Billionaire Romance Boxed Set (9 Book Bundle) (61 page)

Moving aside for the other walkers to pass, I
pulled a notepad and pencil out of my bag. Frantically I began sketching a
sleeveless, formfitting dress that easily went from day to night. As the
dress followed the A shape, a softly ruffled hem finished the dress at
mid-thigh.

“That’s gorgeous! See what I mean, Deb? That’s
talent right there. I can even see how the Eiffel Tower inspired that
dress.”

“Thanks! We have to head back. I think I
have some ivory crepe that will be perfect for this dress. I want to make the
pattern tonight. Maybe they’ll even let me send it down the runway!”

Excited didn’t begin to explain how I felt. I
loved this new dress and I had to make it a reality. I felt my confidence
coming back and wondered how I let it slip away so easily. Briefly I thought I
should apologize to Will for overreacting, but the thought zipped out of my
mind as quickly as it entered. All I could think about was creating that dress.

Chapter Fourteen

Deborah

I
spent most of the night creating a pattern for the new dress and then cutting
the fabric. It was the quickest I ever designed anything and I couldn’t believe
how much I loved it.

Out
of the corner of my eye, the sun began to rise. I kept the curtains open so I
could look out at my inspiration as I worked on the dress. I couldn’t have made
the progress I did without seeing it right there. The view from the suite was
perfect.

I
couldn’t wait to tell Will about the new dress and how inspired I got. That was
until I realized he thought we were broken up. How could I forget that? What if
he didn’t want to talk to me. Or worse, what if he flew back home. He didn’t
even know how I really felt about him.

A
soft knock on the door pulled me out of my funk. I knew it was Dianna. That
meant it was time for us to head over to the Carrousel du Louvre where all
Fashion Week activities would take place.

“Have
you been working all night?” Dianna asked.

“Yes,
and I really think its perfect,” I said as I pulled the dress onto a dress
form. “I just need to do some minor adjustments but most of those will
come during the fitting anyway. Are you ready to go?”

“You
have no idea how much I’m looking forward to this. How many people can say they
worked on a collection at Fashion Week? Don’t answer that, you’ll ruin it for
me.”

“I
packed up everything else already. I know you need your morning coffee so we
can ask the concierge for a place to stop at on our way.”

“Sounds
good. I’m ready to have some café au lait, just saying it sounds special. Have
you spoken to Will?”

I
didn’t want to answer her. Feeling foolish, I tried to think of a quick change
of topic but drew a blank. Instead as I packed up the new dress, I shook my
head hoping she’d drop it.

“You
said the front desk told you there are three rooms attached together. Why
didn’t you knock on the last door?”

“I
got so wrapped up in designing this and having it ready on time, I completely
forgot they said that. Plus its not like I’m going to knock on the door in the
middle of the night. What if its not even him?”

She
rolled her eyes making it clear she wasn’t falling for my bullshit. Ignoring her,
I finished packing up the things I needed for the fittings.

“Why
are you doing this?” She asked. “I mean there’s a gorgeous man who
came all the way out here with you and you’re ignoring him! Sure, you’re busy
and all, but the last thing he probably remembers is you yelling at him. I know
how upset you were when I got here. I can only imagine how you acted towards
him when you found out.”

“Ok!
You’re right, happy? I’m an idiot and honestly I’m too embarrassed by how I
acted to see him. Do you have any idea how I felt when I saw that heart made of
rose petals on the bed? I mean seriously, who does that? I don’t deserve
him.”

“You
are
an idiot, Deborah. And if you really
think fate didn’t bring you two together then you’re a bigger moron than I
thought. I saw how he looks at you. Its like nothing in the world even exists
but you. You can manage a few minutes to make sure things are ok between the
two of you.”

I
sighed knowing she was right. I needed to talk to Will and I’d might as well do
it now before things got too crazy with Fashion Week. Who knew what Will
thought of me now, or if he even thought of me at all. He seemed really angry
when he left me in the hall but I didn’t want to lose him because of my own
stupidity.

Putting
my ear up to the other hotel room door in the main living space of my suite, I
listened like I did at Deborah’s door but didn’t hear anything.
Did he leave? Is he staying somewhere else?
It was early so
maybe he was still asleep. I shouldn’t bother him.

As
I stepped away from the door, Dianna entered the room with her arms folded
tightly over her chest. She didn’t need to say anything for me to know what she
thought. I was chickening out.

Taking
a deep breath I gathered my courage then softly knocked on the door and waited
a second before giving up. Dianna let out an annoyed sigh, reached around me
and knocked loudly before walking away. I was just about to run after her when
the door opened.

“I’m
busy,” Will said as he let go of the door and re-entered his room.

