Page 46 of Escorting the Mogul

“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 pridebloomed 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. Prestonlooked 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 mymother,” Audrey hiss-whispered.

“Oh fuck, Dre. Go,” Jenny said. “I’ll cover for you.”

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