Faking It with the Billionaire Next Door: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy

by Jolie Day

  “All right, next question, Rose, and this is a significant one.” Oliver leaned on the counter, getting a bit closer as if he were going to whisper it to her. I could tell he was up for some fuckery.

  “Listen up…”

  “Oookaay,” she said, seeming nervous.

  Oliver shot me a mischievous look before continuing. I wondered which direction he was going to go in with this.

  “When was the first time you and he slept together?”

  I almost choked on my drink.

  Rose’s eyes grew big, and she turned to look at me. I’d told her this would happen, but I couldn’t believe it, myself. So, Oliver had decided to fuck with me, and now, he was having the time of his life. It wasn’t like him. He was grinning from ear to ear—the fucker.

  First, I wanted to intervene, tell him to go fuck himself.

  Second, I debated about coming clean with him and telling him our “big secret.”

  In the end, I thought nah, all this was too hilarious to pass up. Maybe I was an asshole, but I glanced at her and shrugged my shoulders, giving her a “go ahead, answer” nod. She was the one to say this question wouldn’t be asked, and I was dying to know how she’d deal with the consequences.

  “Uhhh…” Rose was unsure.

  I was loving this.

  “Don’t be shy. I’m family,” Oliver said, the asshat. What the fuck did that even mean? “The reason I’m asking is that my little brother over here has told me about you, and that you two have been at each other’s throats for a couple of months now. I mean, what was it—he called the fire department to wake you up at 5 a.m. or something?”

  I smiled naughtily down at Rose, who was on the spot now, literally, sitting in between myself and Oliver. Her cheeks were red—almost the color of her dress—but her tense shoulders were easing up, now that Oliver was explaining himself. I could feel her slight movements against my jacket.

  “So,” Oliver continued, “I just wanna know what it was that pushed you guys over the edge. From hating each other to loving each other.”

  Oliver looked so righteous, virtuous even, as if he was asking the most normal question in the world. But he had no idea.

  I was just as excited as he was to see what Rose would say.

  Perfect wingman, without even knowing it.

  “Well,” Rose let out her breath, calculating her answer. “As we were telling your parents, Miles came over one day to comfort me, right, and then we started dating—”

  “No, no, no. I want the real answer,” Oliver interrupted, “I know my brother. He doesn’t just court women. There must have been a shit-ton of sexual tension between you two.”

  Oliver wasn’t wrong. He just didn’t know that I hadn’t acted on said sexual tension for the sake of our deal. Even tonight, the pull between us was driving me crazy. I knew she was feeling it, too. Rose looked fucking fantastic, and no matter where I touched her, there was open skin that reacted to my touch. Every time. Hot skin. Sweltering. She liked my touch. She was burning up for me—just as I was burning up for her. We both knew it was forbidden territory. The red silk material of her dress was like water falling from her body and clinging to her curves as it found its way to the ground. Every move she made, my eyes followed, and my eyes dropped, whether it be to her breasts, to her ass, to her red toenails.

  I shook myself out of my dangerous train of thought and focused myself on the conversation at hand, which was only about to get better.

  “So, the first time was when?” Oliver pushed.

  Rose paused for a moment, before the words tumbled from her mouth, as if she were forcing it out to get it done. “Okay, fine,” she said.

  We stared at her. She was really going to answer?

  “We did it in the elevator,” she said.

  Oliver’s mouth dropped open.

  I laughed out loud.

  My laugh was from surprise and intrigue—I was very intrigued indeed… Balls. She had balls. And she was funny. Really funny.

  We’d had many moments in that elevator, yes. Great ones. Had she been thinking about me sexually during those moments? I felt curious now, and I wished I had her to myself so I could find out more.

  Oliver was enjoying himself, too. Clearly. “Now that, my darling, sounds more like it!” He winked at me and clapped me on the back, mouthing a “Congratulations.” I smiled at Rose, loving how she’d handled the situation. I stroked her cheek softly with my knuckles. You little vixen.

