Arrogant Playboy (The Art of Love Series Book 2), page 8
“My treat,” I tell her.
“No,” she says, shaking her head.
“We’ll take them. No need to wrap them up, she’ll wear them out of the store. If we can box her heels that would be great,” I tell the woman serving us.
“Daniel, no.”
“You gave up your night to hang out with me, it’s the least I could do,” I tell her.
“I’m not going to win this argument, am I?” I shake my head, which makes her pout but then I see a sly smile form across her lips when she doesn’t think I’m watching.
We walk out of the shop, and I can already tell her feet are feeling better as we cross the road and head into Hyde Park. The sun is slowly setting even though it’s late in the evening, which means there are still a lot of people walking around through the park.
“Do you come to the park often? You don’t live far from it,” Rosie asks.
“My morning runs are around the park.”
“You run around the park, is that like doable?” she asks.
It makes me chuckle. “Yes, it’s doable. It’s just over four miles,” I tell her.
“You run four miles every morning?”
“Yeah,” I say, shoving my hands into my pockets.
“Guess it explains why you look like that.”
“Look like what?” I ask.
“Trying to fish for compliments, Mr. DuPont.” She giggles.
“No, but if you want to give me some, it’s been a while since I’ve heard any,” I tease.
“I’m not going to say it,” she says stubbornly.
“I know you’re thinking it,” I tease.
“Please, you have women stroking your ego every day.” She huffs.
“I don’t care about their opinions.”
“Then you shouldn’t care about mine.”
“Unfortunately, I do.”
Rosie stops and it takes me a couple of steps to realize she isn’t following me. I turn around and she’s standing there staring at me with a frown on her face. Fuck
“Ignore me,” I say, turning to keep walking.
“You make it hard to.” I still, her confession dances on the night air and swirls around me. “Shit,” she says as she storms off in another direction from the path we are taking.
“Rosie, wait,” I call after her.
Ignoring me as she continues to stomp through the grass, I catch up to her and halt her steps.
“Daniel, I shouldn’t have said that.” I can see the anguish on her face as she chews her nails nervously.
“I think you should have,” I tell her, stepping closer.
She shakes her head as she steps back away from me. “You need to stay there, and I need to stay here.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re my client.”
“Not because of any other reason?” I ask, raising a brow. “Are we going to talk about what happened in France?”
Rosie gasps, and for the first time I see color on her cheeks. “Nothing happened.”
“Yes, it did.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she argues, turning and heading into the park’s darkness.
“You don’t want to hear the way you took what you wanted from me in the darkness?” She shakes her head as she continues to walk off. “It was one of the hottest things I’ve ever experienced?” I yell after her.
She rushes back toward me shushing me. “Are you insane yelling like that for everyone to hear?”
I look around where we are, and no one is paying us any attention. “Well, it’s the truth.”
“Doesn’t matter. It can never happen again.” Then I watch as she literally draws a line in the dirt. “You are there, and I am here.”
“You drew a line in the dirt?”
“Yes. You are my client now. Everything that has happened between us can never happen again. Do you understand me?”
“No,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets.
Rosie throws her hands up in the air. “Please, Daniel. Hear me when I say, nothing can happen. Working for Ivy is a dream, and I will not do anything to jeopardize that. My career and my reputation in this business means more to me than … than …” she stumbles over her words.
“Than me,” I say, answering for her.
Her face falls. “I don’t mean it like that.”
“But you did mean it.” Silence then falls between us. “Come on, let’s get you home,” I say as I start to walk in the direction of Chelsea.
“Daniel, wait,” she calls out after me. I ignore her and she grabs my arm and pulls me to stop.
“I’m sorry, okay. What I said …”
I can see the anguish on her face. “I’m a big boy, Rosie. It’s fine.”
“Friends. I want us to be friends. Please, I need you as my friend right now,” she pleads with me and the desperation in her voice kills me. “I like this,” she says, waving her hands between us. “The walking, talking, the hanging out together.”
“I get it.” I shove my hands in my pockets. “I’ll be your friend, Rosie,” I say. Her brows pull together. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
14
ROSIE
“Thanks, team, for coming tonight, I think you’re really going to enjoy the art,” I say as we wait to be let into the DuPont Gallery. I wish Emily would have come, but she said she wasn’t up for anything like this just yet.
“I’ve never been to an art show before,” Adina, my assistant says.
“Me either,” Beth adds.
“My parents used to drag me to them all the time.” Helena moans.
“Poor little Miss Trust Fund,” Josie says, teasing Helena, who flips her off behind her hand which makes me laugh.
“Rosie, you made it. Daniel will be happy to see you,” Delphine says, greeting me warmly.
“Thought I’d bring my team, too, for support.”
Delphine cooly looks them over and tells us to have a good night.
“That’s interesting.” Josie gasps as we look around the room.
The art wasn’t what I was expecting, a curation of charcoal nudes. “Guys, I had no idea this was what the show was.” I giggle as my team stares at the various large pieces.
