The Billionaire Playboy by Christina Tetreault Page A

afternoon wedding.” Jessica grabbed the dress out of Charlie's
hands and held up a floor length lilac gown. “This one would work though.”
    It took them
several tries but after two hours of shopping they agreed on a strapless
cream-colored floor length gown with an open back. With Jessica's help Charlie
choose a pair of silver heels and a silver clutch that matched the silver
beading around the sweetheart neckline.
    With the
purchases in the car, Charlie pulled onto the highway. “Thanks for your help. I
would've ended up with that black dress if it wasn't for you.”
    “Any time,
Charlie. You have to come in when you drop me off. I have some jewelry that'll
go perfectly with that dress.”
     

 
     
    Chapter
6
     
    Of all of the
absurd things she'd done, this one topped the list. According to the media this
was the wedding. Even her friends,
who like her didn't care about the actions of the rich and famous, had been
talking about this wedding for months. And it was hard not to. The President's
formerly unknown illegitimate daughter was marring billionaire CEO Dylan Talbot
who just happened to be the President's stepson.
    Charlie couldn't
help but think that she shouldn't be going. She had no ties to the family and
had only known Jake for a couple of weeks. Yet even though she planned to tell
Jake she'd changed her mind, each time she tried she couldn't bring herself to
do it. How often did someone like her get to attend a wedding like this?
    The prospect of
seeing the wedding wasn't the only thing that held Charlie back from canceling.
Though she hated to admit it, she was looking forward to spending a few days
away with Prince Charming as the media like to call him. She knew he would be
returning to Virginia soon. While the town wasn't yet back to normal,
everything continued to improve and the day-to-day recovery operations didn't
require Jake's attention. Besides who knew when his foundation's help would be
needed elsewhere.
    When he left
she'd miss him. While they didn't live that far apart in Virginia they didn't
exactly travel in the same circles. The likelihood of them seeing each other
again was remote, which shouldn't have bothered her. Or at least she kept
telling herself that as she packed.
    You've got to get your head on straight. Enjoy your
time with him but don't get attached. Once he leaves, that's it. Chances are he
won't even remember your name.
    A wave of
sadness crashed over her at the thought of him forgetting her. Charlie knew she
wouldn't forget him or the kisses they'd shared. Then again she didn't have
gorgeous men throwing themselves at her feet left and right. Jake on the other
hand had no shortage of women looking to spend time with him. Though he'd
downplayed the number of relationships he'd been in, Charlie didn't doubt the
number still far surpassed her not insignificant total.
    Charlie balled
up a t-shirt and shoved it into her bag, then zipped it closed. Damn that
hurricane. It had upset more than just the town. It'd even managed to wreak
havoc on her usually well-controlled emotions.
    From now on she
was going to keep her emotions in check. No longer would it bother her that
Jake would soon be just a pleasant memory that she could share with her friends
when she got home. With her mind made up she pulled the bag off the bed and
headed downstairs.
     
    ***
     
    Somebody needs to wake me . Charlie
fidgeted in the front seat, her stomach churning with anxiety as Jake drove the
Escalade through the security gate at Cliff House. Before she could stop
herself she turned to look out the back window as the gate closed, keeping out
any unwanted visitors including the numerous news vans parked on the street.
    “I can't believe
the reporters are here already,” Charlie said turning back around. “The wedding
isn't until tomorrow afternoon.”
    Jake reached
over and took hold of her hand. Charlie knew he could feel how clammy it was
yet he didn't comment. Thank God. Just having him know she