Page 50 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

She hesitated. “There’s been some issues with a developer that wants to buy up most of the waterfront area. They’re trying to buy out the building. They are not kind. It started out friendly enough, but they are becoming more insistent. They’re pushing my fellow business owners, and some have caved to the pressure. But I’m not going to let them bully me. They keep leaving messages on my door as if I’m just suddenly going to change my mind.”

I frowned, my mind racing. I knew realtors and brokers—hell, I owned several brokerage firms. They could, would, and did bully until they got what they wanted. And they played dirty when they needed to.

“That’s up my alley,” I said. “I can look into it for you. Tell them to back off.”

She shook her head, giving me a sad smile. “No, it’s okay. I can handle it. They can’t bully me out of my building. I’m dug in.”

I wanted to argue, to tell her that she didn’t have to handle it alone, but I knew better than to push. Instead, I let it go, for now.

“Alright, but if you need anything, just let me know. I don’t mind.”

“Thanks.”

I could tell she was looking for a polite way to ask me to leave. “I’ll go,” I said.

“Thank you for setting up the machine,” she said with a smile. “It will come in handy tomorrow. I have an early start. I accidentally volunteered to help with the Easter egg hunt at Annie’s kid’s school.”

I cringed. “I don’t envy you.”

“You could help.” She grinned. “I mean, you’re always saying you’re bored here.”

“Me? At an Easter egg hunt?”

“Sure.”

“Okay,” I said. I had no idea what made me agree to do it.

“Great, meet me at the local elementary school at eleven,” she said.

“I’ll be there,” I said.

I left and found myself actually looking forward to the egg hunt. Not because I wanted to be surrounded by a bunch of little kids, but it was a chance to see her. I wanted to show her I wasn’t just a rich asshole. I could be a good guy. At least she made me want to try.

As I drove back to the house, I wondered if I should do some digging into her issues with the bakery. If I could help her, that would certainly win me some points.

And I immediately felt guilty for thinking like that. I was still working an angle. I wanted her to think I was amazing so she would be more inclined to get in bed with me.

When I pulled up to the house, I saw an SUV. Lights were on inside. “What the hell?”

Then I remembered Cullen telling me a couple of the other groomsmen were coming into town. They were going to be staying at the house since Cullen and Eliza were in their own place.

I was no longer going to be kicking around the house alone. But it also meant I was going to have to play the role of roommate, something I wasn’t sure I was going to be any good at.

I sighed and got out of the car, bracing myself for the inevitable small talk and forced camaraderie. As I walked up to the door, I could hear voices inside—low laughter, the clink of glasses. It sounded like they’d already helped themselves to the liquor cabinet.

Pushing the door open, I was greeted by two familiar faces. Liam, Cullen’s childhood friend, was sprawled on the couch, a glass of whiskey in hand. Beside him sat Marcus, who I’d met at a couple of business conferences over the years. They both looked up as I walked in.

“We were starting to think you’d bailed on us,” Liam said.

“Just had some things to take care of,” I said, tossing my keys onto the counter. “Didn’t realize you guys were coming in tonight.”

Marcus shrugged. “We figured there was no time like the present to get this party started.”

“I’m not sure how much partying you’re going to find here,” I said. “Pretty sleepy town. I’m headed up to bed. You guys found rooms?”

“We did.” Liam nodded. “Goodnight. See you in the morning.”