Page 31

What the hell is going on? First Jarek, and now Pascal, of all people, sabotaging my date.

“Oh, look!” I point at the antique shop across the street. “Want to poke around in there?”

“Sure,” he says. “Let’s see if anyone tries to kick us out of there, too.”

Mack is handling this amazingly well. He’s surviving the most thoroughly sabotaged first date in Colorado history with an easy smile and his sense of humor intact.

Inside the antique shop, I finally relax. We browse the shelves and laugh at the weird things people collect. I’ve almost forgotten the coffee shop when we turn a corner and come face to face with Zander.

“Zander!” I gasp. “What are you doing here?”

I wish I hadn’t asked. I already know. All three of them, together or on their own, have decided to crash my date.

“Shopping,” he says flatly. “What else would I be doing?”

He holds my gaze a beat too long. Then he turns to Mack.

“Mr. Roberts.” His voice is dry. “I’m surprised you can step away from the Braxton this time of year. The holiday bookings must keep you busy.”

“They do, Mr. Jenson,” Mack says easily. “But I try to take a break now and then.”

I wait for Zander to tell him there’s no need for last names. He doesn’t.

“We’re looking forward to the gala.” Zander doesn’t budge from the middle of the aisle. “Pascal expects it to be perfect. I’m sure you won’t disappoint him.”

“You have my word,” Mack says. “It’ll be spectacular.”

“Wonderful.” The word is for Mack, but Zander’s eyes are on me.

Heat rushes to my face, and the tiny shop suddenly feels much tinier.

“I’ll see you back at the house.” I step around him and head for the door, with Mack right behind me.

“Good to see you again, Mr. Jenson,” Mack calls over his shoulder.

Zander doesn’t reply.

Outside, I suck in a breath of cold air and turn to Mack. “I’m so sorry for⁠—”

“Nina.” He smiles. “You don’t need to apologize. But I think I’m going to bow out of the rest of this date. Not because I haven’t had a good time. This has been the most exciting morning I’ve had in months. But you clearly already have three men who want you.”

I don’t know what to say. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Zander watching us through the shop window.

“I feel terrible,” I say.

Honestly, I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or flattered.

“Don’t,” Mack says. “I saw how they looked at you. They’re smitten. All of them. I don’t know how it’ll work out with three of them, but you’ve got options, and they’re all good ones.”

“Well, I’m still sorry. I really did have a nice time.”

“Want me to walk you to your car?”

I glance at the shop window, where Zander is still watching. “I think I’m covered.”

Mack laughs and hugs me goodbye. He truly is a good guy. And I really was trying to prove to myself that a good guy is what I need, not a trio of possessive billionaires.

But as he walks away, I realize I’m not the least bit sorry there won’t be a second date. I’m too busy wanting Zander, Jarek, and Pascal.