NovelEnglishChapter 99 The scene unfolding beforewas unexpected, snappingback to reality in an instant.
A woman stuck between two men... Frankly, it was awkward.
At that moment, I knew I had to make a choice to break this stalemate, and one thing was crystal clear: Dustin and I were a no-go.
If I had to choose, it would only be Ernest. Conrad and I were practically at the altar already; there was no way I was going to bail on him, only to get tangled up with his brother.
"Dustin, I'm beat," I finally said.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThat seemed to do the trick. Dustin tightened his grip on my hand for a moment before letting go.
Ernest took my hand and ledaway. I didn't look back, but I could feel Dustin's gaze onthe whole time. Maybe it was the wine, or just my head spinning, but I missed a step on the hotel stairs. The next thing I knew, Ernest had scoopedup.
"Putdown," I said, tugging at Ernest's shirt.
"If you want him to give up, keep quiet," Ernest murmured.
Remembering Dustin's words, I stayed still in Ernest's arms, not wanting to complicate things further. Dustin was like a brother to me, truly. I didn't want to ruin that.
Dustin was the reserved type, not one to throw around the word 'love' carelessly, nor to cling desperately. If he thought there was someone else forbesides Conrad, he'd likely step back.
Eventually, Ernest carriedall the way to the hotel room door without puttingdown.
If I could understand Dustin's feelings, how could I not see that Ernest had feelings fortoo? Today, I had cut off any possibility with Dustin, and it was tto clear the air with Ernest too.
As he putdown, I didn't let go but instead clutched the front of his shirt, gazing boldly into his eyes. "Ernest, you're quite the looker," I blurted out.
"Hmm," he allowedto stare.
They say alcohol emboldens the meek. My fingers traced his proud nose, "You must have a lot of girls liking you, right?" "Hmm," he admitted with confidence.
I laughed, my finger moving to the corner of his eye, "Deborah likes you too." It wasn't that I was betraying Deborah's secret. Her crush was almost written on her face, and Ernest wasn't blind.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"And what about you? Do you like me?" Ernest didn't hum this time; he went straight for the question.
I paused, then shook my head, "No." Ernest's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't ask why.
I said it anyway, "Ernest, I don't want a man who's wanted by everyone, somepeting just want who's mine alone, even if he's not as handsas you." "Okay," he replied.
I smiled, asking, "What does that mean?" He looked unfazed. "Just that I understand."
I didn't try to wrap my head around his response. Instead, I let my hand slide from his cheek down to his shoulder. "Ernest, don't flirt with me, don't be nice to me..."
As I pulled my hand away and stepped back, Ernest caught my waist. "The fact that I like you and e want to pursue ha want to pursue you is my business.
How you respond is up to you. Just take care of yourself, don't tellwhat to do." Now I was the one confused. He likesbut tellsnot to mind? "So, you mean you'll keep flirting with me? Keep trying to charm me?" I asked bluntly.
Ashburn >
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