  I saw a hint of cheekiness—or was it plain relief?—when she saw that I was amused. Anyway. There was no doubt: I could tell she’d thought about it before. Maybe multiple times.

  I smiled wider.

  Then, she opened her mouth. “Honestly,” she started, all innocent, glancing at me and then at Oliver, “Who needs a man with a big dick when you can have a man who gives you a good time in the elevator? Right?”

  What the hell.

  Oliver barked in laughter.

  Rose gave me an impudent smile.

  What a comeback. What a revenge. I wanted to kiss that smile away.

  It’s not like Oliver—who was now grinning at me like he was sitting front row in the best comedy on the planet—didn’t know she was bullshitting. There’d been plenty of times my brother and I’d shared the same fucking shower room back in school. He knew what I was packing. After all—“we were family.” She, on the other hand, didn’t know. She had no idea. Did she think I stuffed socks down my boxers? Did she think I had nothing to show? I mean look down, it’s pretty obvious.

  Some weird inner voice wanted to protest, loudly, grab her face and stuff a substantial surprise into her mouth to un-prove her point.

  But maybe now wasn’t the best time for that.

  I also couldn’t deny one thing: I was loving her wit. It was hilarious—she was hilarious, I’d give her that. Some weird sense of pride hit me. Rose, my fucking unreal pretend fake fiancée, was something else.

  Rose was fun fun. Pure fucking joy.

  She raised her drink, and we all clinked, her gaze fixed on mine. Still cheeky.

  Game on, Little One.

  You might have won this round. But the one who wins the war will be me.

  And by the way, ladies, if you really want to grab a guy by his balls, don’t tease him about his cock. Ask him if his hairline is receding.

  20

  ROSE

  My comeback!

  Did you see his face? I almost died laughing.

  Oh, what a night! I was having a blast.

  The party was ramping up, and the drinks were flowing. I’d walked off on my own while Miles was talking to his friends, and I now stood at one of the large windows, catching a quick breath, overlooking the square below. When Miles’ hand had curled around my hip in front of his friends earlier, I politely pulled myself away to cool down.

  I was trying to wrap my mind around how I felt right now, because if I wasn’t mistaken, it felt like happiness.

  Freaking happiness!

  The last time I’d attended an event like this had been with my dad. I missed him so much tonight, but just being here in this setting was enough to help me feel his presence. No matter what the IRS said, my dad remained my dad and the first man I’d ever loved. “My little Rose Petal” he’d always called me. I remembered how happy I’d felt being among people we knew and loved.

  Tonight, I’d gotten a little taste of that again. I’d chatted and laughed with some people I knew, from what felt to me like another life now, and whom I hadn’t seen in ages. I realized just how much I had retreated from the world I had known with my father since his death, and how I had also thrown myself into my work, to the exclusion of all else. It felt good to be out again, and good to be with Miles. His parents were wonderful, and they made me feel included.

  So did Oliver. It had been clear that he was just as prankish as Miles, a troublemaker just like his brother, and trying to get a rise out of me.

  Ha! How his mouth had dropped. Elevator!
He hadn’t expected that answer!

  Just then, I felt a familiar hand on my back, leaving a trace of those delicious goosebumps.

  “Having a good time?” I felt his electric breath against my ear as he leaned in to ask me this, before circling around to stand in front of me.

  Even as I stood in very high heels, his head was above mine. I wasn’t sure how to handle the fact that this man was making me crazy all night long. Every touch, every glance my way, and every charming smile made my heart jump. Something about the combination of this romantic setting and feeling sexy in this dress of mine had my ovaries clenching.

  “Actually, yes, I am,” I said.

  “You’re doing great, Rose. I wanted to thank you again, you know, for everything. The deal, your acting skills around my family. They like you.”

  “You know, other than the stories, I wasn’t acting at all. You have a great family. I like them, a lot. I’m having such a fantastic time.”