Entering
his room I immediately felt bad. Will chose to stay in an ordinary guest room
while Dianna and I had spacious, luxurious suites. Even in his anger towards me
he let me enjoy the posh finery and the view.

Wearing
a black suit, Will walked back and forth through the room as he packed things
into his suitcase. Slowly it dawned on me what was going on.

“What
are you doing?” I asked him as I looked into his suitcase. “Where are
you going?”

“I’m
going home,” he said between clenched teeth.

“No,
you can’t leave.”

“I
have no interest in fashion and unless you’ve changed your mind, Hargrove’s
doesn’t have a collection to present. I have no reason to stay.” He was
quiet while he continued packing then looked at me, the green flecks in his
eyes flashed angrily then softened. “I’m sorry. I should have told you
exactly who I was. I liked that you weren’t into me because of Hargrove’s and I
didn’t tell you because I didn’t want risk things changing.”

“I
was wrong,” I whispered.

“What?”

“I
was wrong,” I said quietly.

“Speak
up, I can’t hear you.”

I
cleared my throat and finally spoke at normal volume. “I was wrong.”

“What
was that?” He said as he turned away with his crooked grin.

“You
jerk! You heard me.”

“And?”

“And
I’m sorry I made such a big deal over something stupid. But you have to see it
from my side.”

“I
do understand, Deborah. I know your concerns are valid, but I really have
nothing to do with the Designer Challenge. I was just as surprised when I found
out you won and immediately wanted to surprise you with the trip.”

“Dianna
helped talk some sense into me. I even designed an amazing new dress I added to
the collection.”

“I’m
glad. You really do deserve this opportunity. And since we’re out a little
early, why don’t we go for a drive today. Just you and me.”

“Just
the two of us?”

“Yes.
It’s morning so there’s plenty of time. Lets drive out to the countryside. I
hear its beautiful.”

“I
don’t know, Will. I’m supposed to do measurements today. The next time I see
the models I’ll be dressing them for the runway. Let me meet the models and see
what I can do. In the meantime bring your bags to my room.”

Standing
on tip toes I reached up, pulled him down to me and kissed him. All was right
in the world again.

Chapter Fifteen

Deborah

As
the taxi arrived at the Louvre, the first thing I noticed was the glass pyramid
which looked even more impressive than in photos. Dianna and I peeled ourselves
off the car windows as we soaked in as much of Paris as we could during the
ride. Expecting a long day on my feet, I dressed comfortably in a pair of tan
linen cropped pants with an black floral print empire waist top.

Apparently
all this time there were cocoons in my stomach just waiting for me to arrive at
Carrousel du Louvre,
because as soon as I
got out of the car hundreds of butterflies filled my stomach.

Entering
the mall that hosted Fashion Week, we were in awe as we walked along the
gleaming ivory marble floors, not much different than those at work, but
somehow much more glamorous to us. Following the flow of people wearing some of
the most eclectic styles, I felt a little plain dressed so casually but knew I
was finally where I dreamed of being.

While
the show didn’t start for another couple of days, today was really important
because it was the first time we would meet our models and the last time we
would see them until an hour before showtime. The measurements we got today
needed to be perfect.

Even
everyone with their black glossy Fashion Week access passes dangling around
their necks, seemed special. After collecting our passes, I looked at mine for
a moment and smiled seeing ‘Deborah Hansen, Designer’ printed across it.

A
short red haired woman with ‘volunteer’ on her badge, showed us to the space
Hargrove’s arranged for us to use for fittings and alterations. It was a white
room with just enough room for two sewing machines, several dress forms, a long
table, and a three-way mirror that reminded me of Will the day I took his
measurements.

My
palms were moist as I unpacked my designs and waited for the models to arrive.
I had a lot of work ahead of me since I designed the clothes for a bigger girl
than what the models would be.

“Look,”
Dianna said as she elbowed me, “the Amazons have arrived.”

Stifling
a giggle I looked at the doorway. A group of ten tall overly thin women walked
into the room chatting with each other. My eyes darted quickly over their
bodies as the butterflies in my stomach morphed into a twisted knot.

“Oh
no, it’s even worse than I imagined,” I said under my breath.

All
I could see were protruding collar bones, sunken in cheeks, and clothes that
hung off bodies no different than a plastic hanger. The models looked
unhealthy. Some of the problems I saw could be fixed with hair and make up, but
the part that mattered to me the most were their bodies and these models were
much too thin.

“Are
you ok?” Dianna asked quietly. “You look a little green.”

Breathing
deeply as I tried to calm myself, I opened my mouth to speak but squeaked
instead. My throat felt like one of the models got lodged in there. Tears
slowly stung my eyes so I looked around trying to stop them from spilling onto
my cheeks.

