My Bff's Billionaire Brother

By Stormi Dawn

A secret crush. A gay billionaire in the closet. And he's my best friend's brother.

 

Bertie Franco is a walking, breathing work of art. Tall, dark blond hair, and with a sculpted body crafted by the gods. So freaking beautiful.

I'm Shakti Lamont. As an openly gay New York struggling avant-garde artist, I've always wanted to capture Bertie on canvas. He is like Michelangelo's David. I just want to run my hands down his glorious body …

 

Bertie was my secret crush for years. I could tell he liked me too, but we never pursued it. So when his sister Lotus – a strong, openly bisexual woman who happens to be my best friend — invited me to spend the summer in the Hamptons with the entire family, I jumped at the chance to be with him.

The world sees what Bertie wants it to see: a straight, impeccably dressed guy with a sharp mind, impeccable business acumen, and no-nonsense approach to deals.

I know the truly gorgeous guy inside. The passionate lover whose body is turned on just by my sultry voice. The one who struggles to reveal his true self to his conservative family.

But maybe I made a mistake coming here. My career is taking off. And Bertie seems hesitant to come out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stormi Dawn
• Release date: May 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215938591

Book preview

1

THE INVITE – SHAKTI

The café I’m currently wallowing in is called pinkFROG—yes, spelled exactly like that—and as I stare at the blank canvas in front of me, I can’t help but think how ridiculous this whole situation is. I’ve been here for hours, lost in thought, trying to come up with something, anything, that I can put into color.

I’ve been struggling for weeks now, unable to find any inspiration or motivation to create. I spent entire afternoons at a so-called avant-garde art space in Williamsburg (it turned out to be a basement rented out by two hipsters), tried to wrangle a spot at an exhibition in a Bed-Stuy living room, and even turned to Midjourney in desperation. Yet, here I am, feeling lost and alone, unsure of where to turn next.

I take a sip of my iced Americano and glance around the room, hoping for some inspiration. The coffee shop is filled with the usual assortment of hipsters, writers, and artists, all busy working on their laptops or scribbling in their notebooks. I feel a pang of jealousy at how ardently they’re working—how sure they are of themselves and their work. When was the last time I drew that confidently?

That’s when Lotus walks in, her golden-blonde hair tied up in a messy bun as usual. She’s dressed in a simple, strapless maxi dress with ankle-length boots—a style both classy and grunge, quintessentially Lotus. The sunlight shines on her muscled shoulders and the golden lion from the Sri Lankan flag inked on them. It’s one of the dozen or so countries she’s traveled across. Not to but across. Lotus is literally the coolest person I know.

Unbelievably, she’s also my best friend.

Lotus sits down across from me, and a few strands of hair fall across her face as she leans in to give me a hug. She’s the work of art. Hey there, Shakti, she says, her voice as warm and welcoming as ever. What’s going on? You look like you’re in a funk . . .

I sigh, running a hand through my wavy hair. I don’t know, Lottie. I’m just feeling stuck, you know? Like I’m not sure what to do next.

She gives me a sympathetic look, her blue eyes filled with understanding. Eyes that remind me of another pair of eyes, so similar yet so different. But I wave away those thoughts as I hear her say, I know exactly what you mean. But hey, I’ve got an idea that might cheer you up.

She leans in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. You know how my family’s got this amazing beach house out in the Hamptons? I was thinking . . . we could go spend the weekend there. Catch some waves, eat some oysters, maybe get some inspiration for your art. What do you say?

My heart leaps at the prospect of getting out of the city and spending time in a place filled with vineyards and artists. There’s the Art Village in Southampton, and also the Shinnecock School, where I actually know a few art teachers. But I’m still hesitant about leaving Brooklyn, my safe space and cocoon.

But then Lotus drops the bombshell.

Oh, and Bertie will be there too.

Bertie. Lotus’s older brother . . . and the one man who could make my heart race faster than a drugged-up bull. I met him years ago at a party in high school. He was perfectly polite and reserved, yet his eyes lingered on me in a way that could only be described as yearning.

I try to play it cool, but I can feel my cheeks flushing as I asked, Really? Bertie’s going to be there?

Lotus grins knowingly, clearly aware of my crush on her brother. Yup, he’ll be there. So, what’s it gonna be? Are you coming with me to the Hamptons?

I don’t need any more convincing, and I’m too flustered—too excited—to even pretend otherwise. Yes, absolutely. When do we leave?

We spend the next hour planning our trip, discussing travel dates and the supplies I’ll need to pack. But all the while, I can’t stop thinking about Bertie. I know I’m being foolish, but I can’t help my feelings. There’s something electric about that man, and the prospect of spending a weekend in close proximity to him is almost too much to handle.

As we’re preparing to leave the cafe, Lotus gives me a knowing look. "Listen, I know you have a thing for Bertie. But don’t get your hopes up too high, okay? You know how he is, right? He won’t even look at gay couples for fear that the board— she looks disgusted when she says that word—will catch wind of the fact that he’s gay and then he’d be kicked out of his CEO position or something. He’s still very much in the closet, Shakti, you know that, right?"

I try to play it off, but I can feel my heart sinking at her words. I know she’s right, but I can’t help feeling a little defiant. The world is changing rapidly. Even the business world.

But as I walk home, my mind racing with endless possibilities, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this weekend will be different. Maybe we can finally spend some time alone together, without the distractions of our families or anyone else around. Maybe I can finally tell him how I feel, and maybe, just maybe, something could happen between us.

For the first time in months, I feel truly alive. The prospect of spending time in the Hamptons with Lotus and Bertie has filled me with a sense of excitement and anticipation, and I can’t wait to see what the weekend might bring.

But as I walk into my apartment, my stomach begins to churn with anxiety. What if Bertie doesn’t feel the same way about me? What if I imagined that look all those years ago? I try to push those thoughts aside,