Page 12 of Make No Mistake

I smiled even though I felt uncomfortable with this new attention. “Well I guess when you’ve seen me in my workout clothes and pajamas you forget I can clean up nice.”

“You’re always beautiful, even with messy hair and oversized T-shirts, but tonight I’m blown away.”

“Aubrey has magical powers.”

He tugged his arm back, forcing me to stop. I looked up at him and saw real concern in his eyes. “Stop downplaying what I’m saying, Mac.”

I looked at the ground, unsure what to say. I wasn’t used to being complimented like this. It wasn’t easy for me to accept.

“Look at me.” I met his eyes again and saw that they’d softened. “I know you don’t like hearing it, but I like saying it. You’re stunning. Tonight, earlier today, last week, always. You’re gorgeous, and I’m going to keep saying it until you smile when you hear me say it instead of looking trapped.”

Who was he and what had he done with my friend? Not even Sean had spoken to me like this. Sean had always showered me with compliments, but they felt superficial, like he knew he had to say something not like he felt it to his bones the way Jay was talking.

He led me down the stairs and past the parking lot he normally used to the private drive that circled campus. Waiting for us was a gleaming stretch limo. I shook my head in disbelief. Jay had totally downplayed this night. He would never be seen getting into a limo on campus where anyone could see us if it wasn’t a complete necessity.

I had a feeling Jack had pressured him to act like a Whittaker tonight.

Jay met my gaze and shrugged. “It’s black tie. We couldn’t show up in my car.”

“Understandable.” I tried to sound like this was a normal occurrence for me.

What? A Hollywood studded event for one of the wealthiest men on the West Coast? Oh please, that’s just an average Saturday night for me.

Jay tugged my arm forward, leading me to the door. “I know this is going to be weird and probably boring, but I really appreciate you coming with me.”

I couldn’t help but smile at how shy he was being. “There isn’t anyone else I would do this for.”

He smiled wide, opened the door, and helped me in. This was going to be one memorable night.