Page 127 of Bridesmaid for Hire
I’ve hated him for maybe just as long.
But one thing is for sure—the line between love and hate is very thin, and when I was between his legs, giving him pleasure last night, I was straddling the fence.And that’s not a euphemism for his cock.
And now, he’s holding me like a lifeline.
“This is what I want. This right here.”
And if I’m honest with myself, this is what I’ve wanted as well. But is this the start of a relationship or just an island fling?I don’t have space for a boyfriend.But has that just been the excuse because I don’t have the mental energy to get to know someone new?Couldthings work out between me and Brody because I already know him?Do I want that?
I really don’t know. Getting together with Brody has never felt like a possibility because I’ve never known his real feelings. And then there’s Gary to consider.
But doIwant to give myself over? He’s hurt me once. He is still the same man who was a dick to me. Obnoxious, all-knowing, arrogant.But you’ve also seen him embarrassed and vulnerable. He might not be who you’ve believed him to be.
Gah. This is so confusing.
I think for my heart’s sake, I have to see whether this is real or just a product of something else. Location. Horniness. Alcohol.Happy pills?
For my sanity? I can hope it’s real, because there is a lot I like about Brody, but I’m going to keep my heart guarded for a while longer.
Brody missed island day.
He slept the entire time. I stayed with him until I felt like he wouldn’t notice I was gone, then I slipped out and joined the group again, not wanting to take the attention away from Haisley and their special day.
The yacht staff provided a lovely dinner on the beach and, once the sun started to set, we got back on the boat and headed toward the resort. I checked on Brody when we returned from dinner to make sure he was still alive. He was snoring up a storm, so I left him to himself.
As we breeze over the ocean, I relish my solitude on the back deck. Despite Haisley and others asking me to join them, I elected to find my own bench. You can’t feel lonely with a view like this. Everyone else is paired off and quiet, just enjoying the sights and fresh evening breeze. Haisley and Jude are up front, and she’s leaning against his chest as he holds her tightly. Reginald and Regina are up top, speaking with the captain. Hardy and Hudson are in the dining area, discussing what I can only imagine is business, while the twins are up front as well, taking pictures of the beautiful sunset.
It has to be the prettiest I’ve seen since I’ve been here. Cascades of orange, pink, and yellow span the never-ending sky, lightly dotted with a few clouds, reflecting on the water as the sun crosses the horizon.
I curl into the sweatshirt Hudson lent me since it’s chilly on the back of the boat.
I grab my phone and realize I need to text Hattie, especially after forgetting to send anything to her last night.There’s a LOT to catch up on.But I’m stopped when I see that Everly is sending me a few emails.
Maggie:Shouldn’t you be sleeping?
No surprise she texts right back. She’s turning into a workaholic like me.
Everly:Rich coming from the person who should have been relaxing instead of working on their vacation.
I smile at her snarky response.
Maggie:I’m relaxing. I’m enjoying the sunset right now.
Everly:Oh yeah? What are you doing? Are you with the Hoppers?
Maggie:Yes, they took us to a private island on a yacht trip today. I helped Haisley solve a bouquet problem, and then told her she should use her vacation rentals as bachelorette party pads. Make it a whole themed thing.
Everly:Oh my God, I’ve been working on a proposal for you with that exact same idea, but also incorporating the bridesmaid for hire angle.
Maggie:What do you mean?
Everly:So, I know how much Haisley cares about her properties. I’ve been reading up on her and her success, and I feel like she’s not going to want to risk her properties getting damaged by a bunch of drunken bachelorettes. So, I thought, what if there was a “bridesmaid for hire” included, where someone helps the bridal party have the best weekend everby planning everything out, catering to their every need, and making sure they don’t destroy the place. Almost like a butler, but they’d really be a bonus bridesmaid for the weekend. Obviously, they’re not a real bridesmaid, but they take on the duties of one so that everyone there can just relax and have fun.
Maggie:Oh my God, Everly, that is so genius.
Everly:I know (LOL). I’m still working out details and kinks and I’d love your thoughts when you get back. I don’t know if it’s something you’d want to approach Haisley with, but I think it’s at least something to consider.
Maggie:I completely agree. I love it. And I also want to explore the idea of offering up bridesmaids for hire as part of our wedding planning package to help on the big day. I know it sounds a little out there, but I think if we vetted some girls or even guys for that matter, we could make something of this.