“Lucky there’s champagne,” Helena says as the waiter comes by, and we each grab a glass.
“Come on, I guess we should check it out,” I say.
“What the hell, twenty thousand pounds for a picture of a wrinkly old man’s dick.” Beth gasps as we stare at the image, trying to stifle our laughter because everyone around us is taking it seriously.
“We might be in the wrong profession,” Josie whispers as we try to fight another round of giggles.
“I’m going to give my congratulations to my client, I’ll be right back,” I tell the girls who nod and continue to whisper and giggle.
“Rosie, over here.” Ivy spots me from across the room and I head over to her group. “Nice to see you here,” she says, kissing my cheek.
“Thought I would show my support. I even brought the team with me. I thought it would be good for them to look at what is out there.” Pointing them out as they huddle together, I can see their shoulders shaking. “It’s an interesting first show for them.”
Alex chuckles as he greets me. “Don’t worry, we didn’t check either.” He grins over his champagne glass.
“Are people really going to buy pictures of saggy balls?” A dark-haired beauty who looks vaguely familiar asks as she walks up to our group. “I left Jasper looking at boobs, that will keep him entertained for most of the night.” She chuckles.
“Lauren, this is Rosie Hunt, one of my interior designers,” Ivy says, introducing me to her.
“I’ve seen you in the office when I’ve delivered the cupcakes,” Lauren says. Oh, that’s right, she’s the cupcake lady.
“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you,” I say, shaking her hand.
“I see why you warned Daniel away from her, you are stunning,” Lauren states. Huh? I see from the corner of my eye that Ivy is shaking her head as Alex slaps his forehead, but Lauren doesn’t seem phased by what she’s said.
“Rosie, you came,” Daniel says as he spots me walking past. He walks up to me and kisses my cheeks tenderly and I hate that a shiver slides across my skin. I look over and see Lauren watching me like a hawk. “What do you think?” he asks excitedly.
“Interesting,” I say, biting my lip, which makes him smirk.
“It’s not for everyone, but people who are into nudes and charcoal drawings love it. We’ve sold half of the exhibition already.”
“That’s fantastic, I know how hard you have been working on it.”
He leans in and whispers, “I’m happy it’s almost over.”
“Daniel, can I talk to you for a moment?” An older gentleman ushers him away.
When I look back at the group, I see Lauren smirking.
“I’m going to go find my team,” I say, walking away. I find them moments later.
“Rosie, do you mind if we go early?” Adina asks.
“That’s fine, girls. Thank you for coming. Sorry it was a bust.”
“It was eye-opening.” Josie giggles.
“Leg opening you mean,” Helena adds as they burst out laughing again. Maybe it’s best they leave early.
“Have a good weekend, guys. I’ll see you next week.” When they wave me goodbye, I decide to walk around the room one last time before maybe heading out myself. I showed up and gave Daniel my support. I continue to browse the event slowly, making my way around, and when I turn a corner, I see Daniel kissing a gorgeous blonde.
Oh. Shit.
This is what you wanted. Let’s be friends, is what you told him last week. You literally drew a line in the dirt between the two of you. What did you expect, that he would wait around for you? The man is hot, rich, and charming. But tell that to my body, when my stomach drops, my cheeks burn bright red, and something like jealousy hits me.
I need to get out of here.
I push my way through the crowd and make it outside. Thankfully, no one is there, and I hold out my hand and hail a cab. I’m not sure why I’m getting upset over it, the man is single, and he can do whatever he wants. You just thought it wouldn’t happen in a week. I was hopeful. I knew it would happen but seeing it was a sucker punch. But this is good. The band-aid has been ripped off and you can push those unresolved feelings you have for the man deep down inside.
I make it back to my apartment without dropping a single tear. That’s progress.
“You’re back early?” Emily calls out in the darkness of the living room making me jump. I clutch my chest and try to still my rapidly beating heart.
“Yeah, it was charcoal nudes. Not my thing. Here, I grabbed a brochure for you,” I say, handing it to her. “I’m going to bed, I’m exhausted.”
“Thanks for this. And thanks for everything,” Emily says.
I still at the end of the room and turn back to where she is seated. “You have nothing to thank me for.”
“But I do. You’ve let me come in here and take over your flat with my sunflowers and art.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
Emily shakes her head. “I’m sorry I ever blamed you for that night, Rosie. I was scared and I took it out on you. Please, forgive yourself, because I do.” Tears well in my eyes and I rush toward my best friend and hug her. “I’m sorry I ever made you feel responsible. I’m so sorry, Rosie.” We both hug and cry, each of us needing the other, and the scar that had formed over my heart from that night seems to have finally healed itself.
Emily and I grab popcorn and some wine, snuggle into the sofa, and spend the rest of the night watching old movies until we both fall asleep.
Waking up in the middle of the night on the sofa, I head to the bathroom and then to my bed. I notice I have a couple of messages on my phone as I sit there scrolling on the toilet.
Daniel: Hey, I’m having an after-party. I tried looking for you, but Ivy seems to think you have left. I’m sorry I missed you.
