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Searching their website, I finally find the number for Book-A-Boyfriend and press call. They can be the ones to sort out this fiasco. It rings and rings and rings before going straight to a cheery voicemail greeting. I hang up and try again, impatience building as I receive voicemail once more.
Frustrated, I huff and flick my hair over my shoulder. "Well, it seems Book-A-Boyfriend is unavailable at the moment."
I turn to Wilder first, intent on dismissing him. He must see it in my face somewhere because, before I can speak, he drawls, "Now hold on just a minute, darlin'. I believe I'll be sticking around." His cheeky grin makes it clear he's enjoying this far too much.
I open my mouth to protest, but Wyatt cuts in and I note the resolve on his face. "I must agree. My services were requested and I have yet to complete the job." His staunch tone brokers no argument.
I whirl around to face Emrys, but he’s already shaking his head no at me.
I'm rendered momentarily speechless as the three men gaze at me with unwavering resolve.
Why? Just why?!
In the charged silence, Wyatt smooths his tie, reclaiming his dignified aura. Wilder waggles his eyebrows playfully. And Emrys simply watches me, a predator waiting for his moment to pounce.
Before I can collect my scattered thoughts, my mother and Annabelle return, carrying a tea tray laden with delicate cups and saucers. Showtime. I straighten my spine, tilt my chin up, and settle a knowing smile on my lips.
"Well, everything's all sorted out now!" I announce breezily before any of them can speak. "You see, these dashing gentlemen..." I trail off, letting my gaze linger on each of them in turn.
"They’re all my boyfriends." I finish with a dramatic flourish of my hand.
A stunned silence follows my proclamation. Even Annabelle looks shocked, nearly dropping the tea tray. "Your...boyfriends." My mother finally sputters.
"Why yes." I loop my arms through Wilder and Wyatt's elbows, pressed between them. "I'm a modern woman, Mother. No need to limit myself to just one man."
Emrys steps closer, his imposing frame dominating the space behind me. Just…there. I somehow find myself leaning back into his solid warmth before I can stop myself. Wilder jumps in, smooth as honey. "We may seem an unlikely match, but we all adore your Kat here." His charming wink makes my mother flush scarlet.
Wyatt, unruffled as ever, inclines his head politely. "We promise to be nothing less than devoted to her. We value your daughter immensely.”
My mother just stares, opening and closing her mouth silently like a fish out of water. For once, she seems at a complete loss for words. It’s priceless.
Annabelle is grinning wildly, enjoying this immensely. “Well Kat, I never knew you had it in you."
“I’m full of surprises.” I lift one shoulder in an elegant shrug. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, mother. I didn’t quite know how to broach the subject with you.” I angle my chin high, regarding my speechless mother defiantly, just daring her to judge me.
But she simply blinks slowly, processing.
"I guess this explains why you’re consistently thwarting my attempts at finding you a man.” Her face begins to transform into a smile and she fumbles to hand the tray of tea to Annabelle before clapping once. “Well then! How wonderful you can all join us!" She feigns excitement and joy, but her high-pitched voice betrays her shaken nerves.
But I don't care. For once, I've rendered the great matchmaker at a loss. And maybe, just maybe, this absurd scenario is exactly what I need to get out of my comfort zone.
One thing is certain–this will be a vacation to remember.
Chapter 7
I shift in my seat, surreptitiously eyeing my three unwelcome travel companions as we rocket through the air on the family’s private jet. We’re all seated in the massive almost living room-style area with wide, comfy La-Z-Boy style chairs and small tables artfully placed between sets of two. I’m sitting next to Emrys while Wilder and Wyatt are directly across from us.
Wilder is regaling Annabelle with animated stories from the hospital, reveling in being the center of attention. His charming magnetism has the flight attendants fawning and flirting every time they pass by. Even though he doesn’t return the attention, it's annoying. And intriguing. Mostly annoying though. Obviously.
Wyatt sits with refined poise, pleasantly absorbing my mother's enthusiastic ramblings about our upcoming family wedding events. His polished composure is impressive considering my mother could induce a coma with her exhaustive monologues.
Meanwhile, Emrys dominates the space beside me. His penetrating gaze remains locked on me, studying me, probing me, as if trying to peer into my soul. A predator biding his time before devouring prey.
I shift again and grab my latest romance novel, intent on escaping into its pages, when Avery–the captain’s–voice crackles overhead. "Apologies, Sharpes, we've received word of some unexpected turbulence ahead. As a precaution, we ask that you fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a bumpy ride."
I barely have time to process his words when the plane suddenly drops, sending my heart into my throat. Gripping my armrests till my knuckles turn white, I squeeze my eyes shut and take a deep breath. I've never been a good flier.
Just when I think it's over, the plane jolts violently again, my whole body tensing as items tumble around the cabin. My own rapid heartbeat thunders in my ears, drowning out the concerned murmurs around me.
