The Rebound

Smitten

Tiana

All six of us take the resort shuttle to the private lake inside the resort where we’re greeted by a beautiful Princess 78 yacht. Jeez! I guess the saying “birds of the same feather flock together” really rings true for these best friends. Marco and Bryce – they were both gorgeous, hot, successful and filthy rich.

Once aboard the yacht, we’re greeted by more drinks and wine. Kylie needed to get changed. So while the boys were talking and drinking in the deck, Angela accompanies us to one of the gorgeous guest cabins below.

“I think he’s really smitten by you, Ti!” Kylie exclaims to my surprise as we enter the cabin.

My eyes pop open and stare at her, signaling her that Angela was right behind us.

“Oops, sorry, Ti!” Kylie whispers.

“Smitten is an understatement.” Angela giggles as she closes the door of the cabin. “I think he really likes you, Tatiana.” 

I was surprised. I mean, I know Bryce actually said that we were dating… and I do feel that he does like me. But coming from a friend of his… it’s different.

“You really think so?” Of course, I had to ask.

“Do you know how many times Marco has asked him to come to Napa? Hundreds. I mean, they built the resort together a year ago. After it got built, he never came back. Just now… and we know that it’s because of you.” She explains.

Well, he only came to the Kylie’s wedding because we had a deal right? I went with him to Lisa’s birthday party and in exchange he had to come to the wedding with me. Plus, if I decided not to go to LA Resorts… would he have not gone without me?

Probably sensing that I was still in doubt, Kylie asks Angela. “Well, it could also mean that he just had time to go now, right?”

Angela laughs. “Mr. Bryce Andrews never has time. He’s like the most workaholic person I know. I mean, Marco is a work horse himself… it drives me crazy sometimes. But Bryce is even a lot worse than Marco. So the fact that he’s making time for you… and even taking a few days off for you… I think that means you’re very special, Tatiana.”  

She then smiles at me and adds, “Plus, I’ve seen how he is with you this morning. The fact that he even shows his affection to you in public.” She pauses and giggles. “That whole public display of affection… making out session… you had at the pool earlier… that’s not the Bryce Andrews we know. Even with his ex, he wasn’t like that. A peck on the lips… that’s probably the most we’ve seen from them.” 

I was really shocked. Hmm… maybe it’s just because we share this intense s****l connection? But of course, I couldn’t really tell Angela that.

“But we barely know each other. I doubt that he feels that way. Besides, maybe it’s just because Bryce is a really sweet, thoughtful and warm guy.” I tell her.

Angela laughs out loud. “Oh my God. Warm and Bryce in one sentence. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that.”

Now I’m even more shocked!

“I’ve known Bryce for… maybe 3 years? Olivia, his ex-girlfriend and I were models in one of the VS Campaigns.” Angela explains.

Of course, the ex-girlfriend just had to be a VS model. Great.

“Olivia was actually the one who introduced me to Marco and Bryce. And even when Marco and I were already dating, Bryce would still be on guard against me. He's very guarded and keeps a very small circle of friends. So the fact that he even warmed up to Kylie and Stan... just because she's your best friend... that says a lot. Actually, Bryce only warmed up to me when Marco and I got engaged. And that was one of Olivia's complaints about Bryce... that he was cold and distant.” She adds.

“Well… maybe he’s changed? He’s been pretty amazing actually. He knows what I need or want even before I say it. He’s actually been very attentive and sweet.” I explained.  I still couldn’t believe what she was saying about Bryce. Because except probably for the day he asked Michael and his bodyguards to come get me, he’s actually been pretty amazing. Plus, Camila and Jules... and even Lisa and Peter... were all high praises about him. I was even wondering what his flaws are… and now, Angela is letting me in on some of them… and I can’t believe her. 

“That’s exactly why I know he really likes you! He does, Tatiana. Trust me. Marco and I were talking about it earlier.” Angela smirks.

Just as I’m trying to absorb everything Angela just said. My ever protective best friend Kylie probes Angela. “Does he always bring a date to hang out with you guys? I mean, he is California’s most eligible bachelor.”

Angela laughs. “No way! Contrary to what the media says, Bryce is not a playboy. Sure a lot of girls are after him. But he never gives them the time of day. He was always loyal to Olivia. And ever since they broke up, Tatiana is the first girl he’s introduced to me or Marco. In fact, Marco and I have tried to set him up a couple of times, but he’d always be too busy or uninterested.”

“What happened between him and this Olivia?” Kylie asks. Of course, I can always count on my best friend to ask the questions I want to ask.

“To be honest, I don’t really know. Olivia stopped talking to me when she and Bryce broke up. I’ve try to reach out to her… because we were pretty damn close… but she would just ignore me. She even changed her numbers and moved out of her old place. But a couple of weeks ago, Marco and I saw her really cozy with another guy… but it was from a distance. So my hunch is... Olivia had another guy. But I can’t ask Marco… he tells me practically everything… except when it comes to Bryce. They really have a deep friendship those two. Plus, from what I’ve heard… Bryce has some serious trust issues. So I know Marco would never overstep his boundaries when it comes to Bryce.” She explains.

So it was them who sent Bryce that photo of Olivia with another guy. The very reason why Bryce was so wasted that night in Vegas when we had a one night stand… and ended up getting married. Hmmm… he has trust issues? That’s a surprise. He even gave me his door code. But... maybe that's the reason Marco had that settlement agreement drawn up?

It seems that there’s really a lot about Bryce that I don’t know. And I realize that I really, really want to know him more. But how? We barely have time to talk since we're always busy having s*x! I guess we just really need to try harder to keep our hands of each other… so we can talk more. If that’s even possible! 

As much as I want to ask Angela more things about Bryce, we hear a knock on the door...then we see Bryce’s head peeping through the door.

“You okay, girls?” He asks with a smile on his face.

“Hey you! Right on time… we’re just done with our little girl talk.” I giggled as I walk towards him. He gives me peck on the lips before he slings his arm over my shoulder and pulls me close.

“I miss you already.” He whispers.

We head back to the deck, Kylie and Angela following behind us.