Page 12 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire

Lanie rolled her eyes. “You’re beautiful. You also happen to be funny, smart, down-to-earth and sensible, besides. What’s not to like? And when he discovers you can dance like Ginger Rogers, he’ll be in love.”

She took a deep breath. “Okay, whatever the reason, I like him, too. And I really want to go to the gala tomorrow night. But I need some jewelry…don’t I?”

Lanie shook her head. “No, my darling friend. The dress has its own jewels and they are beautiful. They sparkle almost like they were real, but that can’t be…can it?” Her eyes widened as she jutted her chin toward the dress.

Jessica looked down at the bodice of the gown. Small stones—diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires—dotted the entire bodice, sparkling with every move she made. “I don’t know, but I’m treating the dress like they are. I don’t want anything to happen to this gown.”

“Look, sweetie, it’s late, at least for me. I have to work from four a.m. until noon. I’m going home and try to get some sleep. I’m going to pretend I’m Cinderella and dream about my own Prince Charming. You have fun tomorrow night, and don’t worry about the dress or anything else but having a good time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Grab that brass ring and go for it. But be cautious, too. The man has had six fiancées in the last four years.” She hugged Jessica. “I love you, girlfriend.”

“I love you, too.” She walked Lanie to the door. “I’ll call you tomorrow night.”

“You better.” Lanie headed down the hallway.

After watching Lanie go outside, Jessica closed and locked her front door, then she leaned against it. She ran her hands down her body, admiring the soft feel of the silk. She felt like Cinderella and suddenly wondered when she’d lose her glass slipper.

* * *

Saturday evening cameand Jessica had taken more than an hour-and-a-half to make it seem like her look was effortless. Her hair was naturally wavy, but she still curled the ends under so they’d look finished.

Her makeup comprised a dewy foundation, neutral lipstick with a light pink gloss over it and neutral eyeshadow with mascara, lots of mascara. She wanted to look like she had thick, long lashes. She’d even taken the time to groom her eyebrows.

When she was out with her mother that day, shopping for her grandmother’s birthday present, she’d splurged on a jeweled evening clutch. In it, she put a lip gloss, her loft key, one-hundred dollars in cash, and a credit card for her donation.

She checked herself again in the cheval mirror to make sure everything was tucked in and she wouldn’t flash anyone.

A knock sounded from the front door.

Jessica hurried to the door, took a moment to catch her breath, and then opened it. She should have taken longer with her breathing because, looking at Roark in his tux, she was suddenly breathless.

“You look great.” She blurted the words before she could stop herself.

He chuckled. “I’m glad I meet your approval.” He looked her up and down. “I must say, the dress looks much better on you than on Veronica’s mannequin.”

Her face heated, and she lowered her gaze. “It’s the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen and,” she raised her gaze to meet his. Suddenly, she knew that thanking him was enough. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He smiled. “I have something for you.”

His already deep voice seemed even deeper. She stepped toward him. “Oh, Roark, how can I accept anything more from you?”

“You have to. It goes with the dress. It wasn’t finished last night, so I picked it up on the way here.” He handed her a box about a foot square and not even half an inch thick.

“All right. Please come in.” She was glad she’d cleaned up. She even took the clothes off the treadmill. She walked over to the sofa and set her clutch on the coffee table. Then she removed the top of the box and put it on the table. Inside was the most exquisite, delicate, black lace shawl she’d ever seen. “Oh, my goodness. This is fabulous and perfect for this dress.” After picking it up, she let it fall open and then placed it around her shoulders. She turned toward Roark. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful. I knew it was perfect for you. Are you ready to go? I can’t wait to show you off.”

I’m not exactly happy to be shone off. It feels strange to have people, men in particular, look at me like I’m a piece of meat. Then again, maybe I’m making too big a deal about this. It will be worth it to be with Roark. I like him a lot…maybe too soon and too much.“I am.” She grabbed her clutch off the coffee table and headed to the door.

Roark followed.

She closed it behind them and locked the deadbolt with her key, then she replaced the key in her clutch.

He held out his arm.

She placed her hand into the crook of his elbow and walked out of the building at his side.

Outside, parked at the curb, was a white stretch limousine.I’ve never ridden in a limo before. I’ve only seen the inside in movies.

The driver already held the door open. “Good evening, Miss Kirby.”