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She arched a brow at me. “Belinda Emory? She’s a plus-size cover model.”
Tobias nodded. “She’s built like sex on two very long legs.”
“Just like you,” Aithan added.
I stared at them. “I am?”
Candace and Tobias stared back at me, and she said, “Seriously? You really don’t know how hot you are?”
“Um, no?” I replied, wondering deep down if they were just being nice.
As if reading my thoughts, she said, “We’re being one hundred percent honest, Zel, not blowing smoke up your ass.”
Tobias nodded. “You could be a super model.”
“You’re tall and curvy and gorgeous,” Candace added. “And if you don’t put on that robe, I’ll be forced to leave because Aithan and Tobias will jump you like horny dogs smelling a bitch in heat.”
“Candy!” Tobias looked mortified and shoved her as she laughed.
Aithan just nodded, his expression thoughtful. “She’s not wrong.”
I chewed my lip, still trying to decide if all of them were complimenting me to spare my feelings.
Candace pulled out her phone. “Here. I’ll show you Belinda Emory.” She did a quick search and held it out to show me a stunning, curvaceous brunette in a string bikini.
“Oh, I’ve seen her.” I scrolled through a few more pics of her in other swimwear. She was sexy and confident, obviously comfortable in her skin in a way that I so was not.
“Now, look at her then look at yourself.” Candace indicated the mirror in the powder room opposite the kitchen.
I stared at the model then slowly took a step to the side to see myself in the distant mirror. Same high cheekbones and long, wavy hair. Same small waist, curvy hips, and ample boobs. Same long legs.
“How tall are you?” she asked.
“Five-eleven.”
Tobias said, “Goddamn, woman, I can’t believe modeling agents aren’t chasing you down the street.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I was approached a few times when I was in New York on business. I just — I don’t know — didn’t take them seriously. I thought they were creepers.”
Aithan shook his head. “The only reason you’re not walking runways is your lack of confidence.”
He was spot-on about my total lack of self-assurance. I shook my head. “That’s not a lifestyle I’d want. I like narrating books. I like living in other peoples’ worlds, and I’m paid well to do it. I’d never return those calls. I don’t want to be noticed like that.”
Candace leaned against the kitchen counter. “That’s fair, but can you understand now what those scouts saw in you? Can you see what makes Aithan and Tobias, and your friend Drew, pant when you’re around?”
Tobias palmed his face. “Can you stop?”
She answered him with a wicked grin.
I shrugged. “Maybe?” I turned away from my reflection. “I don’t know, Candace. I’m not confident like you or like my half-sister.” I laughed humorlessly. “She’s petite, blonde, andoozesself-assurance. Men fall at her feet, and she walks all over them.”
“You hate her?” Aithan asked.
I tilted my head and gave a little shrug. “Sometimes. Definitely did when we were teens, though I adored her when I was little. But she thinks I can’t do anything for myself.”
He scowled. “That’s absurd.”
“I know.”
