Page 17 of Sweet, Sweet Jewel: A Sweet Treats Novel

She couldn’t believe her boss had tricked her like that. So much for understanding her situation and not forcing her to do anything uncomfortable. Sky was lucky Jewel loved her so much or she’d be outta here.

Gritting her teeth, Jewel headed down the stairs. It was a slow, painful process. Unlike Carrie, who wore stilettos like a second skin, she was dying in these flimsy deathtraps.

Carrie paused and swung her wavy black hair over her shoulder. “Jewel? How you holding up?”

“Okay,” she said on a shaky breath.

Carrie bounded up the stairs. “Hold onto me. It’ll help.”

“Thanks.” Jewel squeezed Carrie’s shoulder and together they waddled down the rest of the steps.

The men were striding through the door when they entered the foyer.

Every woman in the near vicinity dropped what she was doing to stare. Jewel could hear the gasps and murmurs of appreciation ripple through the room like a swelling tide.

Joon Gi, Sun Gi, and Benson were handsome enough when they wore regular clothes and had messy hair. Today, the men looked dashing in tailored suits with their hair slicked back and their individual swagger on display.

Finn fit right in.

Jewel tried not to look at him and glanced at Carrie instead.

Her friend’s stare lingered on Benson. “Damn, I’m a lucky woman.”

The way Benson was ogling Carrie, Jewel figured he was thinking the same thing.

The men neared them.

Benson scurried straight to Carrie and slid his arms around her waist. Carrie gave him a quick kiss.

“Hey, babe.” Benson nuzzled his girlfriend’s ear.

“What happened?” Carrie murmured, smoothing her hands along Benson’s collar. “Sky was worried.”

“How is she?” Joon Gi strode forward. His face held a pinkish hue as if he’d stood in the sun for ten hours straight. His almond-shaped eyes were ringed with worry lines and his thick black hair was mussed.

Jewel motioned to the stairs. “Sky’s reapplying her makeup now. She wanted you to know that she’s ready to marry you.”

“Thanks.” Joon Gi smiled at her with brotherly affection.

At first, she’d been wary and shy around him, but Joon had been patient and respectful of her space. Although she’d grown used to Benson and Sun Gi, Joon would always be the one she felt the most comfortable with.

“We owe your date for bailing us out.” Sun Gi slapped Finn’s back. “If it wasn’t for him, we’d still be stranded out there waiting for a tow.”

“It was no problem.” Finn winked at her.

Jewel frowned and looked away.

“Is the shuttle ready?” Joon Gi asked.

Carrie nodded and pulled her cell phone from the pocket Sky had designed into their bridesmaid’s dresses. “Your driver is ready and waiting. Finn, was it?”

Finn nodded.

“You can ride with the guys. The shuttle will take you straight to the ferry. We’ll follow with Sky in the second vehicle.”

“Okay.” Joon blew out a breath and jumped in place. “I’m ready.”

Jewel caught Finn staring at her. For some reason, her chest started pounding even harder.

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