Page 44 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
“Very mature,” Phoebe mutters.
“She unblocked us a few months later. Said we should keep things civil since we were bound to bump into each other again eventually.”
She laughs bitterly. At least her defenses are coming down and I no longer feel like daggers are shooting from those beautiful blue eyes of hers whenever she looks at me.
“I don’t think it’ll work out between us,” Phoebe says quietly.
The words hit me in the gut like a rambunctious mule. I don’t breathe for the better part of a minute. I simply stare at her, desperately trying to read her. I’ve been tossing and turning in my bed every night, trying to come up with a solution to keep her close to us, to keep her safe.
Meanwhile, Phoebe has been looking for a way out. Not because she doesn’t feel the way we do—she feels it and then some—but because she’s scared. I understand that. I’ve made my fair share of bad choices out of fear.
“I thought we just cleared the air here,” I say.
“It’s not about Georgina. Not really.”
Well, fuck that. I’m not letting her slip through my fingers. Not when we’re so close to making this work.
I pull her in for a kiss. Instantly, Phoebe melts, the air rushing out of her lungs as her body rests against mine.
It’s an effortless conquest. Zero resistance.
Deep down, Phoebe knows it’s futile to fight this. And I intend to make it so clear she won’t be able to imagine a life without us.
13
PHOEBE
All of my resilience disappears. Poof, like a cloud of ashes. All it took was one kiss to blow me away.
I moan against his lips, his tongue wrestling with mine until I completely surrender, falling apart in his arms as I wrap my own around his neck.
“This isn’t a fair fight,” I manage as he raises his head to look at me, a satisfied, Cheshire-cat grin slitting his handsome, sun-kissed face.
“Nothing is fair in this life, babe,” he replies. “I’m just done with this whole I-can-do-it-all-on-my-own shtick. It was cute, even exciting in the beginning, but what you’re dealing with now, you’re going to need a support system for.”
“Theo, it’s more complicated than that.”
“Yes, I know. Mommy Dearest is trying to get you in line by threatening you with taking away your inheritance,” he says. “Are you really going to let her snuff the joy out of your life, Phoebe? You were happy in Hawaii, there’s no denying that.”
“I was. But that was a vacation. Not real life.”
He takes my hand and guides me to the door. “Ok. We’re done with this bullshit. Come on. Drastic measures are needed.”
“Wait,” I manage as he leads me into the hallway. “Where are we going? I need to go see?—”
“Whatever you were about to do, it’ll have to wait,” Theo replies.
He gives me a second to lock my door before whisking me into the elevator then into his car. Minutes pass in silence as Theo drives out of the city, the noon sky gleaming gloriously above us.
“Theo, where are we going?”
“Someplace special,” he replies, smiling as he keeps one hand on the steering wheel and one firmly on my knee. It’s as if he needs the reassurance that I’m there.
“Theo…”
He chuckles. To our right, I see the harbor, its glistening blue waters reflecting the bright sun above. Sail boats glide in the distance. Yachts are anchored, their passengers enjoying the beautiful day. Speed boats zoom past, racing frolicking jet skis.
Just ahead, the Hamptons open up with their exquisite houses and pristine lawns, luxury cafes and terraces, posh restaurants and sprawling villas.
