Page 47 of My Ex-Best Men (Ex Marks the Spot #4)

***Claire***

W e returned to the dinner and I found my new seat between Sophia and Will.

I’d changed into one of Uncle Sal’s new choice of dresses for me and I couldn’t miss the appreciative glances my guys sent my way as I took my place.

The white slip dress hugged my figure and stopped mid-thigh, which was reserved compared to some of Uncle Sal’s previous choices.

I knew what the guys were seeing, though.

The material and color of the dress created a magical guessing game of whether or not it was see-through.

Every shift had them leaning closer and looking harder.

I’d barely gotten out of the house with it on without Zane tearing it off.

My wet hair was piled on top of my head in a bun and my glasses kept sliding down my nose but I felt sexy. I found myself moving differently, even, doing things with more of an exaggerated reach to tease my guys.

Sophia leaned over after the waitstaff had cleared our dinner plates. “Don’t take this the wrong way but if you ever made a sex tape with Zane and Anthony, I’d buy a dozen copies and watch it nightly. The energy between y’all is so hot.”

Will leaned forward, his expression sour. “Really, Sophia?”

She didn’t even blush. “Obviously you agree with me.”

Jake raised his eyebrows. “About what?”

“I was saying that if Claire made a sex tape with Anthony and Zane, I’d buy it.” Sophia fanned herself. “I’d have to blindfold you before we watched it because you can’t see Claire like that but you’d enjoy the benefits of me watching it.”

“Soph!” I was as red as a tomato. Shoving my glasses up my nose, I shook my head. “No one is making a sex tape.”

“Why not?” Madeline’s cold voice was a bucket of ice water, reminding me that she was there. She tilted her head to the side and her pretty face remained blank, despite the aggression I felt coming from her. “You’re obviously pretty open sexually.”

Will stiffened beside me and I could feel him start to respond but once again I found myself wanting to stop any drama before it started. I grabbed his hand under the table and squeezed.

“Why not make a sex tape?” I laughed, being sure to keep it light. “Probably because the idea of anyone actually watching it would leave me dead from humiliation. Being open with the men I care about is a long way away from strangers watching my body during…that.”

“And there’s the fact that I’d never let anyone else see what’s mine.” Anthony met Madeline’s gaze with a cold one of his own. “Ours.”

Sophia leaned into me and groaned. “So. Hot.”

“There are two other men seeing what’s yours every time you have sex, right? Or am I not understanding how this works?” Madeline waved a dismissive hand around as she said ‘this’.

Zane leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. “Doesn’t seem like you’re all that understanding.”

Jake nodded and shot her a stern look, which was wildly out of character. “Seems like you’d be one of the first ones to buy up that tape, Madeline. You’re so curious.”

I could feel everything going off the rails and started to panic. I grabbed my glass of wine and did the only thing I could think to do. I stood up and cleared my throat. “A toast!”

Everyone looked up at me, including Madeline. She stared at me with a disgruntled look on her face that promised violence if I wasn’t careful. Crazy bitch…

“I’m not going to give the long, dramatic speech that I have prepared for tomorrow.

I just want to raise a glass to my best friend and her other half.

Sophia, you couldn’t have found a better man for you.

Jake, you couldn’t have found a better woman.

Period. Sophia is way out of your league.

” I grinned at him and then captured Sophia’s hand.

“I’m so happy for you. From the day I met you, you took me in and claimed me as your own.

You did the same thing to Jake and I think it has to be said that you’re amazing at claiming the people you want and holding onto them.

And we’re all so lucky to have been claimed by you, Soph.

I love you so much and I can’t wait to watch you walk down the aisle tomorrow. ”

Jake popped out of his seat and gave me a tight hug. “You love me, too?”

I let out a watery laugh and hugged him back just as hard. “I do love you, Jakey.”

Sophia wedged her way into the hug and we both laughed as we both struggled to fight the tears that wanted to fall. “I love you, C. Tomorrow, it’s my turn, but it’ll be your turn soon and I can’t wait to make emotional speeches to make you cry.”

Blushing, I pushed her away and sank back into my seat just as the dessert course was being brought out. Will tugged me closer and then let out a frustrated growl before pulling me into his lap and wrapping his arms around my waist. I tried to slide back into my chair but he held me tight.

“Let me hold you.” His voice was rough. “It’s the only thing keeping me from spilling my guts right here and now about how much I care about you, Claire.”

I let out a soft breath and cupped his face in my hands. “I care about you, too.”

“No, not him! I don’t want to see you making sex eyes at my brother. Climb on Anthony or Zane! Sophia broke the tension and earned a deep laugh from Will.

Zane perked up. “I’m ready and willing to be climbed on.”

Jake’s mother happened to be passing by. “Oh?”

Jake groaned. “Mom!”

Zane winked at me and then smirked at Jake. “Let your mom live, man. If she wants to climb on, who am I to stop her?”

“Oh!” The excitement in that one syllable was enough to make Zane’s eyes go wide. He’d clearly underestimated Jake’s mom.

A few seconds later, the older woman was settling herself on Zane’s lap, her arms wrapped around his head while she clutched his head to her ample chest. Zane’s arms and legs kind of flailed as he avoided touching her as much as possible and the muffled sounds he made just added to the complete kerfuffle of it all.

“Mom!” Jake looked like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to run away or drag his mom off of Zane first.

“Well, this leads nicely into the next events of the night.” Madeline cleared her throat and stood up. “The bachelor party will be held down the street at Moe’s. The bachelorette party will be held right here, in the smaller ballroom.”

“Bachelorette party?” I looked at Sophia and saw she was just as confused as I was.

“I thought we were just going to skip them.” Sophia did look a little excited, though. “Are there going to be penis straws?”