Page 17 of It Happened Duo
“Yes, Sophie filled my purse with some. Now stop fussing over me and worry about having a good timeyourself. Brooks is so funny and cute. Honestly, if I hadn’t met Archer first, I might have gone for him.”
The brothers approached us with our drinks in hand, and we chatted for a while. Archer had similar coloring as Brooks, but slightly darker, and while Brooks was a fun-loving, easy-going sort, Archer was an intellectual with a quietly keen sense of humor who could knock your socks off with a punchline and a devilish grin delivered at the right time.
I kept my eye on my sister until finally Archer asked Maisy to dance. Surprisingly, he had some moves, and they were enjoying themselves. I guess she’s right, that I shouldn’t worry so much about her.
Brooks sighed and leaned in. “We may be twins, but I’m not a great dancer. Otherwise, I’d ask you?—”
“Oh, no, it’s okay. I’m not sure I could dance with these heels, anyway. I’d topple over.”
“I’d catch you.” Brooks stared into my eyes with so much intention in them, but I just…I couldn’t return the look. And it wasn’t fair to him, with so many other beautiful women around he could chase after. I should make it clear I see him only as a friend.
Suddenly, over his shoulder, I spotted Rex, focused on me with his dark eyes despite the gorgeous model-type woman he was standing with, who was trying to get his attention. My heart jumped…exactly the kind of reaction I’d been fighting every time he was anywhere near me. Brooks kept talking, but I couldn’t hear a word, as if Rex held me under his spell.
It took some commotion from the dance floor to tear me away, finding a woman had interrupted Maisy and Archer. Clearly, he knew her because his face reacted, especially when the woman threw her arms around him. Maisy gasped.
Brooks reacted. “Oh shit. That’s Archer’s ex Brianne. He spent the past year pining away for her.”
When the woman let him go, there were some words exchanged we couldn’t hear, then she hooked her arm with his, and walked away with him…and Archer didn’t bother to look back.
Maisy’s face shattered, and she took off through the crowd.
“Maisy? Stop,” I ran after her, but a surge of people blocked my way as a performer took the stage and music blared from huge speakers I hadn’t noticed earlier. I pushed my way through the best I could, with my drink crashing to the ground as I got bumped along the way.
Brooks was behind me, yelling, “I’ll help you find her!”
Finally, I reached the edge of the sea of people, with a lawn stretched before me. In the moonlight, I could see Maisy running toward the beach, pretty fast given her low-sandals as opposed to my heels. I stopped to take them off and Brooks passed me by.
“Don’t worry. Let me talk to her and explain about Archer and his ex.” He took off running before I could protest, so I brought out my phone from my pocket and texted her.
Chelsea: Please come back. Let’s talk.
This played right into all my reasons for worrying about her, but I trusted Brooks to find her and bring her back.
“Is everything okay?” A deep voice behind me shocked me, and I turned right into the chest of Rex. My hands landed on his pecs and he caught me up, circling my arms in his grip. Breath escaped me as I tilted my face up, his mere inches away from mine. This close to him, my body tingled head to toe.
“Rex,” I whispered.
“Chelsea,” he whispered back. And my heart…pounded out of my chest.
11
SHE ISN’T YOU
REX
Marlena Tomason endedup an absolute bore, and much too similar to Mom for my tastes. Sure, she was satisfying to look at; a blonde bombshell wrapped up in expensive designer clothing, but not enough to keep my attention. For my mother’s sake, though, I stayed the course.
My only goal for the night was simple: put on a show with Marlena to appease my mother enough that she would approve of my building renovations. And it was working, if the glow of approval from Mom’s face was an indication—until my eyes happened to land on Chelsea.
How the hell didsheget here?
Across the party, standing with Brooks, her satin dress the color of butterscotch and silken red locks begged a touch. Her laughter rang out, and the air carried it to my ears like a song sung by angels. I should not want to know what he said that made her laugh, and for me to want to be theonly one making her laugh again, but I did. Why was I having this reaction to her every single time I saw her?
My brain went insane, fighting between keeping her away versus marching right over there, and convincing her she belonged with me. I had my plan, which didn’t involve more complications with her.
“Hm. She’s pretty.” Marlena followed my stare. “Who is she?”
“No one of consequence.” I finished off my drink, but couldn’t help glancing back at Chelsea again. Brooks whispered something in her ear and my knuckles turned white on my glass.
