Page 34 of Riding with the Secret Billionaire

This piques my interest. "Security requirements?"

"Oh yes. Mr. McCrae has arranged for comprehensive security coverage throughout the event. Word has spread of his fiancée and her family’s newfound wealth, and he refuses to take any chances. Your Mr. Winters has been extremely thorough in his preparations."

"He's not my Mr. Winters," I say automatically, then immediately regret the defensiveness in my tone when Patty gives me a knowing look.

"Of course not," she says, though her expression suggests she's drawn her own conclusions. "In any case, Jordyn and Silas have spared no expense to ensure their special day is perfect."

The elevator doors open onto a luxurious corridor with plush carpeting and elegant wallpaper. Patty leads me to a set of double doors at the end of the hall, knocking briskly before using a master key to open them.

"Special delivery!" she announces cheerfully as we enter.

The bridal suite is sumptuous—a large sitting room with floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant furniture, and multiple floral arrangements. But my attention is immediately drawn to the woman who leaps up from the sofa with a squeal of delight.

"TRISH!" Jordyn launches herself at me, enveloping me in a tight hug that nearly knocks me off my feet. "You made it! I was so worried when your flight got canceled!"

I return the hug with equal enthusiasm, realizing how much I've missed my best friend despite our regular phone and text communications. "Wild horses couldn't have kept me away," I assure her. "Or airline mechanical failures, apparently."

Jordyn pulls back to examine me, her dark eyes narrowed with friendly scrutiny. "You look different. Good different. The road trip agrees with you."

There's a knowing quality to her observation that makes me wonder just how transparent my feelings for Jake might be. Before I can respond, Jordyn turns to introduce the otherwomen in the room—her future sisters-in-law and a couple of friends from college who make up the bridal party.

"Ladies, this is Trish, my best friend since freshman year and the reason I haven't completely lost my mind during wedding planning," Jordyn announces. "Trish, these are the women who've been keeping me sane while you were gallivanting across the country with your mysterious driver."

The introductions pass in a blur of names and faces, all of them welcoming but clearly curious about the maid of honor who arrived via cross-country ride share instead of the scheduled flight. I answer their questions with carefully edited versions of the journey, emphasizing the sights and stops rather than the developing relationship with my driver.

"So, this Jake," Jordyn says when we finally have a moment alone, the others distracted by a debate over shoe choices. "Is he as hot as you implied in your texts?"

I feel heat rise to my cheeks. "I did not imply he was hot."

"You called him 'Captain Control' and said he filled out his t-shirt in ways that should be illegal," Jordyn reminds me with a grin. "That's basically a five-alarm fire in Trish-speak."

"Fine, yes, he's attractive," I admit, keeping my voice low. "But it's complicated."

"Complicated how? You like him, he likes you, you spent days alone in a truck together—what's the complication?"

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. Jake asked me to keep our connection discreet, but Jordyn is my best friend. "He's here, actually," I say finally. "At the hotel."

Jordyn's eyebrows shoot up. "He's staying at the Heirloom Rose? Is he attending the wedding?"

"Not exactly." I bite my lip, then decide honesty is the best approach. "He's your security consultant. Jake Winters?"

Jordyn's eyes widen comically. "Wait, THE Jake Winters? The one Silas hired to handle security? The super-intense ex-military guy who Silas says is the best in the business? THAT'S your ride share driver?"

"He owns the app," I explain, wincing at her volume. "RoadRunner. He created it. He was already coming here for your wedding when I requested a ride."

"And you've been... what? Having a road trip romance with the head of our wedding security?" Her expression is more delighted than scandalized, which is a relief.

"It's not exactly a romance," I hedge, though the memories of last night suggest otherwise. "It's... evolving. And complicated by professional boundaries."

"Which is why he checked in separately and you're being cagey about it," Jordyn concludes, her quick mind connecting the dots. "Trish, this is fantastic! My best friend and Silas's security guru, falling for each other during a cross-country journey to my wedding. It's like a Hallmark movie but with better sex, I'm guessing?"

I smack her arm lightly, glancing around to make sure no one is listening. "Can you not broadcast this to the entire bridal party, please? Jake wants to keep things professional while he's working, and I respect that."

"Fine, fine," she agrees, though her eyes are still sparkling with amusement. "But you're giving me all the details later. And I mean ALL of them."

Before I can respond, Patty returns to the suite, followed by two assistants carrying garment bags. "Ladies! It's time for the final fitting!"

The next hour passes in a flurry of silk, tulle, and precise adjustments as we try on our bridesmaid dresses for final alterations. Jordyn's wedding gown is stunning—a sleek, modern design that perfectly suits her frame and personality, with subtle detailing that elevates it from beautiful to breathtaking.

---