Page 46 of The Billionaire and I

“These are… These are gorgeous, Cole. Holy shit! Are theyreal?”

It was my turn to laugh. “Yes, they’re emeralds. I thought they’d look so pretty on you with that dress.”

“These areemeralds? You bought me ginormous emerald earrings?” She gaped at me.

“Try them on.” I smiled at her.

“Woah, I don’t know about this.” She started breathing hard and fanning herself. “These are too expensive.”

“No, they’re not. Just try them on,” I insisted.

Jenny winced. “Cole, I wear fake gold studs from Walmart. The kind that turn your earlobes green.”

She tried to hand the box back. “I got no business wearin’ earrings like this. I’d be scared to death to lose them.”

“They’re insured, babe. You don’t have to worry about that.”

Her face screwed up, confused. “Earrings can have insurance?Idon’t even have insurance!”

I blew out a deep breath. “Remind me to do something about that. In the meantime, we’re late. Can you please try the earrings on? For me?”

“All right, Coley. Since you bought them insurance, and everything.” She hustled to the mirror and carefully secured the teardrop emerald earrings. Then she looked at herself, straightening her shoulders and holding her chin up.

It occurred to me that Jenny was a very brave person.

“These are beautiful,” she said. “And you’re right—they look great with the dress.”

“They look great onyou. You’re so beautiful, Jenny. You’re the prettiest girl in the whole world.”

“Now you sound like Shirley.” She winked at me in the mirror, then returned her gaze to her reflection. “I’m ready. I’ve never been to a society wedding before, you know that? I was nervous, but now I feel good. Actually, I feel like a princess. Thank you, Cole.”

“Thankyou.” My heart swelled with pride as I offered her my arm, and she took it.

Then my fake date and I headed out to the society event of the season.

Trinity Church was locatedin Copley Square. The stately stone church edifice rose into the sky. It was surrounded by skyscrapers and office buildings, which made it seem quaint. The driver dropped us off in front, and I held Jenny’s hand as we walked inside. Everyone stopped and stared at my date. She was majestic in her mermaid gown, the large teardrop emeralds sparkling at her ears.

I briefly wondered what my father would think when he saw these photos of me with Jenny. Then I decided that I didn’t give a shit.

We headed inside the main chamber of the already crowded church. The beauty of the interior was stunning. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, and the ceiling soared above us.

“This looks like something out of a fairy tale,” Jenny whispered.

“I know. It’s perfect.” I found an open pew close to the front and helped her slide down the smooth wooden bench. Jenny elicited more stares from the already-seated guests. Hot pride bloomed in my chest as I held her hand, clearly marking the prettiest girl in the world as mine.

James and Audrey came in a few minutes later. James sported a tuxedo, and Audrey wore a pale yellow dress. Her hair was also up in an elegant bun. In a million years, you would never guess that my date and James’s were escorts who were barely scraping by in the real world. They looked like royalty.

James hustled Audrey down the aisle, looking flushed. He deposited her with us and then charged off to find Todd. He was the best man, and he was late. I made a mental note not to have him be my best man. Not that I was ever going to need a best man. Or that I’d ever planned on needing one. Sighing, I pushed the thoughts away and watched as Jenny and Audrey hugged it out.

“Hey, Dre!” Jenny pulled Audrey in for a hug.

Audrey stared at her friend when they broke apart, taking in the gown and earrings. “You are stunning.”

“Aw, thanks Dre. I guess I clean up okay,” Jenny said, beaming at her in pleasure. “Cole bought the dress for me. And the earrings.”

Audrey looked past Jenny to me. “That was nice.”

I grinned at her. “It was my pleasure. Jenny looks beautiful.” I clasped Jenny’s hand again, then gave her a quick kiss. Audrey’s approval made me feel happy. Jenny smiled. I smiled.

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