22. Cole
COLE
I don’t know how I found the strength to button my dress shirt and drag on my suit. Jenny had been relentless that morning, not that I was complaining. We’d fooled around in the shower, on the bathroom vanity, and finally, the bed—after we’d collapsed onto it. Jenny’s smoking-hot body and our respective multiple orgasms were a welcome distraction from my conversation with my father that morning.
Of all the awful things he’d said to me, only one hurt. Your mother would be so upset if she could see you now.
Was that true? Would my mother be ashamed of me?
I was a billionaire. I’d reached the zenith of professional success. My father was correct that I’d never brought a girlfriend home for the holidays, or ever, for that matter. But that’s because (a) after my mother died, my house was depressing AF, and (b) I liked living a life free from attachments. Was there something wrong with that?
I heard Jenny in the bathroom. The blow-dryer was firing on all cylinders as she belted out “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. I laughed as I tied my tie. My father’s words cut me, but Jenny’s determined cheerfulness buoyed me again.
I vowed to forget about the meeting with my father and enjoy the day. Jenny and I were going on that vacation, dammit. I’d deal with my dad after that.
And if he wanted to leave his vast fortune to the bitter Windsor sisters and my disgruntled ex-coach? That was his problem. It was the stupidest thing I’d ever heard, so I doubted he’d follow through on the threat. It was most likely an empty one. Still, I made a mental note to buy out the Windsor’s condo as soon as possible. I planned to enjoy having more money than them while I could.
My phone buzzed with a text from Kevin.
Your father says he expects some kind of a response from you.
He didn’t share the details of your meeting with me, so I’m not sure what he’s looking for…
…but I will say he’s as mad as I’ve ever seen him.
I know you have to keep texting me as part of your job.
But I’m not responding for the next week.
I’m going on vacation—I’ll deal with him later.
Consider yourself sent to spam
I hoped that I wouldn’t get Kevin fired. My father was notorious for shooting the messenger. Still, Kevin had worked for the old man for years and remained relatively unscathed or, at least, employed.
I decided it wasn’t my problem. My father was mad that I’d hired an escort. He was worried that my arrangement would somehow impact our family’s reputation.
Those things were his problem, not mine.
My father was a lot of things, but reckless wasn’t one of them. He was bluffing about my inheritance. He had to be.
I refused to think about it any further.
I focused on Jenny singing in the bathroom, then got back to the business of tying my tie.
Jenny stepped out of the bedroom with the gown on. It was strapless, a greenish-blue, fitted precisely to her curves. As promised, she’d swept her into an elegant updo. The hairstyle showed off her jawline and impossibly gorgeous face. She was so pretty, it almost hurt to look at her.
I put my hand over my heart. “Babe. You look incredible.” Why the hell did I feel tears welling in my eyes?
She beamed at me. “You look real nice too, Cole. Real nice.”
We both stood there awkwardly for a moment. Some sort of heavy feeling swelled in the room, a palpable energy, but I didn’t know what it was.
“I have a little something for you,” I told her.
“You already bought me this dressandthe shoes,” Jenny started to argue.
“That’s right, and there’s more. Because I want to spoil you.” I grabbed her hand and led her back to the bedroom.
She eyed the bed, and I chuckled. “The surprise is not my dick, Jenny. My dick’s tired. Very tired.”
She laughed, the honking sound I’d come to love. “Okay, Coley. I wasn’t sure. You’re a machine, you know?”
“Oh, I know.” But I was painfully aware that I was human, not a machine—as evidenced by my nerves thrumming. I pulled the small, wrapped box from my dresser. “This is for you.”
“What is it?” She carefully took the gift from me.
“A surprise.” I watched as she gently removed the wrapping paper as if she feared ripping it. When she opened the velvet box, her jaw dropped open.
“These are… These are gorgeous, Cole. Holy shit! Are they real ?”
It was my turn to laugh. “Yes, they’re emeralds. I thought they’d look so pretty on you with that dress.”
“These are emeralds ? You bought me ginormous emerald earrings?” She gaped at me.
“Try them on.” I smiled at her.
“Woah, I don’t know about this.” She started breathing hard and fanning herself. “These are too expensive.”
“No, they’re not. Just try them on,” I insisted.
Jenny winced. “Cole, I wear fake gold studs from Walmart. The kind that turn your earlobes green.”
She tried to hand the box back. “I got no business wearin’ earrings like this. I’d be scared to death to lose them.”
“They’re insured, babe. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Her face screwed up, confused. “Earrings can have insurance?Idon’t even have insurance!”
I blew out a deep breath. “Remind me to do something about that. In the meantime, we’re late. Can you please try the earrings on? For me?”
“All right, Coley. Since you bought them insurance, and everything.” She hustled to the mirror and carefully secured the teardrop emerald earrings. Then she looked at herself, straightening her shoulders and holding her chin up.
It occurred to me that Jenny was a very brave person.
“These are beautiful,” she said. “And you’re right—they look great with the dress.”
“They look great on you . You’re so beautiful, Jenny. You’re the prettiest girl in the whole world.”
“Now you sound like Shirley.” She winked at me in the mirror, then returned her gaze to her reflection. “I’m ready. I’ve never been to a society wedding before, you know that? I was nervous, but now I feel good. Actually, I feel like a princess. Thank you, Cole.”
“Thank you .” My heart swelled with pride as I offered her my arm, and she took it.
Then my fake date and I headed out to the society event of the season.
Trinity Church was located in Copley Square. The stately stone church edifice rose into the sky. It was surrounded by skyscrapers and office buildings, which made it seem quaint. The driver dropped us off in front, and I held Jenny’s hand as we walked inside. Everyone stopped and stared at my date. She was majestic in her mermaid gown, the large teardrop emeralds sparkling at her ears.
