Loving The Better Brother novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Big Girl Job

WILLOW

Finished

“Ooh,” Kath said, leaning against her bedroom doorframe with a grin. “Getting ready for your big girl job now, I see.”

I rolled my eyes as I tugged my blazer over my shoulders, smoothing the fabric down my arms. The mirror reflected a version of me I was still getting used to.

“Big girl job,” I repeated dryly. “Please. I’ve had real jobs before.”

“Yeah, but not this kind,” she teased. “So, are you not going to teach this year?”

“I am,” I said, adjusting the collar and checking my reflection again. “Just part–time. I can’t let go of teaching in the middle of the semester. That would be unfair to my students.”

Kath’s expression softened a little. She knew how much I loved teaching. It was something I found when I felt burnt out in the hospital.

“They took off my clinical load, though,” I continued. “So I’ll just be teaching at the university.”

“That actually sounds perfect,” she said. “You get to keep the part of your life that makes you you.”

I smiled faintly. “That’s what I’m hoping.”

She tilted her head, studying me with narrowed eyes. “You still haven’t told me where you’d be working, though.”

I felt my stomach tighten. There it was. The question I had been dodging since yesterday.

“I’ll tell you soon,” I said, reaching for my bag. “I promise.”

Kath crossed her arms. “That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting for now,” I said with a sigh. “Please don’t make this

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Chapter 16 Big Girl Job

harder than it already is.”

Finished

She huffed dramatically, then waved a hand. “Fine. But for the record, these kinds of clothes totally suit you.”

my breath.

I laughed under my

“Well, good luck,” she added, stepping closer to me. Her eyes traveled down my outfit with exaggerated appreciation. “Your ass looks great in those slacks, by the way.”

Before I could react, she slapped it.

“Hey!” I yelped, spinning halfway around.

She just laughed. “Stop it. I can’t help it. You look sexy.”

“Kath!” I groaned, heat rushing to my face.

She wagged her eyebrows. “I wish Marcus could see you right now.”

My smile faded instantly.

“He won’t see me any time soon,” I said quietly, turning back so she wouldn’t see that Marcus’s name still managed to do something to me.

Kath, of course, was incapable of letting things lie. “How about his brother?” she asked casually.

I froze. Slowly, I turned around to face her. “What about Tristan?”

She raised a perfectly shaped brow. “Well, he’s the better version of Marcus.”

“He’s hotter,” she continued. “Richer. And honestly, more competent. I watched some of his interviews, and he’s so hot.”

“Kath,” I warned.

She ignored me completely. “Won’t you tap that man?”

My jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

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Chapter 16 Big Girl Job

Finished

She grinned wickedly. “I bet he even has a big dick. He must be a beast in-

39

“Stop!” I cut in, mortified, holding up both hands. “Please, for the love of all things holy, stop.”

“Can’t you find out for me?” she added, laughing.

Oh, trust me, I already know.

I shook my head, forcing the memory of Tristan Hale far from my thoughts.

“You won’t catch me with another Hale,” I said firmly. “No matter what happens, I won’t get entangled with that family.”

Kath tilted her head. “Okay, whatever you say,” she replied, sing–song.

Before I could respond, she walked toward the window. “Ooh,” she said again, peering through the curtains. “There’s a car parked outside.”

My heart skipped.

“Damn, that’s a nice car,” she continued. “I want one like that.”

Something in her tone made me move without thinking. I stepped beside her and looked out.

My eyes widened. Rocco was inside that car.

“Oh no,” I murmured.

Kath turned to me, suspicious. “What?”

“Nothing,” I said too quickly.

I pulled out my phone and typed a message with fingers that suddenly felt clumsy.

Please fetch me from the back.

The reply came instantly.

3/5

12:33 pm

ppp.

Chapter 16 Big Girl Job

Understood, Miss Willow.

I swallowed.

“I have to go,” I said, grabbing my bag and moving toward the door.

Kath frowned. “Are you taking the bus?”

“Hmm,” I hummed noncommittally, already halfway out.

“You’re being weird.”

“I know,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’ll explain soon. I promise.”

I didn’t wait for her response. I practically jogged down the stairs, my heart pounding with every step.

Finished

I didn’t know why I was hiding it from my best friend. Maybe because it still hadn’t

sunk in.

I went out through the back door and sighed when I saw the car there. The door of the car opened smoothly, and I slipped inside.

“Good morning, Miss Willow,” Rocco said, smiling from the front seat.

The driver gave a polite nod.

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