The Billionaire's Forever by Ava Claire Page A

Alicia’s hotel and I almost laughed as the valets practically rock/paper/scissors-ed for the chance to drive the Maserati. I opened the door and handed them the keys, a tiny part of me annoyed that I didn't even enjoy the likely one and only time Jacob would let me drive it.
    I barely had time to dwell on the rueful moment because Alicia was beaming, holding out her elbow for me. Like we were old friends about to go on a friendly stroll.
    My eyes darted to Jacob and he sent me a silent order.
    Behave.
    I took her arm with a smile and glared at Jacob over her head.
    We stepped inside and the concierge was waiting, a bubbly girl that didn't even look old enough to have such a job, complete with blond hair and a Valley Girl accent.
    "Mrs. Whitmore, I did as you asked and let the photographers camped out hear me say that you'd be staying with your son.” She was practically giddy with excitement. “They cleared out almost immediately!"
    I glanced at Alicia who was smiling conspiratorially with the young woman. "Thank you, Delilah." She looked back at me and winked at my surprise. "This isn't my first time at the rodeo, dear."
    It made sense that she’d know the old bait and switch play. At the height of his fame, Carlton Whitmore was sure to have had photographers hounding him and his family. I was only known as an extension of Jacob and now that we were engaged I could barely get a cup of coffee in peace. To have any privacy, any sense of normalcy, one had to get creative.
    More than surprised I was impressed that she’d thought ahead and worked something out with the hotel staff. Her misdirection was genius and we didn’t have to deal with flashing cameras on top of everything else.
    I stopped in the lobby, waiting for Jacob.
    Alicia shook her head, her salt and pepper bob swishing. "We can head on up to the apartment. Lindy is waiting."
    My eyes bulged. "What?"
    "There's so much to be done," she explained, dragging me in the direction of the elevator. "If you want the ceremony as soon as possible as you’ve stressed on several occasions, we have to set everything in motion."
    Just tell the truth! "Um--” I racked my mind for something, not sure she could handle the truth. She’d just been hospitalized for crissakes. “Should you be doing anything strenuous?"
    She gave me a look before punching her floor button. "It's wedding planning, not a 5K."
    Classical music spread through the silence as I stood there, silently freaking out. I was glad the elevator didn’t stop for other passengers because I was pretty sure I'd explode if I had to move one inch.
    This was too much. I had to say something--or it really would be too late.
    The doors parted and I didn't realize I was still standing inside the elevator until she said my name.
    "Leila?"
    I blinked and Alicia was in front of me, concern in her gray eyes.
    The doors started closing so I hit the door open button, then wished I hadn't.
    "Is everything alright?" Her name rung out and the truth I was about to finally release was wasted. She'd already started down the hall before I could say 'No'.
    I sighed and followed her, finally seeing Lindy Alistair in the flesh. She seemed much younger than Macy Scott, both physically and demeanor-wise. She had long, jet-black hair except for blunt bangs that slashed across her forehead. While most would hide their freckles behind foundation and concealer, she rocked hers proudly. The spots sprinkled one cheek before spreading over the bridge of her button nose and spilling onto the other cheek. Big blue eyes were framed by dark, thick lashes. I was surprised by her casual dress, her thin body clad in an oversized plaid shirt, denim shorts, and gladiator sandals. She looked ready to meet a friend for coffee, not discuss the wedding of the century. And standing in the hall of Alicia’s posh hotel, she looked downright dowdy.
    She held out her hand, bubblegum pink nails glittering. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Leila!"
    I shook