“I’ve only been here one day, there is no way Rhett is doing anything but being kind to me,” I point out. “He knows nothing about me. You don’t form any sort of attraction with a person that quickly. He’s being nice. That’s his job.”
“Maybe, but whatever he sees in you, he likes,” Maggie agrees, nodding at Gabby.
I shrug. “I think he’s running a business. Men like Rhett don’t even look twice at girls that look like me.”
Gabby reels back, as if I’ve slapped her with my words. “What did you just say? You’re joking, right?”
Of course a girl that looks like her is going to pull on the whole ‘oh you’re gorgeous’ bullshit. They always do, and it’s only because they’re gorgeous and have never had to live in a world where you’re less than.
“Without being offensive, because I don’t know you and I don’t want to be rude, but of course a girl that looks like you wouldn’t understand ...”
Gabby glances at Maggie, then she shuffles closer to me. “I don’t know you, but let me tell you something about me. I don’t pull punches—I say it how it is and I’m honest. Am I beautiful? Yes. Are you beautiful? One hundred percent yes. I know what you’re saying though, and I’m not here to make you feel like crap. You don’t look like the typical woman you’d think a man that looks like Rhett would bring home, but that doesn’t mean you’re not absolutely, uniquely perfect.”
Dammit.
I kind of like her.
“I can see why you two are best friends,” I murmur. “It’s impossible not to like you, believe me, I just tried and failed.”
Maggie laughs. “She has that effect on people.”
“Seriously, though, you’re adorable, Lei. Your face is so breathtakingly innocent, it’s refreshing. I know why Rhett has taken a liking to you.”
“He hasn’t,” I scoff. “He honestly doesn’t know me.”
“I can guarantee he’s fixing to change that.” Gabby nudges my shoulder. “You’re on a retreat after all, why the hell wouldn’t you?”
Because she’s wrong.
He is just being a good host.
Right?
Oh god, right?
“OH GOD, IF THIS IS the food you’re offering, I’ll be back daily,” Gabby says, patting her stomach as she leans back in her chair after lunch. “I finished eating an hour ago and I’m still full.”
Her and Maggie decided to stay and join us, which I’m glad for. They’re so easy to talk to and they’ve been telling me all about the biker club they’re with and their men, who sound like actual dreamboats.
I’ve never met someone from a club, but I’m itching to get in there and meet them. I think it would be a great experience and an excellent use of my time here. After all, I get to stare at men on horses all day, why not throw a few men on motorcycles into the mix? I can only imagine how easily my writing will flow after that.
“Can we go on a tour to the biker club, like some sort of excursion?” I ask Rhett with a laugh, but mostly, it’s the three wines I had with lunch.
I get very confident when I’m drunk, and I’m certain my therapist would say that’s a problem. You know, you should be able to have fun when you’re sober and not just drunk, but a girl is a bundle of nerves and it helps. I guess I’ll be going back to therapy after this. I’ll probably need to, anyway. Especially when Porky throws me down a few more times.
“Fuck no,” Rhett mutters, narrowing his eyes at me. “We don’t go near the club. They don’t come near us.”
“Oh, like some sort of turf war?”
Gabby laughs. “That’s exactly it. They’re both big tough groups of men who can’t admit that they might have similar interests so instead pretend they’re enemies because it’s easier than admitting they might get along.”
“That was a lot to swallow.” Kara laughs.
“Shut it, Gab,” Rhett warns her. “You stay in your lane.”
Gabby blows him a kiss.
“Well, I for one wouldn’t mind going to check out this band of hotties,” I say.
“Girl, I’ll take you. I’m sure you’ll get free time in the next month.”
I nod enthusiastically. Rhett stares at me, as if he doesn’t love the idea.
“All the good ones are taken, though,” Maggie says. “So you’ll have to pick a cowboy from this side if you’re wanting to settle down.”
I laugh. “Noted.”
“This food was wonderful,” Emily compliments. “And the day has been perfect, but I’m down for a nap.”
“Me, too,” Kara says.
“We should get home.” Gabby stands. “I’m taking your girl here for a trip out one of these days, I like her.”
She’s talking to Rhett now.
“Go home, woman,” he mutters.
She walks over, leaning down and kissing his cheek as she hugs him from behind. “I love you.”
“Love you,” he murmurs.
God damn, their friendship is goals.