Then he sent another an hour after that.
Daniel: If you’re still up, we are celebrating at my place. I’d love for you to be there.
I leave him on read and head to bed.
My phone beeps and wakes me up, when I look over, I see it’s a message from him.
Daniel: My head hurts this morning. I think I drank too much champagne celebrating. The exhibition sold-out, can you believe it?
Rosie: Congrats.
Daniel: You’re alive. I’ve been worried as I haven’t heard back from you. I missed you last night.
Bullshit.
Did he sleep alone? You shouldn’t care. I don’t care. Maybe a little.
Rosie: Didn’t want to leave Emily alone for too long.
I feel bad for using my best friend’s heartbreak as an excuse.
Daniel: How is she?
Rosie: She’s getting there.
Daniel: I was going to see if you were free to come check out the cottage today.
He wants to go to his cottage today. What about Blondie? Has he already kicked her out of bed?
Rosie: Don’t think the team can get together at such short notice.
Daniel: Maybe you and I can go?
Daniel: Or bring Emily.
Rosie: I don’t think I can swing today, sorry.
Daniel: Of course. It was last minute. Hope you have a good weekend. Talk next week?
Rosie: Sure.
I haven’t spoken to Daniel all week. I’ve been dodging his calls and telling him I’m too busy for a catch-up. Yes, I’m a coward, but I don’t know what to say or how to act now around him.
“Knock, knock,” Ivy says, knocking at my office door.
“Oh, hi.”
“Do you mind if we have a chat?” she asks.
I shake my head as she walks in and closes the door behind her. Is she going to ask me about Daniel? No, why would she? Lauren seems suspicious of the two of us. And she did say Ivy warned Daniel away from me. They must have talked about it as she wasn’t there at the gallery when it was said.
“I need a huge favor. Do you have plans tonight?” Ivy asks me.
“No,” I answer hesitantly.
“Do you mind taking my place at the design charity gala tonight for me?” she asks, handing me the ticket.
“Of course.” I take the ticket from her. Who can say no to free food, booze, and networking? What am I going to wear?
“It’s black tie and I know it’s last minute, but go take the company card, buy a dress, shoes, whatever you need. Hair and makeup, too, my shout.”
That’s awfully nice. “You don’t need to do that, I’m sure I can find something.”
Ivy’s eyes narrow on me. “This is a great opportunity to network tonight, Rosie. You are representing Starr Designs, go grab something amazing for yourself.” I nod, if she insists. “Also, there’s something else. Can I tell you something in the strictest of confidences?”
“Of course,” I answer right away.
“You know my ex-stepfather is Pierre Lavigne …” she states. I nod because he is a legend in our field. “He’s asked me to come out to Dubai tonight for a meeting with investors who would like for me to open a Starr Designs office there. I thought this idea was years away, but apparently not.”
“No way. That is … oh my god, Dubai.”
“I know. I’ve never thought about opening international offices before. I mean, I’ve dreamt it, yes, but never thought it would happen,” she answers excitedly.
“Dubai would be a game changer. It is the fastest growing interior design market in the world.”
“I know, right? I mean, not like I don’t have enough on my plate already, but this opportunity is too big to not investigate.”
“Do it,” I tell her.
Ivy looks giddy and she should be. “I’m considering it.”
“Would you move to Dubai?” I ask.
Ivy shakes her head. “Pierre and I would help set it up. I’d be creating a new team from scratch, which leads me to ask, is that something that might interest you?” Me? “I mean, it’s early days, but with what Pierre is envisioning the office is going to be double the size of our London one. I’d assume Pierre and I would join people from our offices together while hiring new ones, too.”
I don’t know what to say. “You’d consider me?”
Ivy grins. “For sure. I would love to head into this meeting with an idea of who I could trust if they ask.”
I’ve never been to Dubai, I only know it from TV and my clients as I do have a lot who live there, and they spend their summers in London. “I’d consider it.”
“Brilliant. Got to run and get onto the next flight which leaves Heathrow in four hours.” Ivy stands and says her goodbye.
Guess my afternoon is now booked up.
15
ROSIE
Itook Ivy’s advice and got my hair done, pulled up in an elegant French twist with some curls cascading around framing my face. My makeup is soft, neutrals with a hint of sea foam green on my eyelids to match my dress. Now I’m unsure of the dress, but Emily insists that it is perfect for the event. This gorgeous sea glass green sequin cocktail dress that is off the shoulder and ankle length. I’ve teamed it with matching silver heels, a clutch, and fake diamond jewels.
I’m nervous as I arrive at the gala, not knowing anyone. I have no clue who is even at my table, all I know is that it’s the who’s who of the interior design industry in London. My Uber stops at the event, and lets me out to walk the red carpet. I suck in a deep breath and quickly stroll along the carpet knowing no one will look at me.
Moments later, I walk into the ballroom and the atmosphere is electric as the sound of hundreds of voices echoes through the historic building. I grab a glass of champagne to ease my nerves as I look around to see if I know anyone.
