005

~REGINA~

Tossing endlessly from one end of the bed to the other, and ended up not getting enough sleep. I was yet to wrap my head around the fact that I kissed Karina's brother, plus the fact that he was freaking engaged!

But why the hell did he kiss me!!

"I mean who goes about making out with another woman when he's engaged?" I muttered

I still couldn't get over how shell-shocked I was.

"He... he's your brother?" I had stammered, and Karina nodded vigorously, totally oblivious to the shocked look on my face.

I could still remember the way his eyes danced around my face before he broke into a soft smile of recognition. 

"Glad to see you again!" That smile had my heart soaring. The fact that he didn't pretend not to know me like my asshole ex gladdened my heart, despite being disappointed that he only mentioned the saving from drowning part.

I sighed for the umpteenth time since the day dawned, sliding tiredly out of the bed to open the large curtains and send the sun rays in.

The first event of the Yuletide Getaway would be starting tonight—a dinner, according to the schedule and tour guide that was handed to us at the reception area.

Despite having a pretend boyfriend to attend the dinner with, heaven knew I desperately wanted to bail out of that dinner because, just like Karina pointed out, his acclaimed fianceé would be present at dinner. 

I shuddered when I remembered the knot that might likely twist my stomach all night.

"Get your ass to the bathroom, Regina!" I helplessly yelled as I left the window and headed to my wardrobe. This certainly wasn't the time to be gazing absentmindedly at the beach that was some distance away from the vacation house.

Brandon, my pretend boyfriend would be here any moment— not that I was looking forward to meeting him. But I had no choice. Just when I thought my life was getting better, boom! It went downhill again.

After I slid out of my nightie and wrapped my towel around my chest, I headed to the bathroom, tugging on my red hair with another dejected sigh. 

'Time to start the day in the most boring way ever.'

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Karina finally came over to our booth at the milkshake bar to announce the time for dinner, I couldn't be more grateful. 

Sitting here, with a milkshake drink, and listening to Brandon gloat about his charms like he was some teenager was heartbreaking.

"You should see the way girls flock around me and the endless list of girls that called me to pretend to be their boyfriends this Christmas." He had been gloating in that Russian accent of his from the moment I arrived here till now.

"I only chose you because you are exceptionally gorgeous with curly red hair." He had shot me a wink, heightening my irritation. I held back a scoff. Like, was I supposed to be grateful for that?

Saved by Karina! I hopped out of the booth gleefully with the excuse to prepare for dinner. 

"I will come pick you up for dinner!" Brandon called out, prompting me to roll my eyes endlessly as I walked briskly towards the vacation house to prepare for another excruciating moment of my day. Oh heavens!

             ~~~~~~~~~~~~

I gave myself a final check out in front of the mirror, making sure my curly red hair was perfectly styled to the side and that my strapless silver knee-length gown fitted my shape perfectly. 

Even though I wasn't looking forward to the events of tonight, I managed to smile at my reflection in the mirror.

"Not so bad," I commented, grateful for Karina. This was another gift from her, and it came with shiny black heels with silver designs to match my gown.

Giving myself a final twirl, I headed to the bed to grab my clutch purse and phone before a knock sounded, halting my movement halfway. That must be Brandon.

Sighing, I boycotted my movement to the door, but when I opened it, I came face to face with who I never expected to see— Kristen!

 Yeah, I was able to catch his name when we were introduced by Karina last night.

I couldn't help trailing my gaze up and down his large masculine frame. He looked yummy in that black dress shirt that accentuated his broad chest and shoulders. Plus, the well-tailored trousers that made his finest talk legs obvious. I gulped before turning my gaze back to his face.

To my shock, he was checking me out too. My heart double-flipped but sank when I recalled his marital status. Bummer!

"You look so..." His voice trailed off and his gaze came back to my face. "... breathtakingly gorgeous." He completed in a voice that was pure seduction, his lips stretching in a side smile.

I wanted to say the same to him, but I knew what would happen if I opened this mouth of mine. I might end up begging him to take me to dinner instead, so I simply nodded.

"I'm sorry about yesterday..." He began, causing my strayed gaze to drift back to him. "I don't want you to see it that I used you or..." His voice trailed off again as he ran his finger through his perfectly combed midnight-black hair, roughening it a bit.

"It's fine. I kissed you back. So, we are both guilty." 

He smiled again as his gaze swept through me. "That's a relief. I will see you at dinner?" 

I nodded. "Sure."

As he walked away, I snatched my gaze away from his perfect ass, just before he took to the adjourning hallway.

  A few minutes later, I was sitting beside Brandon in a large fancy dinner hall, alongside other couples that came for the Yuletide Getaway. And, of course, Kristen and her acclaimed fianceé, who, from her Gucci dress, proved to also be one of the creams of society. Someone I couldn't compete with.

"Hey..." Karina tapped me, snapping my back to reality. "Are you okay? You have been stabbing that chicken lap for three minutes straight. Is something bothering you?" 

Of course, I was trying my best to keep my churning stomach at bay while Kristen's fianceé perched around him endlessly. Or was it the sight of my ex-boyfriend, who was also perching around Valentina while giving me suggestive gazes?

Gosh! I would do anything to get out of this table.

"I am fine. Just not hungry." I muttered instead. Karina narrowed her brows. 

"I am fine," I repeated and she slowly nodded.

A middle-aged woman whom I got to know owned this resort and was the prime host of this getaway arrived at the table.

"I trust you are enjoying your dinner ladies and gentlemen." She began with a smile.

"But we do have a surprise change to the events. The games that would be played by y'all, but not with your partners."

A pin-drop silence descended on the table, a confused look etched on each of our faces.

Just then, a waitress arrived bearing a fancy card which she handed over to her with a smile and a slight bow.

"You are going to be paired with another partner for this game. Listen up..." She cleared her throat and focused on the card.

"The first game is... Fake dating for a week. Now that's a crazy game right?" She let out a soft laugh. But I didn't know why my mouth suddenly went dry.

"The new partners for this game are..." She darted her eyes around us before refocusing on the card. "Regina Eldridge and Kristen Summer..."