Don't Kiss Your Best Friend's Brother (Billionaire Academy YA Romances Book 6)

by Erica Penrod

  A pucker appeared between the girl’s brows as she handed me a slip of paper. “You’re supposed to meet with the counselor.”

  I nodded as I unfolded the sheet. Please meet with Mrs. Partridge to discuss the status of your scholarship.

  Chloe. Fire replaced the trepidation as I glared at the girl as if she were Chloe, which was a misguided reaction. “Sorry.” Don’t shoot the messenger. “Thank you for coming to get me.”

  Her green eyes shot with daggers—which, in all fairness, I deserved—and she marched away.

  Humph. I tried to relieve some of the pressure rising in my chest and headed towards the office. I’d taken the “no news is good news” approach. The board shouldn’t feel the need to tell me that they’d decided I could stay. What would that accomplish? So the very fact that they wanted to talk to me in person was a bad sigh. They probably decided to take away my scholarship at Chloe’s dad’s recommendation, and they wanted to give me the bad news up close and personal.

  I pulled off my glasses and rubbed my eyes, hoping I would no longer be seeing red by the time I got to the office. I rounded the corner and ran straight into the one person who was not safe in my present company—Chloe.

  I’ve never been a violent person, but this was one time I wanted to use my words as weapons, to cut down the pedestal Chloe sat herself on. “You’re just the person I’ve been looking for.”

  She looked down her perfectly shaped nose at me and gave me a once-over. “Did you want to say goodbye?”

  “No.” If I had to leave RLA, I wouldn’t go without Chloe understanding that she had no power over me. Her dad could take away my scholarship, but I’d survived harder things and I’d find my way here once again. “I just wanted to let you know I feel sorry for you.”

  Her chin jutted back as if I’d struck her. “Sorry?” She pressed her hand to her chest. “For me?” she scoffed. “Believe me, if anyone is sorry around here, that would be you.”

  Pictures of my life fanned through my mind, and I was overcome with gratitude. I’d been loved and cared for, and yes, my dad was in prison, but he only had two years left until parole. Jovi’s determined face and Crue’s adoring eyes also appeared. I appreciated the people in my life. “You are rich and beautiful, but like my grandma always says, ‘pretty is as pretty does,’ and there is nothing pretty about the way you treat people. We’re not pawns to push around or blackmail into doing what you want.”

  She crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one hip. “Crue sure was.” Her blond hair hung like two curtains down the side of her face, and her full lips were lined and painted in a champagne pink.

  Something flashed before me, and for the first time in my life, I thought about punching a girl in the face. “What he did, he did for me.” Crue’s sacrifice softened the rage ripping through my brain and body. “But I don’t have to tell you that.”

  A light flickered in her eyes, and she opened her mouth but didn’t say anything.

  “What’s sad is that you don’t have anyone who would do that for you.”

  Chloe stood there. Her face contorted as if she were a serpent about to strike, but something flickered in her eyes and I knew I’d wounded her. The problem was, I didn’t feel any better. Stooping to her level wasn’t who I was, and it wasn’t someone I wanted to become. Hate was like a virus, contagious and dangerous.

  “Crue will get tired of you and come crawling back to me,” she seethed.

  I sighed as I got control of my emotions and motivation. I wasn’t out to hurt anyone, even if they deserved it. I was the nice girl, and the nice girl I would be. To my own self I’d be true. “If that’s what you have to tell yourself to get through the day, then who am I to stop you?” Straightening my shoulders, I stood up as tall as my 5’2” would allow. “I’ve got better things to do than argue with you. Like hang out with my adorable boyfriend.” I walked past her, not bothering to look back. Chloe had robbed enough time and joy from my life, and I wasn’t going to give her another second nor let her turn me into someone I wasn’t.

  My hands shook from adrenaline and confrontation. I managed to keep them by my side, but the closer I got to the counselor’s office, the harder it was to remain steady.

  I knocked on Mrs. Partridge’s door and held my breath. Chloe was no longer a concern, but I still had to face the scholarship situation. There couldn’t possibly be any legal ramification for me not saying anything about my dad. I’d answered every question on the application. If there was any fault on my part, it was done in omission. I hadn’t included my dad’s conviction in my essay. Maybe prestigious schools were strict about the families of their students, not wanting to tarnish their reputation, but that seemed like a lousy reason to take someone’s scholarship away to me.

  “Come in,” a voice called from the other side.

  I turned the handle and walked into my uncertain future—and I saw Bonnie Zeplin seated across from the counselor.

  Chapter Twenty

  Ten minutes later, I sat down in a chair just outside of the office, trying to believe what just happened.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Bonnie touched her hand to my cheek. “You look a little flushed.”

  Flushed was better than passed out on the floor, considering I’d faced my nemesis and thought I’d lost my scholarship all in the last half hour. “I’m good.” I smiled as she sat beside me. “Just a little overwhelmed.”

