“Maybe he just likes variety,” I said bitterly.
“It’s not that.” She turns to me. “It worries me, Emma. It’s like he does this on purpose. Shuts himself off from the possibility of finding love as I have. Or Joseph”
“Why would he do that?”
Jasmin shakes her head. “Only Jake can answer that.”
That night Jasmin asked me to join her yet again for her bachelorette party. Because duh, I’m her friend now and the wedding planner and also her brother’s fake girlfriend. We went to G Club which was located fairly close by. The bride squad were with us obviously and dressed to a tee. I just grabbed the first dress I could find in my luggage which was a classic little black dress. You can never go wrong with that.
Sarah kept giving me hesitant looks and avoided speaking to me and I felt bad for her. The poor girl was feeling guilty about sleeping with my boyfriend. Jo and I needed to talk. His game was screwing up lives. Unfortunately, we also happened to meet Cecelia at the club who was all too happy to tell us about her plans of becoming the future Mrs. Vandervaal and how Jake was just days away from proposing to her. It pissed off Jasmin who gave her dirty looks and made me wish I’d sunk with the Titanic. So instead, I decided to drown and murder the whale in my stomach with alcohol poisoning. So I just . . . got drunk . . . trashed . . . hammered, whatever you want to call it. The girls were getting crazy on the dance floor but Jasmin opted to stay by my side because she was an angel. Screw Mr. Vandervaal and his stupidly handsome face and screw those dark and gorgeous eyes and also screw those soft red lips.
I needed another drink.
I’m assuming because I couldn’t walk straight, Jasmin being a sweetheart, never left me alone. Not until we were at the hotel anyway. I saw Jake once we were in the lobby and he strode forward like a man on a mission, his face marred with a scowl.
“What’s wrong with her?” He demanded Jasmin.
“Nothing, she just let loose a bit.” She replied and I could hear the amusement in her voice.
“Did everyone let loose like her?” He asked.
I lifted my finger and poked the owner of the hotel at his cheek. “You shouldn’t scowl so much. You’ll get premature wrinkles.” I slurred.
Jasmin chuckled and Jake’s scowl deepened. “Where are the others?” He asked without taking his eyes off me.
“They’re in another car. They’ll be here soon and they aren’t as drunk, so don’t worry.” Jasmin said. “It’s okay Jake, she stresses too much and needed this more than me.”
“She needs to sleep this off.” He said in disapproval. “Where’s Joseph?”
“I called him a minute ago to take her to her room but Sarah clung to him in her state and refused to let him go. So he went to make sure she reached her room and doesn’t end up on the roof.” Jasmin explained. “Would you please take her instead?”
Jake was quiet for a few moments while I kept pouting and poking at his face. The receptionist looked horrified at what I was doing but Jake never swatted my hand away, then he nodded. “I’ll take her.” He said authoritatively. “You look tired.”
“I am,” Jasmin said. “I’m going to get some rest. The ceremonies start tomorrow.” She said excitedly and gives my arm to Jake. I stumble forward into him where he catches me. Gosh, he smelled so good. My lips pulled up in a smile at his scent. “My hero,” I said.
Jasmin chucked behind me. “She’s funny when she’s drunk. She should do this more often.”
“Let’s hope not,” Jake muttered and picked me up in his arms, walking to the elevator. He doesn’t put me down until we reach the penthouse and then laid me on the bed. He disappeared for several seconds and I whined aloud for him to come back. He does so with a soft laugh, a water bottle, and aspirin in hand that he keeps on the bedside table. “You are a unique woman, Emma Duvall.” He said fondly and proceeded to remove my heels, keeping them neatly at the foot of the bed.
“Will you marry her?” I asked, half asleep.
“Who?” Jake asked and pulled the covers over me, tucking me in like a child.
“Chameleon. She said you’ll propose to her soon.” I pouted. “I don’t like her.”
He leaned forward and I felt his cool minty breath tickle my cheek. “Oh, Emma.” I could be wrong but it sounded like he was sad as he said my name. Why was he sad? I wondered in my drunk state. He swiped the hair strands away from my forehead. “No.” He answered quietly. “Regardless of what she said, I won’t marry Camilla.” He paused. “I don’t know if I ever will.”
“Why not?” I asked turning towards him and taking hold of his hand.
“Because there’s another woman I can’t stop thinking about.” He closed his eyes, weariness flashing across the face.
“Will you break up with her?” I asked and he nodded. “That would be for the best.” He replied, his hand closing his hand around mine.
“Why?” I question.
“How could I keep seeing her after what happened between us.” He swallowed, unsaid emotions swirled in his dark eyes. “Every time I see you, Emma, it makes my heart race, and being this close makes me burn for you.”
“Why didn’t you say this to me earlier?” I fight hard to keep my eyes open. “Why now?”
He sighed deeply. “Because I know you won’t remember any of this in the morning.” Yes, I would.
“So you don’t regret kissing me?” I murmur one final question. Sleep was shrouding me heavily by now. And before I drifted off I heard his answer.
“I could never regret kissing you.” He was right. I didn’t remember shit in the morning. Not one damn thing.
Chapter Seven
The rehearsal dinner was taking place at the palace with a million relatives of the royal family in attendance. After meeting aunt number one hundred and seven, I decided to go kill myself. Sadly, Jo stopped me. He was positively glowing these days. One would think he was the bride instead of his sister. From what he said, things were going perfectly with Sarah and she had, in fact, confessed her undying love for him. Eye roll. So I told him that we didn’t need to pretend anymore.
“I mean if she’s willing to patch things up with you, I’m really happy. And I just hate lying to Jasmin about us.” I said. And then there was Jake whom I had been avoiding after Jasmin told me how trashed I was when he’s found us in the lobby. And the adorable way I had poked at his face. Cringe at the embarrassment I’d caused myself. I’d considered hiding out in the penthouse until the wedding was over but unfortunately that wouldn’t be possible. So instead whenever I saw the sexy business tycoon coming, I turned the other way. If he had any concerns about the wedding, he could talk to Jo about it.
“I get it, Emma,” Jo said walking with me as I made the final rounds for the evening at the hotel. The wedding was a day later and I had to be sure all things were perfect. Both the Vandervaal hotel and the palace were looking pretty good. I continued walking with the checklist in hand and Jo continued to talk. “I noticed you’ve hit it off with Jasmin and I’d hate to make her lose a friend like you. Especially since I know how awesome you are.” He smiled warmly.