I’m even more aware of my state of undress when Yulian’s eyes dip to my breasts. To his credit, he forces them back up to my face almost immediately.
Anton and I aren't exactly a couple—I literally just said those words to Courtney—but still, I feel an uneasy sense of guilt. Like I’ve done something wrong.
“If you’ll excuse me… I’m going to go change.”
“Sure. How about a drive once you’re ready?” he asks.
I turn to him enthusiastically. “I’d love that!”
He laughs. “See you downstairs in fifteen?”
“I’ll be there in ten.”
* * *
As it turns out, I’m ready in nine. I take the fastest shower known to man and then I pick my outfit carefully.
I’ve been cooped up in bed for so long that I feel like looking pretty. To that end, I choose a romantic, off-white dress with a deep V neck and beige buttons that run down the front.
I comb out my hair, add a touch of blush, slip on my ankle-height brown leather boots, and whisk downstairs.
It’s the first time I’ve walked through the hotel, however—while conscious, at least—and I’m momentarily floored by how fancy it is. I try not to look intimidated as I make my way to the main entrance. You belong here. You belong here.
But that thought gets promptly undercut when I manage to get lost twice before the concierge takes pity and leads me to the gleaming double doors of the entrance.
When I step outside, Yulian is leaning against the side of his car waiting for me.
I meant what I said: he’s definitely an attractive man, but I can’t help comparing him to Anton. They’re very similar in build. Both tall and broad-shouldered, both dark-haired and stormy-eyed.
But there are subtle differences if you know where to look. Anton is broader at the shoulders and narrower in the waist. Yulian is a little blockier, a little rougher around the edges.
But he isn't without his charms. He has a charming playboy vibe, the kind of man who flirts shamelessly with everything on two legs just for the sheer pleasure of seeing women blush, whereas Anton is more brooding detachment.
I already know which one is my type. Even if Yulian is the easier brother to strike up a conversation with.
“Did you get turned around?” he asks, tipping his head towards the concierge with a smirk.
“Shut up. This place is huge. And I wasn’t exactly conscious when I was first brought here.”
“Fair point,” he says in a quiet voice.
A catch in his tone snags my attention. “Something wrong?”
“No, I was just thinking… I’m glad you’re okay. And the baby, too.”
I smile at the unexpected sentiment. “Thank you, Yulian. I really appreciate that. Turns out my baby’s strong.”
“I’m not surprised. Anton’s his father.” He holds open the door and helps me into the passenger seat, then walks around and gets behind the wheel.
“Hey, I’m strong, too.” I say, glancing over as he pulls out of the hotel drive.
“I have no doubt. You put up with Anton.”
That makes me laugh. “Where are we going?”
“I have a place in mind,” he tells me. “But it’s a surprise.”
“Oh?”