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“You didn’t hear me wrong,” I say deliberately. “Not everything is about money.”
Again, he looks at me like he doesn’t recognize me. “You don’t sound like the brother I know. I guess that vacation you took in Rome did something to you.”
With a carefree laugh, he stands and pats my shoulder lightly. “Well, I just stopped by to say hello. You’ve been going to bed early since you got back, so I haven’t seen much of you. I’ll see you later tonight, though? Let’s have a drink by the pool.”
“Sure,” I reply.
He leaves without another word, but the weight of his presence lingers. The thought of Jenny sitting across from him, smiling, laughing at his charm, twists something deep and unrelenting inside me. I clench my fists, willing the ache to fade, but it only grows worse.
Chapter
Thirty-Seven
JENNY
Caroline fusses over me like a proud older sister as she adjusts the halter strap of my emerald- green dress. The fabric hugs my curves perfectly, the fitted waist flaring gently at my knees. It’s elegant yet understated…exactly what I wanted. She steps back, her eyes lighting up.
“You look incredible,” she says, her hands clasped together. “Brett’s going to lose his mind.”
I laugh nervously, smoothing the fabric at my hips. “You think it’s not too much? I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard.”
Caroline shakes her head. “Jenny, you look stunning. Besides, this is Brett. The man’s been chasing you since he got back. He needs to see what he’s up against.” She winks.
Her words make me smile, but there’s a twinge of something deeper beneath the surface. This is what I’ve always dreamed of…Brett taking me out, showing me off, treating me like I’m someone special. But now that it’s happening, there’s a weight inmy chest I can’t ignore. I should be overjoyed, yet the thought of sitting across from him tonight feels... hollow.
Because no matter how much I’ve wanted this, I can’t stop the flashes of Zack that invade my thoughts…his voice, his touch, the way he looked at me like he saw more than I wanted him to. It’s wrong. So wrong. Brett is the one I’ve loved all my life, so why does it feel like I’m betraying something I can’t even name?
Caroline gives me a final once-over, tugging at the hem of my dress before stepping back. “You’ve got this. Just... be yourself.”
I nod, though my chest feels heavy. “Thanks, Caroline.”
The knock at the door comes a moment later, startling me out of my thoughts. Caroline grins knowingly and steps aside as I open the door.
Brett stands there, leaning casually against the frame, his golden hair styled just enough to look effortlessly perfect. His tailored blazer clings to his shoulders, and the sight of him makes my breath hitch. He looks every bit the charming prince I used to imagine when I was younger.
“Wow,” he says, his grin widening as his gaze sweeps over me. “You look amazing, Jenny.”
Heat creeps up my cheeks, and I glance down briefly before meeting his eyes. “Thanks. I thought we were meeting in the kitchen?”
He straightens, stepping back slightly. “Change of plans. I figured dinner at home wasn’t good enough for someone like you.”
I blink in surprise. “Oh?”
“Yeah,” he says, his grin softening. “I’ve made reservations in Manhattan. Thought it’d be more fitting.”
My heart flutters at his words, and I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to,” he says, his voice warm. “Come on, let’s go.”
He leads me outside, and I follow, trying to ignore the nervous energy coursing through me.
When we reach the car, he opens the passenger door for me with a playful flourish. “Your chariot awaits.”
“Thank you, kind sir,” I reply, laughing softly as I slide into the seat. He closes the door and circles around to the driver’s side, settling in with an easy confidence that only Brett could manage.
The drive to Manhattan is quiet at first, the hum of the car filling the space between us. I play with the hem of my dress, sneaking glances at him as he navigates the city streets.
“So,” he begins, breaking the silence. “How was Rome? Zack didn’t drive you too crazy, did he?”