  “Really now? So you’re only rude and prissy around me then?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes, Miles. I am.” I chuckled. “You’re the only one that pisses me off like you do.”

  He was all smiles, and I wasn’t sure why that was something to be happy about. I noticed his eyes glance behind me before he leaned forward. His lips grazed my cheek, and the touch sent butterflies to my tummy—and to my lady bits.

  “Just go with it, okay,” he whispered, his eyes connecting with mine.

  “Wha—?” I wondered in confusion but was quickly distracted when his hand came up and cupped my cheek. It felt magnificent, thrilling, fiery, and demanding all at once. Oh so demanding. His blue eyes looked deeply into mine until he lowered his head, coming closer, and closer, and then, he pressed his lips to mine.

  Whaaa…

  My hand reflexively shot up onto his chest, ready to push him away, before I realized how soft his lips were against mine.

  There’s no air.

  I can’t breathe.

  Oh…

  My eyes fluttered closed, and I lost myself in the moment.

  Ohhh… so that’s how they feel.

  His mouth had mine captured, and my lips seemed to be going willingly, surrendering to him. Both of Miles’ hands were now on my cheeks, gentle and soothing as his thumbs brushed across my skin. His lips kissed mine, so tenderly, carefully even. All consciousness of the world around me started to disappear when suddenly, Miles stopped.

  He pulled back. His lips were slightly wet, and he was looking down at me.

  I stared at him, confused and dazed.

  My first thought: Don’t stop! Please don’t stop.

  My second thought: Did he not like the kiss?

  My third thought: Wait. Is that why he stopped?

  My stomach churned in anxious knots as I considered it might be the reason he’d broken off the kiss. I mean, I didn’t think I was that bad of a kisser, or was I?

  But, then I realized that wasn’t the reason.

  A few people were clapping, and someone whistled.

  I turned around to see Oliver and some other people standing a few feet away, cheering us on. My face burned, and I knew it was as red as an overripe tomato right then. Not the first time tonight, but one hundred percent the brightest yet.

  I chuckled from embarrassment and hid my face by turning back to Miles and dropping my head against his chest. He pulled me closer, and I felt him gesture to the guys behind me, most probably giving them the finger, before gently taking my wrist and leading me away. We walked over to a door I hadn’t noticed before, in the corner of the room, that led us out to a balcony.

  Miles closed the door behind us. We were alone now, and he turned around to me.

  “Why did you kiss me?” I blurted out.

  “I kissed you because my father was looking our way, not because of the guys. I’m sorry.” He still held my wrist, gently, but he wasn’t letting go.

  I nodded softly, mostly relieved that he hadn’t inferred that I was a bad kisser. “It’s okay. It’s all part of the deal, right?” I surprised myself saying.

  Should I have been upset that he just kissed me, only because of his father? I could not. It was acting. It was sweet of him to be worried that I might think that he was putting on a show for his boys, though. Still, I turned my face away, knowing that for me, it wasn’t an act.

  I’d really, really enjoyed that kiss. Too much.

  “Deal’s a deal,” I said, internally sighing.

  “No, it’s not, not now anyway,” he said, before putting his finger under my chin and turning my face back to his.

  Hmm? What does he mean?

  He moved his face close to mine until our eyes met. He must’ve been giving me a chance to pull away—which I totally missed—but I didn’t want to pull away anyway. I wanted his lips on mine. I wanted to kiss.

  “Ready for the best kiss of your life?” he growled in a deep baritone, without warning.

  OMG.

  Part of me wanted to joke that I had a cold sore, but I could barely even think, let alone joke. I also didn’t want to ruin the moment.

  “Come here,” he rumbled, demanding as usual.

  Feeling a desire rise up in me, I bridged the gap—until our lips touched.

  Miles immediately welcomed my lips with his, kissing me, pulling me closer, his hands on my arms, then moving down.

  My vision went black.

  My brain was fuzzy. His kisses would be my undoing. Undoubtedly.

