Page 11 of The Billionaire and I

“Well, you’re going to make that much now.” An emotion that might’ve been pity passed over the madam’s face, but it was gone before I could be sure. “And this is going to be quite the assignment. Over the next week, you’ll have drinks and dinners at multiple hotspots in Boston. And then there’s the rehearsal dinner and the wedding itself—it’s going to be the society event of the year. Andthenthe client mentioned that you’ll be joiningthe Prestons on a family-style honeymoon in the Caribbean. But don’t say anything to Audrey about that yet, okay? I’m not sure it’s public knowledge, and I don’t want to start a rumor.”

I clapped my hand over my heart again. “Are you freakingkiddingme, Elena? I’m going to theCaribbean?” I had a passport because the agency required it, but I’d never left the country. I’d only ever dreamed of going to an island. “With, like, white sand beaches? And palm trees? And turquoise water?”

“Yes, Jenny.” Elena smiled at me. “There’s turquoise water.”

“No fuckingway!” I grabbed the madam’s hands and jumped up and down. “I’ve never been to the Caribbean! I can’t believe it! My very own billionaire and a Caribbeanvacation! Holy fucking shit!”

“Jenny.” Elena didn’t join me in jumping up and down, but she at least held my hands. “The swearing has got to stop,please. For the love of all things holy, no more F-bombs!”

“I’ll try, I’ll try! I’m just so freaking excited! I can’t believe it!” I’d always dreamed about taking a vacation to an island with gorgeous water, sunsets, and tropical drinks. And hopefully iguanas—I’d always wanted to see an iguana!

“Let’s get you ready, okay?” Elena asked. “I want Mr. Bryson to be one hundred thousand percent satisfied with our services.”

“Oh, he will be.” I sniffled but squared my shoulders. “He might’ve been with a Victoria’s Secret model, but he’s never been with a woman likeme. I’m going to make this the best two weeks of his life!” I tossed my curls over my shoulder and started going through the racks again, nervous, excited, and utterly determined.

Cole Bryson was smoking hot, but so was I. I was going to be his absolute dream come true, earning every penny of my fee. My future depended on it.

There was no way I was messing this job up.

We spentthe afternoon organizing my looks, which were much sexier than the pale-colored potato sacks Elena had initially picked out. I periodically reminded her that although Audrey needed to be prim and proper for all the events, I was twice removed arm candy. I didn’t have to deal with parents and in-laws and all that other crap: I just had to be Cole Bryson’s smoke-show of a date.

“Where should I say I met him?” I asked.

“The gym,” she suggested. “How about that fancy one over on Franklin Street?”

I had never worked out a day in my life, but I nodded. “Sounds good. One of my clients belongs there—he said it was real expensive.” Something like three hundred dollars a month, which was nuts!

“And what should I say I do for work—the usual?” When she sent me out with a high-end client, she usually had me say I worked in Human Resources.

“Cole’s family is deep into Boston business, and they own several companies. Let’s steer away from anything corporate.” Elena looked thoughtful. “I think this time we should say you work with underprivileged kids—just keep it simple.”

“I like that. Makes me sound real respectable.” I nodded. “Now, is it okay for someone who works with underprivileged kids to pack a thong bikini for a Caribbean vacation? ’Cause I never been to an island before, Elena. And I want my ass to see it. All of it. And I want everyone to see all of my ass!”

Elena sighed. She looked defeated. “Pack it, but maybe save it until dark?” she suggested.

I winked at her. “Dark is forskinny dipping, Elena. Thongs are for tanning your ass.” I grabbed several strings masquerading as bikinis and some sexy coverups. If the madam didn’t want us wearing this stuff, she shouldn’t keep it stocked!

She checked her watch. “We need to get out to the lobby. He’ll be here in a minute.”

“Hoo, all right.” Suddenly nervous again, I fanned myself. “You sure I look okay?” I’d changed into a simple black sundress that showed off my curves, black sandals, and some simple gold jewelry. My hair hung in loose waves over my shoulders, and I wore what Elena referred to as “tasteful” makeup—neutral eyeshadow, mascara, a little blush, and lip gloss.

“Jenny, you’re a ten. You couldn’t look bad if you tried.” She straightened her shoulders. “Please call me if the client isn’t appropriate, okay? It’s a lot of money, but that doesn’t mean he can treat you poorly.”

I nodded, but we both knew Cole Bryson could pretty much treat me however he wanted. It’s not like there was a union I could complain to, let alone an HR department. But that was okay. I never complained. I never ratted out Loopsy, Fat Vinnie, or any of the other Johns who were less than gentlemanly—which was pretty much all of them.

“I’ll be fine. Don’t you worry about me. I can handle myself, and I can look out for Audrey, too.” There were so many great things about this assignment. Still, I was thrilled I would be reunited with my friend. Audrey seemed like too good of a girl for this business; if I was nearby, I could look out for her.

I followed Elena out to the lobby, my insides still twisting with nerves.

Sixty-five thousand dollars.

A Caribbean vacation.

A billionaire all my own.

The door rang, and Elena buzzed the client in. I held my breath, waiting, as his commanding footsteps echoed down the hall. Then Cole Bryson came into view, all six-foot-whatever of him, in a suit coat that strained against his big shoulders and powerful chest. He was gorgeous, drop-dead gorgeous, with chiseled features, sparkling eyes, and thick, black hair.

He broke out into a smile when he saw us. His teeth were dazzling white, almost too good to be true, just like the rest of him.

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