Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 by Laura Burton (learn to read books .TXT) 📕

Edward hummed.

“So, the ‘my mom is getting remarried’ act was just that… an act?”

Anthony nodded as he let go of Edward’s arm.

“Sam told me he was using Calvin to break you two up. It sounded like a good plan to me. The further you were from my baby cousin, the better. I thought you were going to dump her as soon as you won the bet.” He sniffed and cleared his throat. “But when you decided to come out and risk your life to find her and protect her. I realized…”

“What? That I’m not a complete jerk?” Edward asked. David stepped in and placed a hand on Anthony’s shoulder.

“You love her. We all saw it,” he said fervently as he too broke away from him. Edward stepped back in shock, his ears ringing. Sam lowered his hands and looked at him as if has going to offer his final confession.

“I’m sorry Eddie. If there’s something I can do to make it up to you…”

Edward looked down in thought. It would take a lot to get Catherine to forgive him. He would need a grand gesture to show her that his feelings were real. He wanted her. He needed her. He looked up at the men and smiled sadly. Yes, he loved her.

“There is something,” he said, softening. Sam’s eyes lit up and he nodded back.

“Anything,” he said, sounding hopeful. Edward looked from Sam to David, and then to Anthony.

“I’ll need all of you to help,” he said firmly. The men nodded back. David placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Tell us what to do.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

A Grand Gesture

A week had passed, and Catherine had returned to her apartment. A brand-new pane of window gleamed in the sunshine. Calvin was in jail awaiting trial and no longer a problem – for now, at least. Catherine had blocked Edward’s number and resolved that life was much simpler as a single woman. From now on, she would be alone. Or perhaps, she would rescue a bald cat and knit woolly sweaters for it.

Rehearsals for her new show were to begin in a few days, and she was excited to embark on this new normal. Edward had left a void in her heart. It ached almost constantly, but she was resigned to the fact that she was only another conquest. The fact that she had fallen head over heels for him had nothing to do with the fact that he did not care for her. And the thought of his whole family laughing about it made her mad.

The doorbell rang. Thankfully it was not a black rose, or Calvin, or even a grovelling Edward on the doorstep. Instead it was Anthony, and Johnny; who was holding a bouquet of yellow daisies.

“This is a nice surprise,” she said, letting them in. “What are these for? It’s not even my birthday.” She took the flowers and inhaled their floral scent.

“We’re taking you on a date,” Johnny said delightedly. Anthony smiled.

“Now?” Catherine said, surprised. Johnny stuck out his elbow and nodded. “But I haven’t even straightened my hair.” Anthony threw his head back and roared as they walked her out of the apartment.

“You look beautiful,” Johnny said honestly. Catherine beamed at him, taken aback by his gushing compliment. She locked her door, and linked arms with the two men and they walked down the street together laughing.

“Why are we at Sam’s club?” Catherine eyed Anthony with suspicion as he and Johnny frogmarched her through the front door. No one inside the club would know it was gloriously sunny outside because there were no windows. The lights were low, and it took a few moments for Catherine’s eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. Most of the circular tables were empty, a few servers walked around handing out drinks. A band played chilled out music as people talked. The atmosphere was surprisingly relaxing. Anthony walked her to a table right at the front, with David sitting at it alone. As Catherine met him, he rose to his feet and offered his hand.

“My name is David,” he said. “I’m Edward’s younger brother.” Catherine shook his hand and took a seat. Johnny clapped and looked around like a child in a candy store.

“This place is great. I love this band,” he said, conducting to the music with a placid smile on his face. Sam arrived, his cheek was blotchy, though no one commented on it. He looked at Catherine and inclined his head.

“I want you to know, this was entirely his idea, and until a week ago, none of us knew he could even play the guitar, let alone –” he stopped and looked at David, who had coughed and shot him a glare. “Sorry. Anyway. Please, have a drink on the house, my servers will bring you some food. Enjoy the show.” He bowed slightly and walked away. Catherine’s heartbeat quickened as she looked wildly around the faces at the table. Everyone was looking at her, as if they were in on some spectacular secret and wanted to watch her react at the unveiling.

The band finished and Sam took to the stage.

“A round of applause for the Jaxsters. It’s always a pleasure to have them here.” The room broke out into applause. Catherine’s breaths grew uneven as anticipation rose in her chest. She could practically feel the excitement radiating from Johnny who couldn’t sit still. Anthony was grinning and kept glancing back at her. Only David remained somewhat normal, resting his hand on the table and looking at the stage serenely as if admiring a beautiful sunset.

“Now you’re in for a real treat. Please can we give a hand for my best friend, who wrote a song to share with you all today.” The room clapped again, and Catherine held her breath as Edward swaggered onto the stage, a guitar in his hand and his dimples on show. Catherine wasn’t sure whether to laugh or jump up and run