Page 75 of Forking the Billionaire

Most of the weddings had been unions between my father’s business associates and their latest, youngest, trophies. My father’s third marriage had been one of the occasions. Mom had been home pretending she wasn’t crying as she ushered me into a limo to attend. We’d barely been kicked out of the Carrington manor for a heartbeat before the newest wife had been brought in.

The vibe at all of the weddings was always stuffy, dismal, and overly showy. It was pretty much the same vibe as the funerals I’d attended.

But this—the excitement, the hopefulness for a bright future between two people who truly loved each other—it was something entirely foreign to me. I watched my reserved best friend transform before my eyes. Gabriel’s expression wasn’t pinched. He was a portrait of unbridled joy.

I watched in awe as the informal rehearsal unfolded. Gabriel tensed here and there, but his joy never faltered.

To my other side, I felt Esme looking at me. When I glanced her way, she snapped her attention back to her brother. Until she didn’t.

Last night felt a world away, but the two of us were still here on this island together. Bending my usual rules by allowing Jules to accompany me to Calypso Caribella had clearly taught me nothing. Instead of establishing my usual two-night rule from the start, I was considering bending that rule again.

Then again, Esme wasn’t like any other woman I’d been with. She wasn’t like anyone. Whether it be a dare, or tease, or a mischievous look in my direction, she’d always had a way of drawing me into recklessness.

I would be here for three more days, and I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do than spend that time naked with Esme.

We’d left things without discussion of meaning or any kind of promises, but the way she wrinkled her nose at me promised everything was the same between us as it always had been. At least it was the same for her.

It didn’t matter ifIfelt something deeper. Emotions could be cured through sheer force of will. Ignore. Distract. Smile.

Laughter and excitement flowed as we left the cave and made our way to another beachside restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. The sun set during the ride, so when we arrived, conversation shifted to the fairy lights and tropical flowers decorating the stone building’s entrance.

There was a magical feel in the air as we settled down at our table. From the delicate lanterns to the soft fabric chairs, every detail here set this place apart from anywhere else we’d eaten on the island. It was as perfect as the wedding venue, which meant Esme must have picked it.

I cut a quick gaze in her direction where she was seated once again across the table from me. Then I ordered my food, sat back, and took in the easy conversation that hadn’t stopped since we’d left the cave.

“The best episode was the dance competition, hands down.” Luna pointed at Chester. “You transformed from cheese pirate to graceful fairy. But likehow?”

Laughter erupted.

“I’m a multifaceted enigma,” Chester said.

“Can’t say that day was a highlight for me,” Morgan said, her smile warm.

“You got kicked off that day.” Luna cringed. “Sorry. Still a great episode though. What about you, Linds? What was your fave episode?”

Lindsey adjusted in her seat, a slight blush creeping up her neck. “There’s too many great ones to choose from.”

“You didn’t watch it.” Layana quirked her head slightly to the side. Amusement twisted her lips.

“What?”Luna snapped her attention to Lindsey. “Our sister was on television and you didn’t watch the show? Tell me it’s not true.”

Lindsey slipped down lower in her seat.

“OMG it is.” Luna shook her head.

“I’m sorry, okay?” Lindsey said. “I’ve been meaning to. I just. I’ve been busy!”

Layana laughed. “It’s fine, Linds.”

“No it’s not,” Luna said.

Lydia said, “Agreed.Imade time and I work twice the hours you do.”

A text dinged on my phone. It was from Marc, my assistant.

Marc: Another leak today when the plumber moved the pipes in the upstairs bathroom.

Marc: No damage. All is well and under control.

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