Escorting the Billionaire (The Escort Collection 1)

Evie was about to say something back when Todd interrupted. “Are you flirting with the best man’s best friend?” he asked his fiancée. They were both slurring their words a little; the cocktail ‘hour’ had been going for three hours straight.

Evie tossed her hair and narrowed her eyes at him. “Sorry, baby,” she said in what sounded like her version of a sexy voice. “Old habits die hard.”

“You mean once a slutty sorority girl, always a slutty sorority girl?” Todd asked, grinning at her.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” She grabbed his tie and pulled him in for a quick, hot kiss. Todd lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around him. They headed to a dark corner for some serious making out and grinding.

“They’re drunk,” Cole said and laughed.

“They’re happy,” I said, surprised. I turned to James. “They’re actually good together.”

James stood up taller and watched them making out in the corner, a bemused look on his face. “He likes her slutty sorority girl act. You just might be right,” he said.

Meanwhile, sparks were still flying in our little circle. “You are so hot when you fight for me,” Cole said to Jenny. He took another sip of his martini and looked at her with hooded eyes.

“That wasn’t even a fight,” Jenny said. She tossed her hair. “If you want to see me throw down, just bring that bitch back here.”

Cole looked impressed. “That’s so hot—that’s the bride, Jenny. You gonna fight the bride for me?”

“I would, baby,” she cooed, pressing herself against him. They started seriously making out then, with Cole’s hands all over Jenny’s ass. James and I just looked at each other, somewhere between mortified and amused.

Celia Preston was not impressed, however. She motioned for us to come over. We both took large swigs of our drinks before we went. “Who is that girl with Cole Bryson tonight?” she asked, watching them dry-hump next to the bar.

“That’s Jenny,” James said matter-of-factly. “They’re dating.”

“If that’s what you want to call it.” Celia turned to me. “Do you know this Jenny? She seemed excited to see you.”

“I met her last night. We went out for after-dinner drinks,” I said, watching James out of the corner of my eye.

“We met them,” James said, nodding. “For drinks after dinner.”

“Is he bringing her to the wedding?” Celia asked, scowling at them as they became more entangled.

“I hope so,” James said. “Otherwise, Todd and Evie will be the only ones having inappropriate physical displays in public.” James pointed them out in the far corner, still playing Slutty Sorority Girl and Her Jealous Boyfriend.

Celia frowned. “I think I should have had more substantial food served at this thing,” she said mostly to herself.

“Live and learn, Mother,” James said. “Live and learn.”

* * *

We snuck out after Celia was interrupted by one of her friends, asking about which red wine on the list had the most antioxidants.

I winked at Jenny on the way out, and she gave me a thumbs-up. Cole still had his hands on her ass.

“I think he really likes her,” James said as we slid into the car. “I don’t think he’s pretending.”

“What’s not to like?” I asked. “She’s gorgeous, she’s young, and she’s smart.” He looked at me skeptically. “No, James—she’s actually really smart. One of her many talents is hiding it.”

“My brother and Evie were also entertaining tonight,” James said.

“You know what? I think they’re actually in love,” I said. “Todd seems really excited about getting married. And Evie definitely seemed into him tonight… if he can live with what happened and accept her for who she is, maybe you can, too.”

James snorted.

“I’m just pointing that out to you,” I said in a know-it-all voice.

“We’ll see,” he said. At least it was something.