  All my unanswered questions fluttered from my mind as I felt his arm wrap around my waist and pull me to him. My hand moved across his chest to his shoulder and his neck, and I loved how muscular and soft his skin felt. His lips pulled away and pecked at mine before pressing down against me once more and enveloping my bottom lip.

  I could feel my breasts pressing against his strong chest, and his hand spread out on the bare skin of my back. My body melted against his, and I felt the tip of his tongue tease at my lips, licking my bottom lip and asking for entry. His hand moved to the back of my neck as I opened my lips for him, and he delved inside.

  His tongue felt warm and smooth, coaxing mine to come out and play.

  I obliged without thought. Suddenly, I found myself in heaven.

  Oh God… This feels amazing.

  How have I never been kissed like this before?

  Oh no… Why does Miles—of all people—have to be the first man I meet who knows how to kiss a woman properly?

  I groaned quietly while our tongues slid softly together, exploring each other. My fingers around his neck began grazing the sexy short hair, and I felt the hard muscle of his neck and shoulders. Slowly, he moved his arm around my body, keeping me close and causing a warmth bloom in my belly, stronger than ever before. My panties. Shit. If they weren’t wet before, they were probably soaked now. I’d better not sit down any time soon. My body felt aflame, stirred up from how his hands held me and his mouth devoured mine.

  Our tongues were now dirty dancing and moving between his mouth and mine. The kiss seemed to continue for a lifetime, and when Miles slowly brought it to a stop, I couldn’t help but hunger for more. It had been better than heaven.

  He held my body tightly against his, but he brought his head up and stared down into my eyes. There was so much beauty in his eyes. So much passion, so much depth. So much intimacy.

  With a small smile, he released me, playfully clearing his throat. “Ahem.”

  “I know,” I whispered, then swallowed.

  It was the best kiss of my life.

  Easily.

  Oh no.

  My fingers wiped at the sides of my mouth, making sure my lipstick wasn’t completely smudged.

  “Rose, I’m sorry,” he said.

  “Why?” I almost wanted to blurt “Don’t be. I’m not!” In fact, I wanted to scream “Do that again! Please.”

  “I know you didn’t want to get physical, but after I kissed you inside, I just couldn’t help myself.”

  Aww. H
ow sweet. I mean oh no.

  “It’s okay,” I replied, trying to play it all cool—because what else could I do—smoothing my dress down, and looking up into his apologetic eyes. “We’ll just pretend it was for the show.”

  I didn’t want to discuss what had just happened, because I didn’t even know myself yet.

  I bet he didn’t either.

  “Cool,” he grumbled, his smile becoming a mischievous one. “Let’s continue kissing inside. For the show.”

  I laughed and gently patted his chest. Yes, please.

  We regained our composure and nodded quietly at each other as we turned and headed back inside toward the crowd. Miles saw his brother at the bar and grabbed my hand, leading us over to him.

  As soon as we arrived next to Oliver, he immediately turned to us. “And where were you two? Having a quickie?” he asked, handing me a glass of wine before turning to grab Miles a scotch.

  “Why don’t you ask Rose,” Miles said.

  21

  ROSE

  Of course, I didn’t answer the question. Nor any other questions Oliver shot at us. One drink later I finally got that he was just messing with Miles, and that he wasn’t interested in the dirty at all, and it was so much easier to handle him. Turned out, he was a really neat guy, very kind, very humble, and not stuck up at all. His girlfriend, Laney, who joined later, was such a loveable woman! She was a little “nerdy,” but in a cute and funny way that I absolutely adored. They were deeply in love, it was obvious. Once I got to know her and him, I started to understand the brothers’ deep relationship even better, and I was happy to spend time with them. So much so, I was actually looking forward to more family events.

  The rest of the evening had been so fun—except for one thing.

  The constant distraction of my burning need for Miles.

  As we talked and laughed with his family, I couldn’t help but not be fully present. My mind was still reeling.

  How was that kiss so good?

  It wasn’t supposed to be so mind-blowing.