Sebastian's jaw nearly hit the sand. He stared at his brother, who shared his shocked expression. It was the last thing either of them had expected. This girl was throwing away a lifetime of guaranteed luxury and wealth.
"Do you know how crazy that is?" Sebastian was blindsided. "Do you know what you're giving up?"
"Melanie, you'd never have to worry about anything ever again. No more struggling to make ends meet, no more flying back and forth from LA to Columbus on the redeye, no more worrying about whether or not the airline is going to make a profit or lay people off. You can do whatever you want: study, travel, do charity work or just kick back and enjoy life. Are you seriously turning all of that down?"
The two rich men, raised on luxury could not fathom the woman before them.
"It's not the money." She said, still gazing at Alex.
"Hey, I'm here too!" Sebastian said. "If it's not the money then what the hell is it, Melanie? Aren't we good enough for you?"
"It's not that either." She had said, feeling wracked with guilt and suddenly naked and exposed before the two most gorgeous men she had ever met.
"Then tell us." Alex pleaded. "Please, Melanie. What is it? If there's a problem, we'll make it go away. We're Drummonds for God's sake; we'll make this happen. We'll make you happy one way or the other. Just tell us what to do!"
God, he was so arrogant. Both of them were, even when they were being sweet. She was turned on and ashamed all at the same time.
"I can't decide." She said in a low voice, her eyes now diverted from Alex and looking to the sand. "I just can't. I feel so strongly for the two of you. How could I ever choose?"
Sebastian jumped to his feet.
"God damn it Melanie, I won't share you!" He shouted. Not with him, not with anyone. I won't do it. You have to make up your goddamn mind!"
"I'll do anything to make you happy, Melanie." Alex said softly. "Even that. If he won't agree to it, then he can keep my share of the fortune, as long as it's me you want. If you choose him, I swear I'll make sure he gets his share anyway. I don't care anymore. I've made up my mind. Now you have to make up yours." His wild, desperate eyes pleaded with hers.
"Take him if you want, Melanie. But you're a fool if you do. I know him way better than you do. If we're together then it will be just you and me -- no money -- not from him or anybody else. That's the real choice you have to make. If you really don't care about the money and if it's me you want, just like you did earlier, then this is an easy choice to make."