Page 18 of Brazen
His smile caught me off guard. “I was talking about Paris, and my parents will like whoever I like.”
My stomach twisted. None of this felt right. “I’m going to take your word for it, but you were warned.”
I tensed and closed my eyes, holding his hand tightly, as we passed the water. When I peeked in the distance, I saw the Statue of Liberty. But I stilled as I realized we were heading to the airport. Then we switched to a private jet, and I gazed around at the leather seats.
How in the world had he flown back with me on a commercial jet if he had a plane with a kitchen, a bed, a living area, and desks? He didn’t care, though, as he went right to the cockpit.
I knew that was not the place for me. We spent the flight eating together, but otherwise, I was gawking while pretending everything was fine.
We landed on a small island. As we deboarded, he led me to golf carts, and we were whisked to the only house on the island.
The word house was too tame for the white gleaming mansion surrounded by pools and beaches. People were already inside. I grabbed a small piece of chicken on a stick and popped it into my mouth when I thought no one was looking as we walked through.
Charlie took my hand as I finished my hors d'oeuvres we walked right to the older couple in the center of the room. My eyes widened as he said, “Maman, Pedar, this is Hope.”
I squeezed him tighter and whispered, “Don’t let go of my hand.”
His mother wore lace in a way I envied. I was obviously couture, but it was her smile that caught me off guard as she said, “Aren’t you pretty? And I’m so happy for both you and Charlie.”
My stomach twisted, but I wasn’t sure why her words cut through me. “You are?”
“I was worried Charlie was never going to find someone to want to build a life together. He’s struggled for years with his charm getting in the way of seeing that a man only ever needs one woman.” She spoke as I shook her husband’s hand.
I trembled because he was New York royalty in the flesh who clearly knew everyone who was everyone, and he and his wife had created this elegant bubble we were in right now.
I glanced to my side and nodded. “Charlie is a flirt.”
One woman waved at Charlie's mother, so she excused herself. Charlie was horrible with introductions as he walked past a group. “Hope, these are my older brothers and their wives.”
I met the gazes of everyone in the line. “Nice to meet everyone.”
The women all stared at me, and I froze, unsure what to do, though all had kind faces. I needed to get a grip fast. Then we got to the single men’s table.
Charlie stopped and pointed at a dark-haired man. “And this is Kir.”
He blinked then said calmly, “Charlie has told us he’d found someone. I didn't believe it until now.”
I couldn't breathe, and my skin had pins and needles. Fuck me. We can't pull this off. A waiter offered me a champagne, which I took and gulped as I looked around.
Every one of the women was gorgeous, but all the men were in suits, including Charlie. I tugged on my shirt, which was beachy, and raised my eyebrow. “Why is everyone all dressed up?”
“Gerard and Ali are getting married. It’s why we’re here.”
My palm went to my forehead, and I closed my eyes. “Charlie, I asked what to wear. That’s when you say, ‘My brother is getting married.'”
“Sounds like my brother.” Kir laughed and walked away.
Caught. He’d never believe we were a couple now.
Charlie said as he hugged me, “I’m distracted when I’m near you, sweetheart.”
I cupped his face and, for one second, forgot where we were. “I asked a direct question, and I expect an answer.”
“I’m sorry. When I’m near you, I stop caring about details.”
Kir was with the others, and they were all staring at us. Heat rushed to my face, and I took a deep breath. All couples fought. And they thought we were in love. So I smiled up at Charlie instead of continuing. “That’s super sweet of you, but now I don’t know what to wear.”
His mother came and placed her hand on my back. I jumped, since I was sure this was it, that we were done. I turned, and his mother said, “I overheard, dear. We have tons of clothing trunks from designers. Go pick what you want to be photographed in, dear.”