  Bonnie touched my knee. “I’m sorry. I would’ve told you sooner about me being appointed to the board, but I wanted to make sure this mess with the Davenport family had been cleaned up first.”

  “How did you get them to let me stay?” I couldn’t remember if she’d already told me this or not. My thoughts were like shreds of paper caught in a whirlwind.

  “It was simple.” She sat back and crossed her legs. “Records are private, and Chloe should’ve never known anything about your application. If her father wanted to keep his position, and Chloe wanted to stay in this school, she should have never said a word about your dad to my son. She should have never violated the privacy laws that govern records. My lawyer mentioned that to his lawyer, and the next day we received confirmation that the information would remain confidential.”

  “And this bonus scholarship was just a coincidence?” I couldn’t believe I’d been offered more scholarship money from a computer programming company, which I could use towards the college of my choice, since my scholarship at RLA was still active. “I don’t know how they found out about me.”

  “Your teacher must have nominated you.”

  Mr. Hubert? I hadn’t even bribed him with Mtn. Dew lately. “I’m not even that great at it. I have to ask Adelle for help all the time.”

  Bonnie laughed, which reminded me of her daughter. “They must’ve seen something special in you.” She smiled at me, and her hazel eyes were warm and inviting. “Like we all do.”

  “Thanks.” I didn’t think my heart could get much fuller, and I very clearly understood that wealth had nothing to do with the amount of money you had in the bank; it had everything to do with the quality of people in your life.

  I, for one, was a very rich girl.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I’m not going to lie, there were definite perks to dating a rock star’s son—for one, the free piano lessons Crue’s dad insisted he give me when I mentioned I was interested in playing, and for another, the front-row seats at my first concert. However, the best part had nothing to do with his dad’s occupation or his family’s million-dollar mansion. The best part about dating Crue Zeplin was the boy himself.

  “Are you sure Stallone is up for this?” I reached up and took Crue’s hand as I stepped into the stirrup and he swung me onto the horse’s back, behind the saddle. “If he’s not, you should tell me now.” I gulped in a breath and exhaled. “I’ve got a test next week in math that’s, like, half my grade, and I don’t want to miss it because I’m dead or something.”

  Crue chuckled as he s
lid his foot back into the stirrup. “Stallone can handle the two of us, and you’re wearing your helmet, so you’re good no matter what happens.”

  “I thought you said we’d be fine.” Little drops of panic entered my bloodstream. As with a lot of other first adventures I’d had over the past month, like eating escargot, I was a little hesitant to go horseback riding. I preferred my vehicles to come with some sort of brake.

  “We will be.” Crue looked back over his shoulder, and I leaned in. “Stallone won’t do anything I don’t want him to.”

  The temptation was too great, and I kissed the side of his cheek.

  His dimples dove into his flesh, taking my breath with them as he smiled. “Although we can get off right now and do some more of that if you prefer.”

  I grinned as I wrapped my arms around him. “Get going, cowboy. We’ll have plenty of time for that later.”

  Crue looked ahead and mumbled beneath his breath. “There’s never enough time to kiss you.”

  “Moderation.” I put my chin on his shoulder. “It’s the key to happiness.”

  He clicked his tongue, and Stallone started walking. “Whoever said that never had a girlfriend they were crazy about.”

  Another smile spread across my face as we walked along what would soon be the indoor riding facility on the Zeplins’ property. The land was marked off, and a couple of covered stalls had been built to the east for Stallone and the horse Roc had just purchased for himself, until the construction was finished. The crisp November day was one to take full advantage of, with a clear sky and no hint of rain. The temperature wouldn’t have mattered, because I was all warm and toasty inside with my body pressed against his.

  “I’m glad you get to see your grandma for Thanksgiving.” Crue guided the horse away from the building site and onto the path that wound around the property, which might’ve been intended as a jogging trail alone but was now multipurpose. Roc and Bonnie had given me an early Christmas present, which was two round-trip flights to Montana, courtesy of their private jet—one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas break.

  “I can’t wait to see her.” Grandma had been back home for a few weeks and seemed to be managing fine, but I’d continue to worry until I could be there in person. “Although now she won’t have to argue with me about cooking Thanksgiving dinner.”

  Crue nodded. “I’m glad Mom made arrangements to have your Thanksgiving meal catered, so you won’t have to worry about anything but spending time with your grandma.”

  “Me too.” I was so appreciative, although I hadn’t expected Bonnie to surprise me with one more gift. “It was so thoughtful of her.” The Zeplin family always did so much for me, and I hoped to one day find a way to repay them.

  “I’ll miss you.” The melancholy in his voice was music to my ears.

  The downside to going back home was leaving Crue behind. “I’ll miss you too.” We hadn’t been apart one day since the night of the Halloween dance. “But they say absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

  Hummpphh, Crue disagreed. “Whoever said all these things really needed to get a life.”

  I tossed my head back and laughed.

