Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 35

**The Night We Borrowed Fire from a Broken Star by Selvin Arlo Crest 36**

Bailey’s POV

“Dad, I assure you, I’m perfectly fine,” I groaned, pressing the phone against my ear as if that would somehow muffle his incessant chatter.

For what felt like an eternity—ten long minutes, in reality—he had been on a relentless loop, questioning my decision to skip the holidays and pursue an internship instead.

“Working here is a fantastic opportunity,” I reiterated for what felt like the fifth time, my patience wearing thin.

“I’ll gain real experience without the dreaded label of being a Nepo baby.”

He wasn’t having any of it.

“What’s wrong with that?” he whined, his voice climbing a notch in pitch, revealing his frustration.

“It’s my company, and what’s so terrible about nepotism? If you have it, you might as well use it.”

A laugh escaped me as I shook my head, watching the taxi navigate its way through the bustling city streets.

“Dad, are you even listening to yourself? That’s precisely why I want this internship; I want to learn without anyone thinking I’m just the boss’s kid.”

“Bailey,” he dragged my name out like I was still a little girl in need of his protection.

“You don’t need to prove anything. In my office, you could have a corner desk with your name on the door before you even graduate.”

I sighed, allowing my gaze to drift out the window at the towering buildings that flashed by like a blur of glass and steel.

“Stop it, Dad. This is my first day, and you’re making me anxious.”

“You won’t even need an interview in my company,” he insisted, his stubbornness palpable.

Another laugh bubbled up, this one tinged with disbelief. “That’s exactly the problem! I don’t want a job handed to me just because of you. I want to earn it.”

He groaned dramatically, so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ear. “Fine, but don’t come crying to me when you realize how tough it really is.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I replied dryly, rolling my eyes even though he couldn’t see me. “I’ll call you tonight. I really have to go, Dad. Seriously. I’m almost there, and tell Mom I said hi.”

“Bailey…” he started, but I cut him off, ending the call before he could launch into yet another lecture.

I sank back into the seat, exhaling a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world lift just a little.

The first semester of my freshman year had finally come to a close. I should have been indulging in relaxation, catching up on sleep, or even planning a getaway.

But I was determined to prove to myself that I could stand on my own two feet. More importantly, I refused to spend the next month wallowing in thoughts of Kaleb.

I forced myself to redirect my thoughts, contemplating what I truly wanted to do with my life.

The taxi came to a halt, and my heart raced with excitement. Ridgeway & Co. This was the place I had dreamed of interning at long before I even set foot in college.

The building loomed above me, a magnificent structure of glass and steel, shimmering brilliantly under the morning sun. I stepped out, tilting my head back in awe, my mouth slightly agape.

It was far grander than anything I had ever envisioned. The front doors gleamed silver, and a stream of sharply dressed individuals flowed in and out, as if they belonged to a realm entirely separate from mine.

I tightened my grip on my bag, gathering my courage as I ascended the marble steps.

Inside, the lobby was nothing short of breathtaking. A magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling, sparkling like a constellation of stars. The floor was polished to such a high sheen that I could almost catch a glimpse of my own reflection. The air was infused with the rich aroma of coffee mingling with the scent of expensive perfume.

At the reception desk, a flurry of activity unfolded, each person moving with an air of practiced ease. They all looked important, their faces etched with determination and purpose.

I swallowed hard, reminding myself once again that I had earned this opportunity.

I stepped into the elevator, riding up to the floor designated for interns. The doors slid open to reveal a sleek, open-plan office, filled with rows of desks and expansive windows that showcased the city sprawling endlessly beyond.

Taking a deep breath, I settled into the desk assigned to me, meticulously arranging my pens, my hands trembling slightly as I fought to maintain my composure.

When the supervisor finally entered the room, I sat up straighter, eager to make a good impression. He was tall and middle-aged, exuding a friendly demeanor that instantly put me at ease.

I was prepared to nod politely, listen intently, and demonstrate my seriousness.

But then I caught sight of who was trailing behind him, and my stomach plummeted.

Kaleb.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify