Page 24 of My Best Friend's Billionaire Brother
Images of what he’d done to me, the parts of my body he’d seen, how I’d moaned his name, all coming flooding back to me in a hot flush of humiliation.
But just as quickly as our gazes meet, he pulls his away, back to whatever conversation the guys are having.
I take a seat next to Maureen, trying to ignore the terrible icky feeling building in my chest. Not now. I can deal with whatever this situation is later. But notover Chloe’s wedding weekend. I just have to keep it together. Just a few days.
“God, I can’t get over how gorgeous your ring is,” Maureen says, leaning forward in her seat to get a better view of Chloe’s finger.
Chloe obliges with a smile, holding out her hand. “Isn’t it? Designed by Ezra Bishop himself—you know, the famous New England jeweler?”
“How’d you manage that?” Maureen asks.
Chloe shrugs a shoulder, pulling her hand back and staring lovingly down at the ring on her finger. “Ezra is a cousin of the King brothers—you know, Asher? He and Turner went to school together. Connections, connections,” she chuckles.
I spend the flight trying to not glance back at Will and trying to suppress my horrible range of emotions. A few hours later, we touch down in Cabo, and we step out to warm, balmy weather and palm trees. My nerves are momentarily overrun during the gorgeous car ride past glistening ocean waves to our resort—a practical mansion set high on a cliff overlooking the sea.
We gape in awe upon entering. One side of the villa hosts the rooms for the wedding party, while the other side will host rooms for family. Out back is a huge pool overlooking the ocean, surrounded by chairs, tables, and lounge cushions.
Next door is a lavish villa where the ceremony and reception will take place with even more stunning views.
I meet Chloe’s gaze and laugh. Of course her parents would shell out this type of money on her destination wedding.
As everyone wanders off to claim rooms, I try to glance around and catch Will’s eye. Maybe we could have a private moment to chat. If not to iron out what exactly happened between us, then to at least clear the air before the wedding. But he’s practically glued to Turner’s side, helping him carry in the luggage.
I spend the rest of the night hoping to find some time to speak with him, but he keeps his distance.
The next day is much the same. Although I’m also occupied as I end up helping Chloe and the rest of the bridesmaids steam dresses and get everything ready for both the rehearsal dinner tonight and the ceremony tomorrow.
Just as the sun begins sinking toward the horizon, we don our rehearsal dinner outfits and prepare for the night. As the caterers are setting up the dinner in the main hall, the wedding party gathers at the villa next door to rehearse.
Chloe and Turner are as giddy as you would expect, stealing glances at each other and giggling.
As I walk down the aisle, pretending to hold a bouquet and imagine a crowd watching me, I try my hardest to make eye contact with Will. He glances at me for just a second before looking away, out at the ocean.
I stand at the front, glaring at the ground in frustration as the rest of the bridesmaids glide down the aisle, followed by Chloe. We finish the rehearsal to cheers from everyone, and I try to push away my sour mood—for Chloe’s sake.
Whatever Will’s problem is, it’s not something that can be solved this weekend. And you know what? Maybe it’s time I finally face it. That William Summers is just a jerk. A grumpy, asshole jerk who just uses women and throws them away. I was dumb enough to fall for it, and I’m paying the consequences.
Deal with it, Josie, I chide myself, pushing down the lump in my throat.
I make it through the rehearsal dinner by sitting as far away from Will as humanly possible, glad my view of him is obstructed as well. I focus on chatting withChloe, trying to enjoy the delicious food and gorgeous view of the sunset over the water.
Relatives stand and give their good wishes to Chloe and Turner, raising their glasses and toasting. The drinks are flowing, and after a few, I’m feeling less and less upset by the whole ordeal. After all, heartbreak happens, frustration happens. Why should I let Will’s lack of good manners upset me?
As the night wears on and people begin drifting off to their rooms, Chloe and the rest of us girls pile onto a few of the lounge chairs, staring up at the stars and sipping on champagne.
“I’m getting married tomorrow,” Chloe says with a wistful smile.
I reach out to squeeze her arm. She turns her head toward me, smiling.
As the moon climbs higher into the sky, we finally decide it’s time for bed. “After all, you need your beauty sleep before the big day,” Evie reminds Chloe with a laugh.
We head back to our rooms, Chloe reminding us to meet up in the morning to begin preparations, and then we’re off to our own separate rooms.
I shut the door behind me, step out of my heels, and sigh. Yawning, I head to the bathroom, freeing myself of jewelry and unclipping my hair from its updo. I reach behind me to unclasp the back of my dress but struggle to find the zipper. I try reaching over my head, but that doesn’t work either. With a sigh, I turn around, glancing over my shoulder to see the back of my dress in the mirror.
I tug delicately on the zipper that I can barely reach. Ugh. Is it stuck? I tug harder, but to no avail.
I roll my eyes. Maybe one of the girls can help me.
