AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Kathryn flushes crimson as all eyes turn to us. "It's not every father who gets three new possible sons all at once!" Roger exclaims jovially.
Whispers spread like wildfire throughout the crowd of people and I squeeze Kat’s hand in support as her entire body stiffens. But that's where it stops. Chuckles rise to join Roger’s and an irrational warmth spreads through me at his words.
To be considered part of this vibrant, eccentric family–even for pretend–it's more enticing than it should be.
Roger raises his glass. "To my two girls finding happiness, and to one hell of a week ahead!" Glasses clink amid laughter and cheers, while beside me, Kathryn rolls her eyes affectionately at her father's exuberance.
But she doesn't let go of my hand. And I find myself wondering why the hell that makes me feel so…warm.
Chapter 11
I awaken slowly, stretching languidly beneath the silky soft sheets. For a blissful moment, I forget where I am. But reality comes crashing back quickly at the sound of the low voices coming out of the suite's living area.
My three unwelcome roommates. Fantastic.
Rolling onto my back, I stare up at the ceiling and contemplate making a run for it. Childish, I know, but the thought of facing all three men at once makes me want to hide under the covers for the rest of the trip.
Things are getting far too complicated. The lines are starting to blur in dangerous ways. Their jobs are to be fake boyfriends. Yet, somehow, they’ve turned me into a jumbled mess of racing hearts, spinning heads, and tangled emotions in such a short time.
It’s all just pretend. I repeat the reminder to myself like a mantra. But it’s getting harder to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not.
Especially with Wyatt. The dance last night...the way he looked at me...his hand holding mine. It felt like so much more than part of an act.
But it's not only him.
Wilder's playful flirtations and heated gazes are starting to seem less fake and more genuine by the day.
And Emrys...beneath his silent brooding exterior lies an undeniable magnetism I'm finding hard to resist.
All three men in their own ways are leaving me dazzled, intrigued, and craving more. This was meant to be straightforward–a simple business transaction. But now, it’s anything but.
I just need to get through this week with my dignity intact and survive the nonstop family events surrounding my sister's dream wedding. Then I can return to my comfortably uncomplicated life, leaving this temporary insanity far behind.
A knock at the bedroom door jolts me from my thoughts.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" Wilder's drawl comes through the door, far too cheerful for this early hour. I groan and drag myself from the sinfully comfy bed. Checking the time, I sigh. I need to get ready for the bridesmaid brunch soon.
Throwing on my silky robe, I steel myself and open the door. Wilder grins brightly, looking unfairly awake and handsome with his messy hair and a t-shirt that stretches appealingly across his chest.
I force myself not to linger on how good he looks first thing in the morning. "Is there coffee?" I mumble.
"Fresh pot's waiting for you. I aim to please," he says with a wink.
I shuffle past him towards the kitchen, inhaling the heavenly aroma. Wyatt and Emrys are already seated at the table looking irritatingly put together.
Wyatt's eyes light up when he sees me. "Good morning, Kathryn. I trust you slept well?"
Ignoring the flutter his gravelly morning voice incites, I go straight for the coffee. The first sip is blissful perfection. As my brain starts to function again, I remember my manners. "Thanks for the coffee. Feel free to order anything from room service to eat. On me."
“I’ve never eaten off of someone’s body before, but I’m always willin’ to try new things.” Wilder winks at me, causing a deep blush to spread like fire from my head to my toes. He chuckles at my reaction before hopping up on the counter. "So what's the game plan today?"
"I've got a bridesmaid brunch. You three can explore or whatever." I studiously avoid looking at him. "We're all meeting for a family volleyball tournament this afternoon on the beach."
"Now that sounds like my kind of party," Wilder says with a grin. "I hope you're ready to see my killer spike, darlin'."
"Yes, well, just be careful. My family can be...competitive." I roll my eyes thinking of the ridiculous Sharpe Clan Olympics we do every year.
"No need to worry about me, I know it's all for fun," Wyatt assures me.
