Page 29 of Win You Over

“I am very aware,” Remington retorts. “I had plans with my sexy boyfriend this evening and now I seem to be babysitting you.” He looks down at the garden again. “Where are Mom and Dad? Better yet, where is your fiancé?”

It’s clear Remington has fired one too many questions at Nadine for her to contemplate an answer, so she simply ignores him, turning her attention back on me.

“Don’t fuck this up, brother. He’s too nice for you to fuck and forget.”

It’s not that I’m not aware of Remington’s playboy reputation, but the reminder sits uneasily in my chest. The summer sun, and the gentle kisses, and passionate touches appear to have wiped out the reality of who we really are.

The rich, fun loving, Mr Popular and the quiet, struggling guy with less than a handful of friends. Opposites in so many ways.

“Shut it, Nadine,” Remington growls, with not even a hint of playfulness.

She makes a show of zipping her mouth shut while also trying not to laugh.

A guy I don’t recognise comes up to us then.

He’s tall and broad, his torso chiselled with a sprinkling of dark chest hair, and he’s wearing a backward baseball cap.

His eyes run a trail over Remington’s body before coming to land on me.

He gives me a dismissive nod, then claps Remington on the shoulder.

“Rem, it’s been a while,” he says, his voice warm and suggestive. My gut twists at the familiar way the guy touches Remington’s arm. The guy positions himself, so he’s standing between Remington and me. “Coming down to the pool? It would be great to catch up. Like old times.”

My heart beats like an out-of-control drum, hammering against my ribcage.

My throat tightens, air clawing at the sensitive flesh as my hand reaches for my empty pocket and I take a step back.

I don’t know what it is that has panic flashing to the surface – the noise, the people, the stone cold truth that Remington can do so much better than me, evidenced by the bronzed six foot something Greek god standing in front of me – but for the first time since we arrived, I have this urge to hide.

I take another step back, my back hitting a smaller, softer body.

Spinning around, I come face to face with Charlene.

She’s wearing a yellow sundress and a wide-brimmed hat.

Behind her, Curtis is carrying a stack of white pizza boxes.

The smell of oregano and tangy cheese fills the warm evening air.

If my stomach wasn’t churning, I’d probably salivate at the offer of fresh Italian pizza.

“Holden,” she says. “Come help me prepare the salads.” I nod and follow behind her, thankful for the reprieve that comes in the empty kitchen.

Rupert passes through, giving us a wave before dashing outside.

“He had to fetch his grandparents from the airport. He can take care of his lightweight of a fiancée now,” she remarks.

“She’ll regret all the champagne in the morning.

But, hopefully, this is her one and only wedding, so I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.

” Charlene picks up a blue cloth and wipes down the kitchen counter before leaning forward and pressing both hands to the surface, training her eyes on me.

“You don’t have to worry about Chad,” she remarks, looking at me like I’m wearing my jealousy and insecurities like a neon sign. Does she look at me and know that I know I am no good for her son? Not good enough. Not strong enough. Just not enough.

“That boy out there,” she starts, and I lift my head and see her point at the window, to where Remington is piling pizza onto a plate. “He lights up when he looks at you. You mean something to him. I wasn’t sure about your relationship at first, but I was wrong.”

I look at Charlene and then outside again. Remington is heading away from the table now, beers tucked under one arm and enough pizza to feed seven on his plate, making his way towards us.

“It may seem like he has hundreds of friends, but he never lets anyone too close. He’s too afraid he’ll find they don’t like him for him.”

I swallow again, wishing I had a glass of water, when I look at her again.

“I...” I start, pushing the words out with force. “I do.”

She smiles. It’s warm and comforting and genuine. “I know you do. Because you and I are so alike. All of this,” she waves her hand around the luxury kitchen. “It means nothing. What really matters is their hearts and these Langford men have the biggest ones of all.”

“A big what?” Remington asks, stepping into the kitchen and coming to stand next to me. He smacks a kiss on my cheek and I greedily breathe in his citrusy, salty scent.

“I was telling Holden you have a big ego, like your father.”

“Holden tells me that all the time!” Remington laughs. “Nadine is wasted, Rupert has his hands full, and I fucking hate Chad, not sure why they invited him.”

“I had nothing to do with the guest list,” Charlene remarks, her hands held in surrender.

“Well, whatever. I’m stealing my boyfriend away. We’re going to eat pizza and drink beer in our room. Unless you need help here?” Remington asks.

“Shoo, go. Your dad can help me.”

I take the beers from under his arm, and he rests his free hand on my lower back, then kisses my cheek again.

“ Julle twee is so oulik, ” Charlene says as we leave the room. I have no idea what she said, but it makes Remington grin from ear to ear.