Best Man's Conquest Read Online Free PDF

squirm. And who knows, May be her words would strike some sort of chord, and they would think of other people’s feelings for a change.
    Should she or shouldn’t she?
    Oh, what the hell.
    â€œBecause self-esteem plays a role in virtually everything we do,” she explained. “A lack of it can have dire effects. People who are unsure of themselves sometimes have trouble sustaining healthy relationships. Since they often feel embarrassed and ashamed without due cause, their irrational reactions tend to baffle and alienate others.”
    â€œThat is fascinating,” Deidre agreed, casting a grin Ivy’s way.
    On a roll now, Ivy added, “Even worse, low self-esteem can cause or contribute to neurosis, anxiety, defensiveness, eating disorders and even alcohol and drug abuse.”
    â€œHow tragic,” Dillon said, looking pointedly to Blake’s brothers. “Don’t you think?”
    Dale and Calvin exchanged an uneasy look, but neither uttered a sound. It was clear they were of the collective opinion that they shouldn’t mess with the billionaire oil man.
    The balance of power had just been established. At least for once Dillon had used that clout and influence for someone’s benefit other than his own.
    She would have to thank him later.
    â€œWell, I think I’ll take a walk on the beach before it gets dark,” Dillon said, rising to his feet, and with his eyes on Ivy asked, “Anyone care to join me?”
    As if . She wasn’t that grateful.
    â€œI will!” Deidre said, popping up from her chair with such enthusiasm that she bumped the table and sent her champagne glass teetering precariously. Blake grabbed it before it could topple over and shatter against the glass-top table. It was a nice save and, if Deidre’s doe-eyed smile was any indication, might just compensate for his letting her down earlier.
    Blake stood, brushing remnants of his dinner from the front of his clothes. Clothes that hung on his narrow, gangly frame. No matter how well he dressed, he always looked a tad…untidy. “I’ll come, too.”
    â€œWe’re going into town to hit the bars,” Dale said, answering for that side of the table. All four of them looked as though they could use a stiff drink. Or May be five. Hopefully, in the future they would take the time to think about what they were saying before they opened their mouths, and realize there were certain people you just didn’t mess with. Not without getting burned.
    Ivy rose from her chair. “I’m going to head up to my room. I have to check my e-mail.”
    â€œBut you promised no work this week,” Deidre said with a pout.
    â€œI know, but I’m expecting a message from my editor,” she lied. The truth was, she’d told her editor, agent and writing partner that this week had been reserved strictly for relaxation.
    What a joke. There would be nothing relaxing about this week. She would be lucky if she didn’t return to Texas a certified Froot Loop in need of intensive psychotherapy.
    Deidre clutched Ivy’s hand in a death grip. “Come with us. Please .”
    Ivy knew what she was trying to do, and it wasn’t going to work. She wanted Ivy to forgive Dillon. To “get past it,” whatever “it” was.
    Yes, Dillon had done something nice, shown that he had an unselfish side, but it didn’t excuse the way he’d taunted her all evening. It also didn’t change the fact that he would most likely continue to taunt and harass her until she boarded the plane Sunday morning.
    She pried her hand free. “Next time. I promise.”
    Deidre looked as if she wanted to press the issue but let it drop.
    Everyone went their separate ways, and Ivy headed upstairs, feeling uneasy and not quite sure why. Something weird had just happened down there. Something disturbing that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
    She stepped into her room, closed