Enchanted (The Accidental Billionaires #4)(67)

“I know exactly what you mean,” Aiden agreed.

“I don’t know if I should give Layla the beta. There’s so many people doing the beta right now.”

“Is Owen doing it?” Aiden questioned, his tone curious.

“Yeah. I gave it to him. He’s the only unattached brother I have left.”

“He’ll end up swamped with inquiries. I hope he uses a fake profile. He’s rich, and he’s a doctor.”

“I told him to try to hide his identity. He doesn’t have to tell anyone unless he actually wants to meet up with somebody.”

Aiden was quiet for a minute before he said, “It seems like something is up with him. I thought he’d be really happy that his med school and residency were finally over. But he doesn’t exactly seem elated. Do you think he’s missing Boston?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so. He said he missed Citrus Beach and the California weather, but I noticed that he’s been pretty quiet. I have no idea what’s on his mind. He hasn’t really talked to me about it, if he’s having problems adjusting.”

“Me either. It’s not like he seems miserable. He just doesn’t seem . . . normal. He’s always been the most studious and quiet one in the family, but he’s not as excited about buying Dr. Fortney’s practice as I expected. Maybe it’s just because he’s been pretty busy. He’s still getting settled, and he’s already working in a practice. Plus, he just bought a new house.”

My little brother did have a lot on his plate. “I guess we wait and see if things change now that he’s moved into his place. Maybe he’s just preoccupied.”

“Do you think we should tell Layla that Owen is coming? He said he wouldn’t be here until later.”

“I wouldn’t. The ladies look like they’re having a good time. It would be a shame if she left just because Owen was coming. She does work with him every day.” It wasn’t like Layla could just walk away from Owen when she was in the office.

I watched as Andie shot Layla a happy grin, and my chest ached just from seeing her smile.

I’d seen that smile directed at me.

And it hit me right in the gut every single time.

I wanted to go snap her up and carry her back home so I could get her naked.

I’d been surprised when she’d stripped and offered herself up to me a few days ago. Not that it wasn’t a welcome shock. In fact, if she hadn’t seduced me, I wouldn’t have lasted much longer.

I’d been on the edge of sanity, and ready to fall off the cliff, when she’d saved me by being brave enough to make the first move.

“I love her,” I muttered as I stared at her.

“I hope so,” Aiden said wryly. “If you don’t, it probably isn’t wise to be talking about pledging the rest of your life to her.”

I shot him a dirty look. I hadn’t meant to say those words out loud. They’d just tumbled from my mouth before I could stop them.

“Smartass,” I rumbled.

Aiden grinned. “In all seriousness, I’m glad everything worked out.”

Oh, hell, it had to work out. I’d be useless if it didn’t. “Thanks.”

“Should we go join the ladies?” Aiden asked.

We might as well, because I couldn’t stop looking their way.

“I think we should,” I said as I stood.

Aiden smirked. “You’ve got it bad, bro.”

“Are you trying to tell me that you aren’t dying to go be with Skye?” I knew damn well he couldn’t wait to be closer to his wife and child.

“Nope,” Aiden admitted as he stood up. “I’m just saying that now you’re in the same boat as me, Seth, Eli, and Liam.”

I grinned at him. That was one group I didn’t mind signing up for at all. “I’m glad that boat has room for one more.”





CHAPTER 29

OWEN



I was going to be late getting to Aiden’s family gathering, and I was starving, so I was hoping he still had food.

I increased my pace, walking faster down the beach as I remembered exactly how much food my family could put down in one night.

Seth and Aiden alone could eat more than a half-dozen people put together could.

Since my new home wasn’t far from Aiden’s, it was easier to just walk it by shortcutting down the beach.

I’d been busy unpacking the things I’d ordered for my new home, and I’d kind of lost track of time.

Almost settled. I had most of what I needed in the house. Now, if I could manage to make it look like home.

The new place was huge, a hell of a lot bigger than I needed. But I figured I’d grow into it. I might get married someday. Have kids. Actually have some kind of life.

After years of nothing but medical school dominating my entire existence in Boston, I wasn’t quite used to having my own home, and being back in Citrus Beach again.

I was a damn billionaire.

I had my own practice now.

I had a huge house on the water.

I had my family close again.

And I had absolutely no idea how to live in my new lifestyle.

Not that I didn’t like being back with my family. I’d missed all of them. It just seemed strange that they were close physically, and that I could just walk over and talk to them when I wanted.