Page 67 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Thanks, Ave,” I reply, grateful for her understanding.

“Miss, I hate to interrupt,” the driver says, his voice apologetic as he catches my eye in the rearview mirror, “but I do have other passengers to pick up. Would you mind stepping out now?”

“Of course. Sorry,” I mumble, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. Sighing, I push the car door open and step out onto the warm sand, trying to ignore the uncomfortable sensation of being exposed.

“See? Not so bad, is it?” Avery grins, offering me a hand as she hops out of the car herself.

The sun casts its golden rays over the crystal-clear water, creating an almost hypnotic effect. I can’t help but be taken aback by the beauty of the scene before me; it’s been too long since I’ve allowed myself to enjoy a day at the beach.

“Wow, this place is incredible,” Iris exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.

“It really is,” I agree, momentarily forgetting my insecurities. “I think I needed this.”

“Of course you did, Oakley,” Avery chimes in with a knowing smile. “We all need a little break sometimes.”

“Speaking of breaks, where are the guys?” I ask, scanning the beach for any sign of them.

“Oh, they’re just up ahead,” Avery replies, pointing in the direction of a group of people lounging on colorful beach towels.

“How did you know that?” Iris asks. “There’s a million people here.”

“You see Theo? He’s hard to miss, isn’t he? Tall, dark, and handsome…I’d be able to find him anywhere.”

“Down, girl, you’re practically drooling.” Iris rolls her eyes.

A gust of warm ocean breeze ruffles my hair as I watch Avery stride confidently toward the boys, making her presence known. With a deep breath, I allow myself to indulge in a brief fantasy. In it, I’m surrounded by the three brothers—Theo, Gray, and Reid—all vying for my attention, their hands sending shivers down my spine as they brush against my sun-kissed skin. The thought sends a thrill through me, igniting a fire that I’ve been trying to ignore.

“Hey, Theo!” Avery calls out, waving with a bright smile. Her voice breaks through my reverie, leaving me both relieved and disappointed.

“Oakley, you’re blushing,” Iris teases, elbowing me gently. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” I lie, forcing a casual laugh. “Just admiring the view.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” she says playfully, arching an eyebrow but dropping the subject.

As we approach the guys, I can’t help but steal glances at Theo. His broad shoulders glisten under the sun, and the sight sends a jolt of desire through me. Damn him and his stupid, sexy physique.

“Hey, ladies,” Reid greets us, his grin infectious. “You made it!”

“Wouldn’t miss a day at the beach with you guys,” Iris responds, beaming.

“Hey, Oakley, are you joining us for a swim?” he asks, his bright green eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Thanks, Reid, but I think I’ll pass this time,” I reply, patting the book tucked under my arm. “I brought something to read and just want to relax.”

“Suit yourself,” Reid says with a shrug. He turns to his sister. “What about you?”

“Count me in!” Iris exclaims, already peeling off her cover-up to reveal a stunning bikini that leaves little to the imagination. Reid and Iris race to the water.

I watch as they splash into the crystal-clear waves, Gray already waist-deep and beckoning them over. The sight of their happiness is infectious, and I smile as I find the shadiest spot I can.

As I settle down on the warm sand, I take a deep breath, inhaling the salty tang of the ocean mixed with a hint of coconut sunscreen. The sounds of laughter and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore create a soothing soundtrack, perfect for losing myself in the pages of my book.

I open the novel to where I left off and become immediately engrossed, the steamy romance between the characters temporarily taking me away from my own complicated feelings. It feels good to escape, even if just for a little while.

The heroine’s passionate encounters with not one, but three gorgeous men mirror my growing attraction to Theo, Gray, and Reid. As much as I hate to admit it, the thought of being pursued by all of them sends a thrill down my spine, igniting a fire within me like I’ve never experienced before.

“Hey, Oakley.” Theo’s deep voice interrupts my reverie, causing my heart to skip a beat. “How did things go with your family earlier?”

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