Eight Brothers Fiancee (Love by Numbers 7)

“You were friends with the twins in college?” Sadie asked with a tilt to her head.

“Well, no, I mostly avoided them, but people talked.”

Sadie raised an eyebrow. “So, you’ve never actually known them? I mean the media, the people at your school that talked, are those people who knew them personally?”

I shifted uncomfortably in place. “Um, no. I don’t think so.”

“Have you talked to anyone who has known them personally and gotten their opinion?” Sadie’s questions weren’t judgemental, just honest, true questions.

I thought back to Garrett, Huxley’s assistant who’d gone on and on about how great the Foxxes were. “Not including you, just one.”

“And?”

I snickered. “He sang their praises. Couldn’t get enough of saying what great guys they were.”

Sadie smiled. “Mr. Foxx’s wedding was at his estate in Italy. It was so extravagant, that I don’t remember the specifics, but I do remember Harley greeting me with a warm smile, Huxley bolting across the courtyard to give my husband and I an umbrella, risking his own suit. Jett and Rogan each spent a fair amount of time telling me how good I was at my job and telling me that if I was interested, they had work for me, but no pressure. Quentin and Keaton were running around bat shit making sure the wedding was going off without a hitch, and Delvin and Maverick were working the crowd like professionals. Maverick even spent some time singing to my daughter when she was getting antsy.”

I nearly spit my coffee out. “You have a kid?”

Sadie laughed. “Yeah.”

“You don't look...like a mother,” I responded.

“Trying to change the subject?” Sadie asked.

I recoiled a bit. “N-no…” I sighed. “Yes, maybe a little.” Suddenly I felt two inches tall. I liked to think that I was really forward thinking; had I inappropriately gauged the Foxxes based purely on what I heard. “Good men?”

“In my experience,” Sadie said, “they’re great. I mean, sure they’re damaged, but who isn’t? Each of my men had their own issues that we had to work through, and I had mine. Now, we’re solid.”

I leaned forward a little bit. “Your men?”

“Oh, sorry, I’m so used to everyone around me knowing. I actually have five husbands.”

I blinked my eyes a couple of times. “What?”

“Yeah. Dante, Asher, Apollo, Kane, and Brix.” She held up her ring, showing me the five different gems that encircled the band around the diamond. “One for each of them.”

“W-wow.” I didn’t quite know how to respond. “That’s, um, great?”

Sadie let out a loud laugh. “It’s okay. You don’t have to pretend. I know it shocks some people when they first hear it, but I’m very much in love with all of them. We’re in a relationship and it works well for us.”

“No offense, but that sounds really overwhelming. To each their own, I’m not one to judge, but I could never have a relationship like that.”

“It’s not for everyone, but it’s not as uncommon as you might think. I’m not trying to convert you. You said you’re not into it, and that’s totally cool, as long as it doesn’t make you think of me differently.”

I held up my hands defensively. “Of course not! If anything I respect you even more! Those men are very lucky, anyone can see that.”

“Well thank you,” Sadie replied, “whichever man snags you will have bagged himself a prize as well.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know about that. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like myself, but I’m not like…” I motioned to Sadie.

She shrugged. “I’ve been in my industry for a long time. I know beauty, and you have it.” I could feel my cheeks warming. Hearing that from such a stunning woman was a gold medal compliment. “But it’s not just beauty, you know? Guys like my guys or the Foxxes, they could go out and get any woman they want. The ones that aren’t interested in their appearance are certainly interested in their wallets. Women like you and me, we have our heads on straight. We have standards. That’s why I stepped in back in Jett’s office the other day. I’ve seen your work. With what they generate and your skill level, you’re worth way more than that.”

“So, you didn’t actually have a job lined up?” I asked.

“I didn’t have something specific in mind, but what I said wasn’t false. I’ve worked with some of the most notable people in this state and in this country. I make one phone call, and I can make good on my promise.” She watched me with anticipation. “You don’t think things with the Foxxes are going to work out?”

“Oh, no! I’m not asking, I was just curious.

I decided that, no matter what, I'd try to stick things out with the Foxxes for at least a year, and I don’t know, I think if this conversation has taught me anything, it’s that I need to give the men a chance too.” I took a long drink of my coffee. “Thank you though. I know who to call if things don’t work out.”