Page 54 of Win You Over
“It may seem like he has hundreds of friends, but he never lets anyone too close. He’s too afraid he’ll find they don’t like him for him.”
I swallow again, wishing I had a glass of water, when I look at her again.
“I...” I start, pushing the words out with force. “I do.”
She smiles. It’s warm and comforting and genuine. “I know you do. Because you and I are so alike. All of this,” she waves her hand around the luxury kitchen. “It means nothing. What really matters is their hearts and these Langford men have the biggest ones of all.”
“A big what?” Remington asks, stepping into the kitchen and coming to stand next to me. He smacks a kiss on my cheek and I greedily breathe in his citrusy, salty scent.
“I was telling Holden you have a big ego, like your father.”
“Holden tells me that all the time!” Remington laughs. “Nadine is wasted, Rupert has his hands full, and I fucking hate Chad, not sure why they invited him.”
“I had nothing to do with the guest list,” Charlene remarks, her hands held in surrender.
“Well, whatever. I’m stealing my boyfriend away. We’re going to eat pizza and drink beer in our room. Unless you need help here?” Remington asks.
“Shoo, go. Your dad can help me.”
I take the beers from under his arm, and he rests his free hand on my lower back, then kisses my cheek again.
“Julle twee is so oulik,” Charlene says as we leave the room. I have no idea what she said, but it makes Remington grin from ear to ear.
Chapter 21
Holden
Sitting crossed legged on the floor, we finish our pizza slices and beer. A gentle breeze pushes through the open balcony doors, but it does little to cool the humid summer air. My skin is sticky from seawater and sun cream, and when I run my hand through my hair, tiny grains of sand stick to my fingertips.
“Did you think he was hot?” Remington asks, catching me completely off guard. I raise an eyebrow, my lips pursed.
“Chad,” he adds. “Did you think Chad was hot?”
I shrug and then nod because, yeah, Chad wasverygood looking.
“Why do you ask?”
“I’m the first guy you’ve been with,” he states matter-of-factly.
I nod.
“So I guess I was curious if you were attracted to other guys or just to me.”
I look at the ceiling, mulling over his question. Did I think he was hot? Yes. Did I think Daniel, who steered the yacht today, was sexy? Also yes. Can I picture myself with either of them? No.
Because the more I’m understanding myself, the more I’m coming to realise it’s the emotional connection I need to make the physical connection work. It’s not that Remington’s a guy – sure, I very much appreciate how gorgeous he is – but it’s more that he’s him. He’s passionate and funny, and caring and considerate. He knows his worth, and he values his family. When we’re together, I feel wanted and adored. But mostly I feel safe and happy.
“I’m not sure it’s that simple,” I say, going with a vague answer instead of opening up a full discussion on my sexuality and feelings for him.
Remington’s forehead furrows. “Well, he’s a jackass,” he points out.
“Just like you then?”
He laughs, kicking his legs out and leaning back on his hands.
I clear my throat before asking, “Did you fuck him?”
Remington’s eyes darken, a smirk playing on the corner of his mouth.
