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Cole Bryson was smoking hot, but so was I. I was going to be his absolute dream come true, earning every penny of my fee. My future depended on it.
There was no way I was messing this job up.
We spentthe afternoon organizing my looks, which were much sexier than the pale-colored potato sacks Elena had initially picked out. I periodically reminded her that although Audrey needed to be prim and proper for all the events, I was twice removed arm candy. I didn’t have to deal with parents and in-laws and all that other crap: I just had to be Cole Bryson’s smoke-show of a date.
“Where should I say I met him?” I asked.
“The gym,” she suggested. “How about that fancy one over on Franklin Street?”
I had never worked out a day in my life, but I nodded. “Sounds good. One of my clients belongs there—he said it was real expensive.” Something like three hundred dollars a month, which was nuts!
“And what should I say I do for work—the usual?” When she sent me out with a high-end client, she usually had me say I worked in Human Resources.
“Cole’s family is deep into Boston business, and they own several companies. Let’s steer away from anything corporate.” Elena looked thoughtful. “I think this time we should say you work with underprivileged kids—just keep it simple.”
“I like that. Makes me sound real respectable.” I nodded. “Now, is it okay for someone who works with underprivileged kids to pack a thong bikini for a Caribbean vacation? Because I never been to an island before, Elena. And I want my ass to see it. All of it. And I want everyone to see all of my ass!”
Elena sighed. She looked defeated. “Pack it, but maybe save it until dark?” she suggested.
I winked at her. “Dark is forskinny dipping, Elena. Thongs are for tanning your ass.” I grabbed several strings masquerading as bikinis and some sexy coverups. If the madam didn’t want us wearing this stuff, she shouldn’t keep it stocked!
She checked her watch. “We need to get out to the lobby. He’ll be here in a minute.”
“Hoo, all right.” Suddenly nervous again, I fanned myself. “You sure I look okay?” I’d changed into a simple black sundress that showed off my curves, black sandals, and some simple gold jewelry. My hair hung in loose waves over my shoulders, and I wore what Elena referred to as “tasteful” makeup—neutral eyeshadow, mascara, a little blush, and lip gloss.
“Jenny, you’re a ten. You couldn’t look bad if you tried.” She straightened her shoulders. “Please call me if the client isn’t appropriate, okay? It’s a lot of money, but that doesn’t mean he can treat you poorly.”
I nodded, but we both knew Cole Bryson could pretty much treat me however he wanted. It’s not like there was a union I could complain to, let alone an HR department. But that was okay. I never complained. I never ratted out Loopsy, Fat Vinnie, or any of the other Johns who were less than gentlemanly—which was pretty much all of them.
“I’ll be fine. Don’t you worry about me. I can handle myself, and I can look out for Audrey, too.” There were so many great things about this assignment. Still, I was thrilled I would be reunited with my friend. Audrey seemed like too good of a girl for this business; if I was nearby, I could watch over her.
I followed Elena out to the lobby, my insides still twisting with nerves.
Sixty-five thousand dollars.
A Caribbean vacation.
A billionaire all my own.
The door rang, and Elena buzzed the client in. I held my breath, waiting, as his commanding footsteps echoed down the hall. Then Cole Bryson came into view, all six-foot-whatever of him, in a suit coat that strained against his big shoulders and powerful chest. He was gorgeous, drop-dead gorgeous, with chiseled features, sparkling eyes, and thick, black hair.
He broke out into a smile when he saw us. His teeth were dazzling white, almost too good to be true, just like the rest of him.
“I’m Cole Bryson. You must be Elena.” He came forward and shook her hand, then turned to me. “And you must be Jenny.”
I stared at him, dumbfounded. A funny feeling passed through me, a shiver, and time seemed to slow down. My tongue felt heavy in my mouth. My head hurt. There was something about this guy… It was this weird, physical feeling, sort of like déjà vu.
I didn’t understand it. For a moment, I felt afraid.
Elena glanced at me. When I didn’t say anything, she leaned closer. “Jenny…?” She sounded like I was an actor who’d missed their prompt, which was pretty much true.
Sixty-five thousand dollars. A billionaire all my own.
Do not fuck this up, girl!
I came back to earth with a thud.
“Of course I’m Jenny!” I smiled at Cole Bryson and stuck my chest out like my life depended on it, which it basically did. “And ho my frickin’ God, we are going to have so much fun!”