I briefly wondered what my father would think when he saw these photos of me with Jenny. Then I decided that I didn’t give a shit.
We headed inside the main chamber of the already crowded church. The beauty of the interior was stunning. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, and the ceiling soared above us.
“This looks like something out of a fairy tale,” Jenny whispered.
“I know. It’s perfect.” I found an open pew close to the front and helped her slide down the smooth wooden bench. Jenny elicited more stares from the already-seated guests. Hot pride bloomed in my chest as I held her hand, clearly marking the prettiest girl in the world as mine.
James and Audrey came in a few minutes later. James sported a tuxedo, and Audrey wore a pale yellow dress. Her hair was also up in an elegant bun. In a million years, you would never guess that my date and James’s were escorts who were barely scraping by in the real world. They looked like royalty.
James hustled Audrey down the aisle, looking flushed. He deposited her with us and then charged off to find Todd. He was the best man, and he was late. I made a mental note not to have him be my best man. Not that I was ever going to need a best man. Or that I’d ever planned on needing one. Sighing, I pushed the thoughts away and watched as Jenny and Audrey hugged it out.
“Hey, Dre!” Jenny pulled Audrey in for a hug.
Audrey stared at her friend when they broke apart, taking in the gown and earrings. “You are stunning.”
“Aw, thanks Dre. I guess I clean up okay,” Jenny said, beaming at her in pleasure. “Cole bought the dress for me. And the earrings.”
Audrey looked past Jenny to me. “That was nice.”
I grinned at her. “It was my pleasure. Jenny looks beautiful.” I clasped Jenny’s hand again, then gave her a quick kiss. Audrey’s approval made me feel happy. Jenny smiled. I smiled.
Audrey watched us, a knowing look on her face.
Todd and his attendants came out. Todd was beaming, obviously happy and excited. James looked less so, but at least he’d calmed down a little. He shot Audrey a look, and her cheeks flushed. I wondered just what was up with them. I leaned across Jenny. “I still can’t believe he ate that crab cake, Audrey,” I said.
“Huh?” She blinked at me, surprised.
“The crab cake you fed James. That first night I met you,” I said. “Hehatescrab. Loathes it.”
“I didn’t know,” she said, sheepish. “He didn’t say anything.”
I looked at her for a beat. “He must be completely in love with you.” Maybe it wasn’t my business, but I knew it was true. And I was feeling reckless. Actually, I was feeling lots of things, but reckless was toward the top of the list.
Jenny watched in interest as Audrey sat there, gaping. A deep blush crept up Audrey’s neck. “S’okay, Dre,” Jenny said, patting her arm. “It’s going to be okay. Close your mouth—you look so pretty, you don’t wanna get drool on that dress.”
She followed Jenny’s orders and closed her mouth, but Audrey still looked stunned. Oh boy. “I didn’t mean to make you upset,” I said.
“You didn’t make me upset,” Audrey said. She sounded like a robot.
“Dre doesn’t think it’s possible that James has feelings for her—she doesn’t believe in fairy tales. She’s arealist,” Jenny explained.
“Of course it’s possible,” I said recklessly, but now I only had eyes for Jenny.
“Oh, Coley,” she said, throwing her arms around my neck. She kissed me, and I forgot all about crab cakes, blabbing about my best friend’s feelings, and shutting my mouth. I lost myself in Jenny, savoring the sweet taste of her mouth until the man behind me cleared his throat.
We finally broke apart. “I forgot we were in church,” I whispered.
“Me too, Coley.” Jenny fanned herself. “Me too.”
We focused on the wedding to avoid ripping each other’s clothes off in the pew. The enormous church was now packed, filled with beautifully dressed society people. I recognized the mayor as well as several prominent CEOs. The music started, and the Prestons led the wedding processional. Mr. Preston looked refined in his suit. The recently Botoxed Mrs. Preston looked like something out of madam Tussauds wax museum in a glittering, silver-beaded gown secured at the waist with an enormous diamond brooch.
Nine bridesmaids were next—first, Evie’s cousins, Meghan, Michelle, and Sarah, their biceps popping as they clutched their bouquets. Then there were some of Evie’s friends I recognized from the parties we’d attended, the young women who’d been drinking with Jenny. The bridesmaids’ dresses were simple, black, strapless, and obviously couture. Next, Evie came down the aisle with her father. I’d never given her looks much thought, but she was a beautiful bride.
Todd watched his bride-to-be as she headed toward them. There were tears in his eyes, but he was smiling. Evie reached him, and they clasped their hands together, joy apparent on both faces. I clutched Jenny’s hand tighter, pulling her against my side.
Easy, bro. Getting emotional did not suit me. Getting emotionalandreckless was a recipe for disaster.
“Jenny,” Audrey suddenly turned around and whispered. “I have to go. It’s an emergency. Tell James I’ll meet him at the reception.”
“What?” Jenny asked. The couple was about to recite their vows. People turned to stare at us.
“It’s my mother ,” Audrey hiss-whispered.
“Oh fuck, Dre. Go,” Jenny said. “I’ll cover for you.”
Audrey hitched her dress up and ran from the church.
“What the hell was that about?” I whispered.
“Tell you later, Coley.” Jenny shifted uncomfortably in the pew. “But let’s just say it’s a shit show, all right?”
“All right.” I held her hand as the officiant began speaking.
Next to the groom, James’s expression became stormy—he’d seen Audrey run out. James turned and handed something to the groomsman behind him, his cousin. I only realized afterward that he’d given him the rings.
Then he hustled off behind a large velvet curtain, leaving us all wondering just what the hell was going on.