  He looked back at me. “But seriously, can you do just one thing for me?”

  I was taken aback by the penetrating look in his eyes and the solemn cadence to his voice. “Yeah.” I nodded, wondering what would put that look on his face.

  “Would you bring me back some candy from your grandma’s candy jar?”

  I rolled my eyes as I laughed. “Of course.” Crue looked forward again, and I whispered in his ear, “But what do I get in return?”

  Crue pulled on the reins, twisted in the saddle, and kissed me like he meant to kiss me always.

  When he drew away, I grinned. “That’s sweeter than any candy I’ve ever tasted.”

  “So you’re saying I’m your favorite flavor?”

  “Yeah.” I put my chin back on his shoulder as my heart purred. “You’re my favorite everything.”

  Epilogue

  This was Crue’s dream, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I flinched as the horses thundered down the arena. “Boys with sticks, racing horses, and a loose ball does not sound like a good combination.”

  Jovi cheered as Nile whacked the ball over to Crue, who stopped it with his mallet and drove it forward. “You get used to it.”

  I glanced over at Bonnie, who had her eyes closed, while Roc didn’t miss a hoof’s beat, his jaw set as if his will alone could keep his kid safe. “I think there should be more protective gear.” A cluster of riders surrounded Crue, and I looked away.

  “He’s fine.” Jovi touched my arm. “He’s actually not too terrible.”

  “Crue will be happy to hear that.” I watched as he pulled back the reins. His teammate made a goal, and the crowd went wild.

  “Like I’d ever admit that to him.” She grinned. “I wouldn’t want his head getting any bigger than it already is.”

  “True,” I agreed. “He and Nile would be impossible to hang out with if they both thought they were the star players on team.”

  “Nile is the star of the team.” She booed as the other team took the ball down the arena. “So Crue will just have to settle for second best.”

  Jovi and Crue bantered back and forth on the regular, but there was no question about their loyalty to one another. And she was right: Nile was the star player, but the progress Crue had made in just a few short months was impressive. Nile might not be holding on to the title much longer. That was something I didn’t mention to Jovi.

  A whistle sounded, ending the first period—called a chukker, Crue had informed me—and the players dispersed to different sides of the arena. Bonnie sat up, and when her eyes settled on her son, she let out a sigh. I wasn’t the only one thinking this was going to be a long season.

  Crue waved at his parents, and then his stare met mine. I remembered the words he’d whispered in my ear before the game started, causing little goose bumps to freckle my skin. “I love playing polo,” he’d said. Then he’d kissed me softly. “But I love you more.”

  “The kid’s a natural.” Roc’s voice tugged me from the memory, and I waved at Crue before I turned to his dad and chuckled softly. Roc’s face beamed as he crossed his arms over his puffed-out chest. “He really is.”

  Bonnie looked up at her husband and smiled. “Unfortunately, I think you’re right.” She gave him a fretful look. “Why couldn’t Crue have played golf instead of something so dangerous?”

  “Because the danger makes it fun.” Roc was not coming down from his high anytime soon. “He’ll be fine.”

  I looked out at the beautiful boy on the black horse and prayed his dad was right, because it was abundantly clear to me that I was in love with my best friend’s brother.

  Don’t miss a single Billionaire Academy YA Romance!

  Don’t Kiss Your Lab Partner

  Don’t Kiss in Detention

  Don’t Kiss the Heartbreaker

  Don’t Kiss the Class Clown

  Don’t Kiss the Quarterback

  This story is a clean contemporary Cinderella novel you can't miss.

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  Also by Erica Penrod

  If you enjoyed reading this contemporary country novel, then you’ll love the Cowboy Reality Romance series by bestselling author Erica Penrod.

  Cowboy Reality Romance: Kip

  Cassie Carter, a single mother of three-year-old twin boys, needed a start after her husband died. Working as a nanny in Park City, Utah, for a wealthy family seems like the best place to start. She can keep her children with her, room and board is provided, and there's no chance of falling in love. The the mountains, mansion, and horses are all beautiful but what blows Cassie away is Kip Morgan.


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  Jaxon Davis thought he was doing the right thing creating the television show The Cowboys, in an effort to bring his family ranch out of foreclosure. Seduced by the glamour and the lights, he let the one thing he really valued slip through his fingers. When his barely ex-wife finds out she’s expecting his baby, Jaxon works for a chance at reconciliation and redemption. Can he let go of the fame that sucked him in or will he fall to the temptress once again and lose Janie and their baby forever?

  Cowboy Reality Romance: Tyson

  When Tess took a break from her successful career as a television reporter to help her mother recover from back surgery, the last thing she expected was to run into Tayson Cole. The man broke her heart on New Year’s Eve and the two of them clash like bulls on a regular basis. However, she’s seen the better side of the reality television star and fallen for him which makes keeping her resolution to stay away from the professional bull fighter all that more difficult to keep.