Page 126 of Grumpy Billionaire Bad Boy

I adjust my dress in the back of the limo Grace had sent to my apartment complex. It fits perfectly, as does every piece of jewelry Archer had bought me.

"You look beautiful," she tells me and fixes her makeup in a small compact mirror. She pinches it shut and tucks it into her clutch.

"So do you." I take her in, her blonde hair slicked back into a pony, the ends in perfectly soft curls. Her dress is a buttery gold, long gown with sequins and frilly ends coming off the shoulders and bottom half. It's stunning, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was custom-made for her body. The neckline plunges deep and shows just enough of her chest not to be too revealing.

"You both are hot as hell," Leo says from his spot next to Grace.

He's wearing a dark navy cashmere suit from Louis Vuitton with a handkerchief that matches Grace's dress. Everything about him screamsI have moneyand I can't help but wonder what people are going to think about my outfit, considering I didn't pay for a damn thing. I can't even claim my panties, since I'm not wearing any.

"Thanks, Leo. You clean up nice, too," I say, dancing around the awkward fact that he's Archer's brother. They're not even blood-related but every time I see Leo's face, it reminds me of Archer.

I chew at my lip and stare at the window, the cars passing by in a blur.

"What are you nervous about?" Grace taps me with her stiletto to get my attention.

"Nothing."

She tilts her head. "Don't lie to me."

I let out a sigh and wish Leo wasn't here so I could talk more candidly.

"I don't think he's coming," Grace tells me. "I mean, he bought a table, so he has every right to, but he didn't RSVP. I had my team follow up a few times."

I avert my gaze, fidgeting with the purse I brought with me. I can't tell if I'm relieved or disappointed.

"How long has it been since you talked to him?" Grace slides her hand on top of Leo's when he sets it on her leg.

"Four weeks."

"That's a month, sweetheart," Leo says.

"It will be a month on Thursday," I correct him, regretting it the second I blurt it out. How psycho do I sound, counting the days since Archer and I last spoke? We've been apart longer than we were together and yet it still won't ease the ache in my chest every time I think about him. I already made it through denial, anger, and bargaining, so I guess that leaves depression and acceptance. The only silver lining is that eventually I'll be over him, and that can't come soon enough.

I'm saved by the limo stopping in front of the massive building Grace secured for this event, my heart racing at the flashing lights that appear when the driver opens the door. I step out first, taking the man’s hand to assist me and do everything I can to be as poised as possible.

Cameras snap, people talk loudly, and I ignore the "Who is she?" and walk with my chin up, my shoulders back, across the red carpet leading to the entrance. I don't let out the breath I was holding until I'm through the chaos, waiting for Grace and Leo who should be behind me any moment now.

"Welcome," a woman says to me, her eyes bright and a tablet in her grasp. "London Smith?"

"Yes," I confirm. "I'm with Grace McCallister."

Grace and Leo come through the door, noise from the crowd blaring and fading out once they're fully inside. They're smiling, and I'm almost convinced they like each other, but they're both biding their time until something better comes along. There's nothing wrong with having some fun while it lasts, though. Something I wish Archer and I would have spent more timedoing instead of the push and pull we did for the month leading up to getting together.

I bite the inside of my lip, punishing myself for thinking about him at all. Tonight is about Grace and the work she's done for this charity, not Archer and our temporary fling that meant nothing.

"Ms. McCallister, it's a pleasure to see you." The woman greets her with an even bigger smile than she gave me.

"Tori, hey. How are things going?" Grace comes up beside her, glancing at the tablet as Tori points to a few things.

"Everything has kicked off without a hitch. There was a minor hiccup with catering, but it was dealt with. I assure you a flawless evening."

"Perfect." Grace glances at me and Leo who are standing in wait. "Let's get in there."

Leo holds both of his elbows out to us. "Come on, help a man out by walking in with the two most beautiful women here tonight."

Grace is the first to latch onto Leo, taking a look back at me. "What the hell. Come on, London."

I grin at her and hold on to Leo as he escorts us through the main double doors and into the stunning hall filled with tons of other people. Music is playing softly and chatter fills the space.

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