Page 47 of The Billionaire and I

Audrey watched us, a knowing look on her face.

Todd and his attendants came out. Todd was beaming, obviously happy and excited. James looked less so, but at least he’d calmed down a little. He shot Audrey a look, and her cheeks flushed. I wondered just what was up with them. I leaned across Jenny. “I still can’t believe he ate that crab cake, Audrey,” I said.

“Huh?” She blinked at me, surprised.

“The crab cake you fed James. That first night I met you,” I said. “Hehatescrab. Loathes it.”

“I didn’t know,” she said, sheepish. “He didn’t say anything.”

I looked at her for a beat. “He must be completely in love with you.” Maybe it wasn’t my business, but I knew it was true. And I was feeling reckless. Actually, I was feeling lots of things, but reckless was toward the top of the list.

Jenny watched in interest as Audrey sat there, gaping. A deep blush crept up Audrey’s neck. “S’okay, Dre,” Jenny said, patting her arm. “It’s gonna be okay. Close your mouth—you look so pretty, you don’t wanna get drool on that dress.”

She followed Jenny’s orders and closed her mouth, but Audrey still looked stunned. Oh boy. “I didn’t mean to make you upset,” I said.

“You didn’t make me upset,” Audrey said. She sounded like a robot.

“Dre doesn’t think it’s possible that James has feelings for her—she doesn’t believe in fairy tales. She’s arealist,” Jenny explained.

“Of course it’s possible,” I said recklessly, but now I only had eyes for Jenny.

“Oh, Coley,” she said, throwing her arms around my neck. She kissed me, and I forgot all about crab cakes, blabbing about my best friend’s feelings, and shutting my mouth. I lost myself in Jenny, savoring the sweet taste of her mouth until the man behind me cleared his throat.

We finally broke apart. “I forgot we were in church,” I whispered.

“Me too, Coley.” Jenny fanned herself. “Me too.”

We focused on the wedding to avoid ripping each other’s clothes off in the pew. The enormous church was now packed, filled with beautifully dressed society people. I recognized themayor as well as several prominent CEOs. The music started, and the Prestons led the wedding processional. Mr. Preston looked refined in his suit. The recently Botoxed Mrs. Preston looked like something out of madam Tussauds wax museum in a glittering, silver-beaded gown secured at the waist with an enormous diamond brooch.

Nine bridesmaids were next—first, Evie’s cousins, Meghan, Michelle, and Sarah, their biceps popping as they clutched their bouquets. Then there were some of Evie’s friends I recognized from the parties we’d attended, the young women who’d been drinking with Jenny. The bridesmaids’ dresses were simple, black, strapless, and obviously couture. Next, Evie came down the aisle with her father. I’d never given her looks much thought, but she was a beautiful bride.

Todd watched his bride-to-be as she headed toward them. There were tears in his eyes, but he was smiling. Evie reached him, and they clasped their hands together, joy apparent on both faces. I clutched Jenny’s hand tighter, pulling her against my side.

Easy, bro.Getting emotional did not suit me. Getting emotionalandreckless was a recipe for disaster.

“Jenny,” Audrey suddenly turned around and whispered. “I have to go. It’s an emergency. Tell James I’ll meet him at the reception.”

“What?”Jenny asked. The couple was about to recite their vows. People turned to stare at us.

“It’s mymother,” Audrey hiss-whispered.

“Oh fuck, Dre. Go,” Jenny said. “I’ll cover for you.”

Audrey hitched her dress up and ran from the church.

“What the hell was that about?” I whispered.

“Tell you later, Coley.” Jenny shifted uncomfortably in the pew. “But let’s just say it’s a shit show, all right?”

“All right.” I held her hand as the officiant began speaking.

Next to the groom, James’s expression became stormy—he’d seen Audrey run out. James turned and handed something to the groomsman behind him, his cousin. I only realized afterward that he’d given him the rings.

Then he hustled off behind a large velvet curtain, leaving us all wondering just what the hell was going on.

CHAPTER 23

Jenny

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