Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“But,” Misty continues, “even though I’d love to choose all four of you, I’ve decided on”—she gazes down the table to River, who’s refusing eye contact with her—“Brett.”
River’s eyebrows nearly fly off his forehead.
He was definitely expecting her to choose him.
Brett rises and takes Misty’s hand. “I’m delighted,” he says. “I promise you an unforgettable evening, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart? Maybe Brett calls everyone sweetheart. Did he call me sweetheart in the hot tub this morning? Goodness, I can’t recall.
I glance at River, and his gaze meets mine. Is that the beginning of a smile edging onto his gorgeous mouth?
I raise my eyebrows at him, but the smile doesn’t form.
I’d like to choose him. The idea has a lot of merit. I wouldn’t mind some more of his exquisite gymnastics in the bedroom. Or on the beach. Or anywhere else.
But my God, he’s been a downer this evening.
“Excellent choice, Misty,” Evangeline says. “Just to reiterate, Emily, Brett is still in the running for you. Have you decided who you’d like to spend tomorrow evening with?”
I glance once more at River.
“Yes,” I say. “I’ve chosen.”
EPISODE 110
EMILY'S CHOICE
Emily
“Don’t keep us in suspense, English rose,” Sebastian says across from me.
I smile at the gorgeous rocker, and for a split second, I consider changing my answer and choosing him. We have unfinished business from the first night, but he hasn’t given me much of a look since then. Still…he’s quite the epitome of magnetic allure. I’ll steer clear of Brett. No need to get into more competition with Misty when I’m not overly interested in him anyway.
River, on the other hand…
Has Misty changed her mind and decided not to pursue him? Or is she simply being her manipulative self? This whole thing screams of ulterior motive.
I meet River’s gaze.
Damn, he’s good-looking. It’s those chiseled features, that rugged charm…not to mention his lovely cock and how he uses it. But it’s more than that. It’s not just his good looks and his prowess in bed. There’s something else…and I’d swear he feels it too.
Once more, his lips seem to want to edge into a smile, but something keeps it at bay.
In a flash, I change my initial choice. I clear my throat and speak quickly before I have the chance to rethink. “I choose Alex.”
Alex, sitting next to me, turns to me with a beaming smile on his handsome face. “I was hoping you’d choose me,” he whispers. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with you. Are you still up for a walk tonight?”
“Perhaps,” I say coyly. “Let’s just see where the evening takes us.”
He squeezes my thigh under the table, and I give him a smile.
“Very good,” Evangeline says. “Tomorrow evening, Brett and Misty will have a private date, as will Alex and Emily. Gentlemen, I’ll leave it to you to plan something memorable for the ladies. I’m planning a fun event for the rest of you. You’ll get details tomorrow morning. Thanks to all of you for taking part in the cook-off. I know it’s been a bumpy start to this event, and I feel certain things will go more smoothly from here on. Do any of you have any questions for me?”
No response.
“Are you sure? Because I’m feeling a little overwhelmed, and I believe I’ll retire to my suite.”
River stands. “One thing, Evangeline.”
“Yes, of course, River. What do you need?”
“I’d like to speak to you in private before you head up.”
I tilt my head, gazing at River. I’ve purposefully looked away from him since I chose Alex. River could have been my original choice, but he never so much as smiled at me. I’m not one to punish people, but if he wants me, he’s going to have to make it clear. Besides, I like Alex, and I haven’t spent any time at all with him. I may as well see if there’s any chemistry there.
Though the chemistry River and I share could ignite a firestorm…
“All right, River.” Evangeline sighs. “Of course.”
River nods.
“I need to talk to you too, Riv,” Sebastian says. “And it can’t wait.”
“And I need to talk to all of you,” Brett says. “You too, Evangeline.”
“Is Sienna coming back?” Ariel asks.
“I honestly don’t know,” Brett replies. “But I made it clear that we all want her to.”
“And what about Rachel and Ginger?” Heather queries. “Is Rachel okay?”
Brett starts to speak, but Evangeline interrupts him. “In the morning, we’ll update all of you on Rachel and Ginger. I need to speak with the gentlemen first, but rest assured that Rachel is doing fine, and she knows that all of you wish her well.”
Heather lets out a breath. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Me too,” June agrees.
More murmurs of agreement echo over the deck.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening, ladies,” Evangeline says. “The staff will clear off the deck. Sergio and Melina are available for massage therapy this evening if any of you are interested. Or of course there’s the pool, hot tub, and beach. Movies in the theater room. Whatever your hearts desire.”