She couldn’t help but preen a little bit as woman after woman checked him out while they headed down to the wedding. Especially because they happened to walk past Rina, who was hustling down the hallway with her hands full of several bouquets, and she looked practically green with envy when she saw Jake.

Suck it, twatwaffle! He’s all mine!

“What are you thinking about?” Jake murmured the question as they stepped into the hall where the ceremony was happening. Two of Sharon’s cousins were standing at the door passing out programs and they each took one.

“Nothing,” she said immediately.

Jake gave her a look as he escorted her down the aisle towards the front few rows where her parents were already sitting.

“Nothing put that smile on your face?”

She smirked up at him, although she felt a little nervous about what his reaction would be. But hey, he’d asked. “Fine. I was thinking that you make fantastic arm candy.”

To her surprise, he laughed. She’d thought he’d be insulted, to be honest, but she really was telling the truth and not just saying it to try and get under his skin.

“So do you,” he said, winking down at her.

Pleased, Sharon smoothed her free hand down over her thigh. She loved this dress and black opal jewels that decorated it and the matching jewelry. Although her parents could be total pains in the ass, they were great when it came to presents. Even more impressive was that they didn’t just leave choosing gifts to their assistants, the way she knew her Aunt Lorraine did. Her mom had picked out this dress specifically for Sharon’s birthday a few years ago and her father had provided the jewelry.

In some ways, she could see Jake’s arguments for them. They did care. They just sucked at showing it in a way that didn’t involve trying to control her.

Speaking of, both of her parents looked pleased when they saw her and Jake arriving at their row. Her mother stood to give her air kisses before Sharon sat down next to her, and her father leaned over to shake Jake’s hand in greeting, even though they’d all seen each other this morning over breakfast. There was no sign that they’d spent that meal pretending Jake didn’t exist. Her mom leaned over to greet him too.

Jake appeared bemused and a little uncertain about their sudden and seemingly positive, display of attention.

Appearances, appearances.

He’d get used to it.

Sitting down, Sharon found herself feeling flustered.

If he stuck around, he’d get used to it. He did seem interested in sticking around. Right? She eyed him, but he was looking down at the program and there was no way she was going to question him while her mom was right next to her. Sighing inwardly, she settled into her chair.