Page 114 of Escorting the Mogul

Be noble,I told myself.Don’t be selfish.

“It was like I said in my stupid note,” I said. “I don’t think I’m the right girl for you. You might want to find someone who didn’t work at Sizzler and, even worse, hook for a living.”You might want to find someone Daddy approves of.

I sighed. “Someone from your world, you know what I mean?”

“There’s only one world, Jenny,” Cole said. “And I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I paused for a beat. “Why don’t we be real smart and just leave it at that, huh?”

I could feel him watching me, but he said nothing for a minute. “Sounds like a plan,” he finally said. He pulled me close again, and I felt we had a reluctant truce or some sort of agreement.

He loved me.

I loved him.

For the moment, we were going to leave it at that.

I said a silent prayer. I prayed that this would all work out and that, somehow, there might be a happy ending for a girl like me. I didn’t let myself think about the how. I refused to consider my past and the probability that I didn’t deserve anything so pure and so good. I knew the truth. I knew who I was and what I’d done.

I prayed anyway.

Then I fell asleep in my billionaire’s arms.

JENNY

I wokeup early the following day. I didn’t want to miss a second of our time at the beautiful ranch, and Audrey and I were going horseback riding first thing.

Audrey had already sent me a couple of texts.

It’s horseback riding day!

Come down and meet me for breakfast.

The boys are going fly-fishing, so it’s just you, me, and the antelope.

Or are they bison? Or buffalo?

I don’t know!

BUT

We’re going to find out today!

I was so excited—I would ride a horse and see a real-life antelope or whatever it was! I quickly kissed Cole while he was still asleep and whispered goodbye. Of course, I stopped to stare at him for a moment. He was so handsome. This peaceful looktook over his face when he was asleep as if he were still a little boy. My heart swelled just from looking at him. Tears welled in my eyes.

Boy, did I have it bad.

But the antelope waited. I hustled to dress in the clothes Audrey had instructed me to wear—jeans, sturdy boots, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a heavy sweater. I grabbed the parka Shirley had bought for me, which was cream-colored and so pretty. I sent her a quick text.

You did real good with the coat, Shirl. Thank you!

Three dots immediately appeared, and I had to laugh. Shirley was always up and at it!

Yay!

Are you having the BEST time?

Is the resort nice?

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