Episode 110
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.”
Heather rises. “I’m up for some hot tub time. June, care to join me?”
June hops up, looking like a perky dandelion in that yellow getup of hers. “Absolutely. Emily, Ariel, Misty? I could use a girl’s gab fest.”
I’m surprised she included Misty in the invite, but Misty herself seems thrilled. “I’d love to,” she nearly squeals.
Ariel glances at me. Is she waiting for my response?
“I’ll have to pass,” I say. “I have some personal things to attend to, but maybe I’ll join you later.” I smile at Alex. “I’m looking forward to our date. Maybe I’ll see you later for that walk.”
He returns my smile. “Count on it.”
I leave the table—the first one to do so—and head into the mansion toward the stairway. I’m nearly there when clomping footfalls echo behind me.
Footfalls that can only belong to my brooding cowboy.
I turn and meet River’s dark gaze.
“Emily.” His voice smolders.
“Yes?”
“I’d like to see you later tonight.”
I stop my eyebrows from rising. “Oh?”
“I was hoping…”
“Hoping what?”
“You know what, Emily. I was hoping you’d choose me.”
“Were you? How was I supposed to know that? Because frankly you’ve had all the personality of a damp tea bag this evening.”
He shuffles his feet and looks down for a moment before grabbing my hand and meeting my gaze. “I’ve had my reasons.”
“And those were…?”
He doesn’t reply.
“Just as I thought. You’re going to clam up.” I turn again toward the stairway.
He grips my shoulder.
Damn. Just his touch… It sends me spiraling.
“River, please…”
“Please what? Please fuck you into oblivion again? I want to, Emily. I need to.”
“We’ve had this discussion. I allowed you the escape you needed last night. I can’t continue to be only that.”
“You’re not. You must know that.”
“I know nothing, River.” Only that my body is aching for him, but I’ll keep that to myself. “I’m here to get to know all of you, and I haven’t spent any time with Alex.”
“That’s why you chose him?”
“Partly, yes.”
“Only partly?”
“I don’t owe you any explanation, just as you don’t owe me any explanation for what you’ve done today.”
He drops his gaze to his feet.
So he’s been up to other things today as well. Fine. I don’t care.
Except I do. I hate the sliver of jealousy that careens into my belly.
“Damn it, Emily.” He grabs both my shoulders and pulls me into him, crushing our mouths together.
My knees go weak as he devours my mouth with his lips, teeth, and tongue. I respond despite myself. I can’t not respond to River Barrett. The heat between us is like a lightning bolt.
I wrap my arms around his neck. He tangles his fingers in my hair and deepens the kiss, ravishing me as if we’re in a romance novel.
I slide one hand from his broad shoulder to his muscular upper arm. His flesh burns me, sets me ablaze.
Until he breaks free.
I stand stunned, my fingers wandering absently to my stinging lips.
“Still want that date with Alex?” he asks gruffly.