Page 137 of Better When Shared
“It’s funny. I suddenly feel rejuvenated.”
“Rejuvenated. Really? Why did I suck the cock of such a dork?” I wondered if my urge to tease him had always masked a secret crush, or if this was all new. Since I’d seen his abs.
“And why do you want to do it again?” He wasn’t wrong.
Gemma grinned knowingly. “And again and again.”
Chapter 10
Gemma
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
The Mediterranean sun hit my skin like liquid gold as we stepped off the gangway, and I felt something shift inside me—a loosening of the tight control I'd maintained for so long. The port stretched before us in shades of terracotta and azure, all palm trees and pristine beaches that made my carefully organized life back in Bath seem like a distant memory. After dinner, Enzo and Brian had slept on the couch again, but things had shifted between us, and I knew I wanted more of what they were offering, even if I wasn’t quite sure how I fit into the equation yet.
I'd spent the morning researching the most exclusive beach clubs, calling ahead and making reservations. Now, watching Brian and Enzo flanking me as we walked toward our destination, I felt a surge of power that I rarely felt outside the boardroom.
The check-in process was seamless, and the private cabana I'd booked was what I'd hoped for—a slice of paradise tucked away from the crowds, complete with our own infinity pool that seemed to spill directly into the Mediterranean. Tall hedges on either side of the pool provided privacy from other guests, while the open-sided cabana housed a plush daybed, a small table and chairs, and a bathroom and shower in the back. The staff had already set up champagne on ice, fresh fruit, and fluffy towels that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary.
"Damn, Gemma." Enzo spun around, dropping his canvas bag onto the pristine white deck. "This is incredible."
I felt a flush of satisfaction at his reaction. Money had always been a tool for me—a way to ensure efficiency, to solve problems, to maintain the standards the Bancroft name demanded. But today, I was using it for pure pleasure. I was creating an experience that had nothing to do with business and everything to do with the two men I was with.
"Only the best for my boys.”
My boys.I flushed, embarrassed at having called them that because they definitely weren’t. I busied myself with laying out a beach towel and tugging off my coverup, tossing it on the hook.
The white bikini I'd chosen was more revealing than anything I'd ever worn in public, but the way both men's eyes tracked my movements made me feel powerful rather than exposed.
Brian set down his methodically packed beach bag, his gaze taking in every detail of our surroundings with that analytical focus I was coming to adore. "This probably costs more than I make in a month."
"Probably." I grinned, reaching for the champagne. The bottle was perfectly chilled, condensation beading on the glass. "But why do I work so hard if I can’t treat two sexy men to an extravagant day on vacation?"
Enzo sprawled next to me with a happy groan, his board shorts riding low on his hips in a way that made my mouth water. "I have to ask. Why haven't you booked a flight back yet? Two days ago, you were ready to bail, and now you're renting private cabanas and ordering champagne."
I paused with the champagne flute halfway to my lips, considering the question. The truth was, I wasn't entirely sure myself.
Something had shifted since Valencia, since watching Brian kiss Enzo against those ancient stones, since the intimate moments we'd shared in the suite's bathroom. I wanted more, and I wasn’t sure how to ask for it.
"Andrew has things handled back at the hotel," I said instead. It was true. My COO was more than capable of managing things in my absence. I'd promoted him for that reason. "I planned this vacation, paid for it, and researched every stop. And you were right, I might as well enjoy it."
Enzo nodded. “You know we think you’re a badass in the boardroom, but it’s not healthy to never take a break.”
Brian just nodded. His smile was small but genuine, and I didn't miss the way his eyes crinkled with approval.
The champagne was perfect—crisp and dry with bubbles that danced on my tongue. I watched as Brian and Enzo began stripping down to their swimwear, and felt heat pool low in my stomach at the sight. Brian's chest was even more impressive in the bright Mediterranean sunlight, all defined muscle and pale skin that begged to be touched. Enzo's darker complexion gleamed as he stretched, his tattoos shifting with every movement.
"You should get in the pool.” My voice had come out huskier than intended. "Cool off."
Brian set his glasses on the table and tugged off his t-shirt, then glanced back at me. "What about you?"
I took another sip of champagne, feeling bold and reckless. "I'll watch for now. The view is quite spectacular from here."
Enzo's grin was wicked. "You know what would make the view even better?"
I raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"Skinny dipping.” His fingers already moving to the waistband of his board shorts. "When are we going to get another chance to swim in a pool with complete privacy?"
