Page 11 of Accidental Attraction

“Way to say I am ugly,” I muttered, standing up and putting my book on the table.

“This conversation isn’t over, Jenna,” Liam said from behind me. Looking over my shoulder, I smirked at him before following Lennon out the door, ignoring the fact that he was looking at my backside.

***

Two and a half hours later, I emerged from the closet. Lennon didn’t want me to look at my reflection until she was completely done, so I had to change in the closet. The dress we ended up picking was a beautiful, simple strapless red number. It flowed down to the ground, swishing around my feet. I loved it for its simplicity and gorgeousness. The other options Lennon had were beautiful too, especially a deep purple one, but they felt too fancy or prom-like for an event such as this.

“Can I look now?” I asked, standing in the middle of the room.

“Not yet. Put these heels on, then let me add a few things. Then I will be done, I promise,” she said, handing me a pair of black five-inch heels that had red on the bottom. I didn’t know anything about fashion, but I knew these heels were expensive. Taking a seat on the bed, I moved the dress hem aside and slid the super high heels on. When I stood up, I wobbled before getting my balance. Tonight was going to be interesting. I had never walked in heels like this, and I knew I was going to make a fool out of myself.

I stood still for Lennon as she moved around me. Looking at the clock next to my bed, I saw it was a few minutes after six. My heart rate started to pick up. Taking a few deep breaths, I tried to calm my heart, chanting in my head that it was all going to be okay.

“Okay, here is the last touch,” Lennon said. She came to a stop in front of me. In her hand was my engagement ring. Sliding it on my ring finger, I smoothed my hands down my dress.

“Do I look okay?” I asked, biting my bottom lip.

“See for yourself.” She moved to the side, allowing me to see myself for the first time. With wobbly legs I walked to the mirror, and my green eyes widened at my reflection. Lennon was literally a genius when it came to makeup and hair.

My face was lightly spread with concealer, hiding my little flaws and freckles on my nose. A little bit of pink blush graced my cheeks, and my lips were painted a bright red that matched my dress. Lennon had added on some of those fake eyelashes to my eyes, but I could only tell because I felt her do it. A light bronze-color eye shadow made my green eyes look like they had brown in them. After looking at my face, I saw my blonde hair was slightly curled at the bottom and hung down around my shoulders and framed my face. It was simple yet perfect.

“I look…amazing,” I said finally. She made me look so beautiful I almost didn’t recognize myself. I didn’t look like the plain old Jenna. Instead I looked prettier and more confident. “Lennon, you are seriously gifted.” I turned and smiled at her.

“Oh I know,” she said, flipping her brown hair over her shoulder.

“Why aren’t you coming tonight? I am going to be alone!” I said for the hundredth time since I’d started getting ready.

“Because I’m not some big business person, nor do I work at Stanford Industries. And I would rather sit at home alone than be at that party.”

“That makes me feel so much better about going,” I said sarcastically.

“Don’t worry, Jenna, you will be fine. You know who is who and what they do. I know you can do this, and Liam will be with you all night too,” Lennon said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “I have faith that you will make it out alive.” I laughed, glad she could make the situation less serious.

“Thank you, Lennon.” I sent her a grateful smile.

“No problem.” A knock on the door interrupted us. I knew it was Liam and gulped, smoothing the dress once again. I was worried about Liam’s reaction to seeing me. “I know, I know. We are done,” Lennon said, opening the door. “Keep your mouth closed, okay?” she said before opening the door wide open and revealing Liam. He was dressed in a simple black and white suit that fit his frame perfectly. His brown hair was slicked back, making him look utterly sexy. I noticed he was wearing a red tie, the same color as my dress. When I looked over at Lennon, she smirked at me. She clearly told him what color I was wearing while I was changing.

As I was looking over him, he was doing the same to me. His mouth was wide open, and his eyes were wide as he took in my outfit. I shifted under his gaze, feeling self-conscious.

“Would you two stop eye-raping each other? You need to get going,” Lennon snapped at us. Liam blinked, almost confused.

“Jenna, you…uh, you look great,” Liam said, rubbing the back of his neck, not really looking at me. I ducked my head and grinned.

“Thank you.” I blushed.

“I got you something,” he said and walked toward me. I looked up, surprised. “Turn around.” Doing as he said, I stood with my back facing him. I felt his hand move my hair over my shoulder and shivered as his fingertips brushed against my neck. A minute later I saw something being lowered over me and felt Liam clipping a lock. I looked down and saw a simple necklace with a diamond-encrusted heart draped above my chest. I brought my hand up and ran a finger over it, touched that he got me a necklace. Knowing Liam, the diamonds were real.

“It is beautiful,” I said softly. I felt Liam rub his fingers against the base of my neck before he withdrew his touch, taking the warmth with him. Turning around, I looked up at him. “Thank you.”

“It looks perfect on you,” he said, staring into my eyes. I didn’t know how long we stood there staring at one another until a loud cough made us look away. I swallowed and looked over at Lennon, who was standing there with a hand on her hip.

“Horny birds, let’s go.” Liam shook himself before nodding and holding his arm out for me to take. Smiling softly, I laced my arm through his and headed to the door. As I passed Lennon, she handed me a small clutch that she must have gotten ready when I wasn’t looking. She winked at me and watched us walk toward the front door.

Instead of taking one of Liam’s cars, a limo idled in front of the house. I stared at it with wide eyes. I had never been in a limo before. With my arm inside of Liam’s, I followed behind him and tried to gracefully slide into the car, but of course that didn’t happen. I practically fell face first. Thank God the dress was long, or I would have flashed Liam.

The whole ride to the Benefit I played with my fingers, trying to calm my nerves. I was not looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and having them stare at me like I was dirt on the bottom of their shoes.

“Jenna, you are going to do great. Just ignore what anyone says,” Liam said, placing his hand on top of mine to stop my fiddling. I nodded and took a deep breath. Jenna, you can do this. “I will be by your side the entire time.” He shot me an encouraging smile. The car came to a stop a second later. The driver got out and headed around to open our door. Outside the window beside Liam’s head, I could see camera flashes going off like mad. “Just breathe, Jenna,” Liam said softly into my ear.

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