Page 8 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
“You, on the other hand,” Dominic chimes in, “are voluptuous. Men painted women like you in centuries past. Poems were written about your curves. Songs were composed to honor your beauty. Don’t think for a second that we’d have said yes to this trip if we weren’t drawn to you.”
The air shifts between us. The chemistry swells to the point where I need my brain to do a full switch from yesterday to tomorrow, because my world is about to change in ways I didn’t even think were possible.
I got on this plane feeling unlovable, as the lesser Baldwin. But these men are doting on me, determined to make me feel like I’m the prettiest girl in the world. Determined to make me feel seen.
“You’re too kind, gentlemen,” I say, trying to crack through the tension.
Heat gathers in my core, tightening my throat and making it harder to breathe as a whiff of Dominic’s cologne tickles my nose. Musk and tobacco notes dance as the fragrance plays a game with my head, creating decadent scenes in my imagination.
“We’re simply being honest,” he says.
“And it looks like we’re going to be spending the next couple of weeks reminding you of who you really are, Phoebe Baldwin,” August decrees, somewhat amused as I finally find the strength to look away from his twin brother, only to find myself trapped by another pair of dark, hungry eyes. “The best Baldwin there is.”
I allow myself a small smile and take a sip of champagne. Slowly but surely, the bubbles of sweet alcohol work their way through my system, loosening my frayed nerves as I give each of them an approving nod.
“I might as well enjoy this trip, right?”
“Damn right,” Theo replies.
My phone vibrates. He notices.
“One thing we’re going to have to do while we’re in Hawaii is limit screen time,” he adds. “It’ll take a while for this whole thing to die down.”
“I’m not sure I want it to die down,” Dominic says.
“Really? I definitely do,” I mutter as I check the incoming message.
“Matthew did more than just hurt you with the way he ended things. He basically made an enemy out of the three of us,” Dominic insists. “I’m not one for petty vengeance, but I do want to see that prick suffer for what he did.”
“I’m genuinely ashamed that we were friends with him to begin with,” August adds with a heavy sigh.
My nerves tick up as I read the message.
You think this is a game? Don’t get too comfortable.
Unknown number, but the words are clear. I don’t know who this is, but they seem determined to hurt me. Why am I the one being targeted still? And for what reason? Matthew got what he wanted. I’m just trying to move on with my life.
“Something wrong?” Dominic asks.
I realize I’ve been quiet for too long. I put the phone away and pick up my champagne glass, mustering a generous smile. “Just hoping we’ve got enough of this fine bubbly for the rest of the flight.”
“Perks of flying first class,” Theo says. “Though I think the pleasure of our company trumps every measure of alcohol on this plane.”
“I’m inclined to agree,” I shoot back with a giggle.
We clink our glasses, Dominic’s thumb stealing a brief touch against my hand. It’s a delightful sensation, quietly carrying the promise of even better things to come. Should I decide to take it to the next level, that is.
And I just might.
Do I think this is a game? No. But I’ll be damned if I’ll let anyone rain on my parade ever again.
3
PHOEBE
Just fun in the sun. That’s all this is. That’s all it’s supposed to be.
I keep telling myself that as I gather the courage to take my first steps onto the resort’s private beach. My suite’s sprawling terrace opens directly onto it. The view is breathtaking—an endless blue divided between the ocean and clear skies, the water lapping gently at the golden shore.
