energy radiating from her as she followed him.

I quickly diverted my gaze, focusing intently on my computer screen, even though it wasn’t powered on yet. I was determined not to let their presence affect me.

“Bails,” Kaleb called out, approaching me while momentarily ignoring Denise’s chatter. “Did you see what I left you?”

I finally turned to him, my glare sharp enough to cut through steel. “Stop leaving things for me, Kaleb. I don’t want them.”

He raised his eyebrows in that infuriatingly amused way that only made my irritation flare.

Before I could muster a response, Denise swooped in, her curiosity piqued like a hawk spotting its prey.

“Oh my gosh, you left her coffee?” she exclaimed, picking up the cup with her perfectly manicured fingers.

“It’s for Bailey,” Kaleb replied, pointing to the coffee with a casual air.

Denise tilted her head, a smirk dancing on her lips. “What exactly is your relationship with Bailey?”

I threw my hands up in exasperation. “We don’t know each other.”

Kaleb chimed in, glancing at me with that infuriating grin, “We are friends.”

I scoffed at the word ‘friends.’

Denise’s eyes lit up as if I had just handed her a winning lottery ticket. “That’s good! Perfect, actually. In that case, Kaleb, you can keep bringing me coffee! If she doesn’t want it, I do.” She giggled, flipping her hair over her shoulder while taking a sip from the cup, clearly reveling in the moment.

Kaleb looked like he wanted to say something, but before he could utter a word, our boss’s voice boomed from his office.

“Kaleb, Bailey, my office. Now.”

A knot tightened in my stomach. Fantastic. Just fantastic.

We walked into Mr. Evans’s office, where he sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, glasses perched on his nose like a hawk surveying its territory. He gestured for us to take a seat.

“I have a new task for you two,” he said, glancing between us with an intensity that made my heart race. “We have a client coming in next week, and I need a report comparing three mutual funds over the last five years. Focus on growth, stability, and risk management. I want a presentation draft ready by Thursday.”

I nodded quickly, my mind racing. “Yes, sir.”

Kaleb, however, leaned back in his chair with an ease that suggested he was born for this moment. “Got it.”

Mr. Evans flashed us a smile that felt suspiciously insincere. “I like how close you two seem. Good teamwork.”

“Bails, can you grab my bag? I’ll take it tomorrow. Thanks.” Kaleb’s text read.

I stared at the screen in disbelief, my blood boiling at his audacity. How dare he act like we were friends when we were nothing of the sort?

I picked up my bag, resolutely refusing to touch his.

Denise returned, likely hoping to catch Kaleb before heading home. Her eyes landed on the bag immediately.

“Is that Kaleb’s?” she asked, her excitement palpable.

“Yes,” I replied flatly. “He asked me to take it. He had to go somewhere.”

Her face lit up as if I had just announced she had won the lottery.

“Practice? Oh my gosh, with that body, I knew he was athletic! Can you tell me where? Please?!”

I was surprised she didn’t already know Kaleb was an athlete, considering how often she clung to him. This was my chance to escape.

I blinked, then forced a bright smile, perhaps a bit too enthusiastic. “Why not? Sure, I’ll help you.”

Denise squealed with delight. “Really? You’re the best!”

I handed her the bag. “Here, take this. He’ll be thrilled to see you.”

She hugged the bag to her chest as if it were a precious treasure and practically skipped away after I gave her the location.

I stood there for a moment, dazed. Had I really just done that?

I’m over him. Completely over him. It doesn’t matter who he’s with or who wants him.

And for the first time all day, a genuine smile spread across my face.

“He’s all yours, Denise.”