Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
When I glance back at the bed, a detail about last night comes to the surface. Max was in the bed with me, and I invited him.
I had a little too much to drink last night, but not so much that I don’t remember everything—the good and the bad.
The way Max held me was definitely a good part; it was wonderful falling asleep in his arms. Rick never did that. He’d hold me for about a minute after sex, then turn to face in the other direction, making me hold him if I wanted more physical contact.
Rick only ever cuddled me before and after sex, but Max held me in a way that made me feel supported, like he was there for me, being strong for me when I needed it. He was giving something to me rather than wanting something from me.
Then I remember feeling Max’s erection last night—wow. There’s another big difference between him and Rick, big being the operative word. If I wasn’t still half drunk when I felt it, I might have been either intimidated by how enormous it felt, or too horny to fall asleep—or both—but, despite his arousal, Max didn’t make a move on me.
Part of me wishes he had, though, of course, what could we have done with Miles in the room? And could I have done anything, when I have feelings for Miles too?
Something bright catches my eye on the nightstand on my side of the bed. There’s a tiny vase of pink and orange flowers that wasn’t there yesterday. Next to it, there’s a fresh iced coffee from the shop downstairs, along with a bottle of water and a small packet of aspirin.
I could nearly cry at the sweet thoughtfulness of this gesture. I don’t know if it was Max or Miles, or both of them, and it doesn’t matter, because I know they’re both such good men.
All this time, I’ve been thinking that men can’t be trusted, but it’s becoming clear that I’ve just picked the wrong men.
Max had my back last night, and Miles has been there for me at other events. Through some kind of dumb luck, it seems I’ve found two new friends. Of course, they appeal to me as much more than friends, but with there being two of them, maybe friends is all we can ever be, because I can’t imagine being able to choose one of them over the other.
After a shower, I get ready for the day while sipping on the delicious iced coffee, which was made just the way I like it. The men still aren’t back when I’m done, so I go down to breakfast by myself.
It occurs to me that I might run into Rick, but I’m feeling so much stronger than I was last night. I remind myself that he doesn’t matter to me anymore, and therefore, there’s no reason I should let him bother me.
The past is in the past, and my worries about him marrying Alexis are silly. Odds are very good that they won’t last, and I should actually be more worried about him doing to her what he did to me. Maybe I should figure out a way to warn her about him.
Despite my good spirits, I’m not particularly in the mood for socializing, so my goal is to grab some items from the buffet and disappear back up to the room, but of course, that’s not how things work out.
“Callie, I was wondering when you were going to show up.” Mom is holding a cup of coffee and a clipboard. A clipboard! So much for a relaxing start to my day.
“Good morning.”
“I might not make it to the spa on time, so I need you to review this list with the spa manager and make sure everyone gets the proper treatments.”
“Okay.”
“They’re supposed to serve a light lunch there, too, and I’ll need you to check on those details.”
I was hoping that I’d be able to get a massage along with the other women in the wedding party, but maybe that’s not part of Mom’s agenda.
After she reviews those details and gives me the related paperwork, she looks around the dining area. “Where’s Max? Will he be attending the event at the whiskey distillery with the other men?”
“I’m not sure if he’ll be attending. I’ll check with him.” I ignore her first question and hope both men are back in the room by now.
“The vans will be leaving at noon.”
“I’ll let him know.”
I fill a plate with fresh fruit, muffins, and yogurt cups, and slip out before Mom can give me more assignments. Back at the room, I’m concerned to find that the men are still absent, but Miles comes in just as I’m pulling the lid off one of the yogurt containers.
“Morning.”
“Good morning. How are you?” He asks the question like he’s genuinely concerned about the answer, reminding me of my distress last night.