Chapter 158
Summer’s POV
I bit back a smile. “Are you seriously getting jealous again right now?
Brandon snapped the file shut. “You seem awfully pleased with yourself.”
“I’m not!” I protested, my shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
I shifted in my seat, accidentally kicking the car door. Pain shot through my ankle, and I winced involuntarily.
Brandon’s demeanor changed instantly. “What’s wrong? Did you hurt yourself?”
“It’s nothing,” I said quickly.
Before I could stop him, Brandon was already out of the car, circling to my side. He pulled open my door and crouched down, carefully removing my heel to reveal angry red blisters and raw skin
“Does it hurt?” he asked, his voice deceptively soft.
“No, not at all,” I lied. “It’s already feeling better.”
Brandon deliberately pressed his thumb against my swollen ankle.
I yelped, jerking my foot away. “Hey!”
“Doesn’t hurt, huh?” His eyebrow arched in challenge. “What possessed you to wear these ridiculous heels for a site visit?”
“I didn’t know we were going to a site!” I protested. “It was my first day! How was I supposed to know Leo would drag me out to Manhattan West Side?”
Brandon’s jaw tightened at the mention of Leo’s name. “And Schmidt saw you were injured and did nothing?”
“It’s not his fault,” I defended. “I should have been better prepared.”
“You went to a construction zone wearing these?” Brandon held up my stiletto. “What were you thinking?”
“I told you–I didn’t know! What was I supposed to do? Say no to my boss. on day one?”
“And your solution was to just suffer through it?”
‘I’m sorry,” I softened my tone. “I promise I’ll be more careful next time.”
“Next time?‘ Brandon’s voice rose slightly.
I just meant if there’s ever another unexpected site visit, I’ll make sure I have proper shoes.”
Brandon shook his head. “You’re
in
no condition to drive. Move to the passenger seat.”
Before I could argue, he scooped me up in his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he carried me to the passenger side.
I couldn’t help smiling at his overprotective behavior.
Chapter 158
“What’s so funny?” Brandon demanded.
“Nothing. It’s just… you can be so fussy sometimes. Worse than Grandpa George and Grandpa Jonathan combined! Like a grumpy old
mant
His eyebrows shot up in offense.
“My grumpy old man,” I quickly added, kissing his cheek. “You shouldn’t frown so much. Your face will get stuck that way, and then you’ll be all wrinkled before your time.” I ran a finger along his forehead. “And then you’ll be too old for me!”
June!” Brandon warned, pretending to loosen his grip.
I tightened my arms around his neck with a squeal. “Don’t you dare drop me!”
He placed me carefully in the passenger seat before taking the driver’s side.
“What do you want for dinner?” he asked as we pulled out of the parking garage.
“Steak!” I exclaimed. “With mashed potatoes and that amazing red wine sauce you make! Can we?”
A small smile tugged at his mouth. “Fine, but we’ll need to pick up ingredients.”
After a few minutes, Brandon spoke again. “So how was your first day? Did you learn anything useful?”
“Yeah! Actually, Leo was really helpful,” I began enthusiastically. “He took me straight to the West Side project site instead of having me just read files all day. He said-”
“Don’t mention other men when you’re with me,” Brandon interrupted. “Even if he’s your boss. And stop calling him Leo.”
I blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. “Oh my God, Brandon! You’re adorable. I’ve never seen this side of you before!”
“I’m serious,” he insisted. “It’s inappropriate.”
“You’re the one who asked about my day!” I pointed out. “What did you expect me to talk about?”
“We’re changing the subject,” he declared firmly.
I frowned, noticing we weren’t on our usual route. “Brandon, this isn’t the way to the Hamptons.”
He glanced at me briefly. “Who said we were going home?”
Exhaustion suddenly washed over me. I felt my head nodding forward as my eyelids grew heavy.
The new thing I knew, Brandon’s hand was gently cradling my head blinked groggily. “Huh? Are we home? No, wait… Did I fall asleep?”
“Stay put. I’m going to get something from the pharmacy. Don’t move.
I nodded sleepily, watching him enter a drugstore. Before I knew it, my eyes had drifted shut again.
I woke up in our bedroom, confused about how I’d gotten there. My jured foot had been carefully bandaged, the pain reduced to a dull ache. Brandon must have carried me inside and treated my injuries while I slept.
13:31 Wed, Apr 30
Chapter 158
After changing clothes and fixing my hair, I headed downstairs, following the unmistakable aroma of steak.
Brandon emerged from the kitchen wearing an apron.
“Come here,” he called when he spotted me.
I started toward him eagerly,
“Slow down!” he scolded. Your foot’s still injured.”
I obediently slowed my steps, sliding my arm through his. “Brandon, it smells amazing.”
“Hungry? Go wash your hands. Dinner’s ready.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up when we got home?” I asked, returning from the bathroom.
“You needed rest,” he said simply.
79%
I gaped at the spread before us–perfectly seared steaks, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a boat of rich red wine sauce that smelled heavenly.
“This is way too much food for just the two of us!”
James arranged it. He might have gone overboard.”
Just as we were about to sit down, the doorbell rang.
“Who could that be at this hour?”
Brandon said, “I’ll get the door.”
I heard voices in the hallway. A moment later, Dr. Sean Sullivan appeared in the doorway, grinning broadly.
“Surprise!” he announced, arms spread wide.
Brandon stood behind him, looking distinctly displeased. “What are you doing here?”
“Come on, Brandon,” Sean complained dramatically. “Is that any way to greet your friend? After everything we’ve been through?”
Before Brandon could respond, something large and black burst past Sean’s legs. A massive German Shepherd bounded straight toward me, its tongue lolling out excitedly.
“Oh my God!” I shrieked, jumping up as the dog charged in my direction.
“Max! Heel!” Sean called halfheartedly, but the dog was too fixated on me.
I backed away, my injured foot forgotten as the enormous dog cornered me against the kitchen island, its massive paws hitting my shoulders as it tried to lick my face.
“Brandon!” I yelped, feeling utterly scared.
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 159