As
I blinked and fought back tears, Will walked through the door with Stewart
close behind him.
Don’t let him see me
like this!
Turning away I hoped to somehow disappear or blend into the wall. It didn’t
work.

“I
see your models arrived,” he said as he approached then lowered his head
to my ear. “Did something happen? Is everything ok?”

The
dam burst. “They’re too skinny,” I said then covered my face with my
hands.

“Yes
well, they’re models. Someone thinks they should look like the walking dead.
You knew they’d be thin. I don’t understand what’s wrong.”

“Everything!
My designs are ruined. I’ll have to start over. I can use my sketches but I
have two days to make everything over again.”

“You
can’t use what you have?”

I
shook my head. Just by looking at them I could tell all my samples were a
waste. Every detail, from the ruching to the draping would have to be
completely redone. My samples were worthless now. With that amount of work, it would
be easier to start from scratch. The biggest problem was I didn’t have time. It
was close to impossible to recreate all of my designs in less than two days.

Will
stormed off without a word and barked something at one of the models that sent
her running in tears. While he glared at her abandoned friend, she said
something to him before she also left.

In
a blink an elegant older woman with ‘Mimi’ on the access pass hanging around
her neck, entered and began talking to Will. Based on the way she carried herself,
she might have been a model back in the day. Will’s voice boomed throughout the
room as he spoke, this time in French. I wasn’t sure if I should be worried or
impressed that he could yell in another language.

With
her face red, she barked something at the eight remaining models and they began
filing out into the hall. With a quick turn on her heel she exited the room and
my dream went from impossible to nonexistent. The sickly toothpick models were
bad, but no models were worse. How would my collection go down the runway
without them?

Not
wanting to be there any longer than I needed to be, I started packing up. Will
spoke in hushed angry tones to Stewart before coming back to me.

“What
are you doing?” he asked

“What’s
it look like? I’m packing.”

“Don’t.”

He
crossed the room and exited. I hated feeling like such a wuss and knew some of
it was from the lack of sleep, but all I wanted to do was feel sorry for
myself. Poor me! I made my dream come true and was standing at Paris Fashion
Week. Yeah, that pity party didn’t last long.

My
mind started to work and I wondered how many women walking around the mall on
the other level would walk down the runway for me. It couldn’t hurt to ask.

“Let’s
go find some models, Dianna.”

As
we entered the hall, Mimi walked towards us with Will by her side. She reached
out and held my hand between her cold bony hands as she spoke with a thick
French accent.

“There
was a horrible mistake. Gianni was supposed to be in this room, but he changed
last minute. I’ve sent the girls to him and yours should arrive soon.”

She
patted my hand when she finished talking and then shot Will an annoyed look
before walking off. Dianna and I went back into the Hargrove’s room and as I
unpacked the few things I put away, my new models entered.

Now
these were the real Amazons. My new models didn’t look like they’d need to seek
shelter on a windy day. They were as close to being normal women as one would
find on the runway. These were the models used in plus sized ads, and while
that made them controversial for runway, I couldn’t be happier seeing them.

Breathing
a sigh of relief I held myself back from hugging Will, not wanting to reveal
our relationship to all the strangers in the room. Dianna immediately got to
work taking measurements and taking a photo of each model. She came up with the
idea that if we planned hair and make up ahead of time, it would take the
stress out of choosing their look after they were dressed. I loved the idea and
couldn’t wait until later when I’d play paper dolls with their photos.

As
I pulled the measuring tape out of my sewing case, Will came up behind me and
kissed my neck sending goosebumps over my body.
So much for not revealing our relationship.
Truth was I didn’t
care anymore. People could say what they wanted. My designs deserved to be
there.

“Mmm
you smell like oranges. Let’s get out of here, just the two of us,” he
whispered before nibbling my ear.

“We
can’t. I have a lot of work to get started on and you know Stewart won’t let
you out of his sight.”

“Look
at Stewart. I think he’s in love.”

I
scanned the crowded room a couple of times looking for him. He had an uncanny
way of changing his appearance just with his body language and for a brief
moment I didn’t recognize him. It wasn’t until I realized Stewart was the man
commanding the attention of two brunette models, that I realized where he was.

“So?
He’s still not going to let you go alone.”

“He
doesn’t need to know I’m going. I arranged for a 1959 BMW 507 to be delivered.
Its a roadster, a two-seater. It’s probably already outside. We can sneak out
and tour the countryside.”

“I’d
love to Will, really I would, but I need to be here. I can’t just leave all
this on Dianna.”

“She
won’t mind. Look at her, she’s loving this. Just ask her, ok? That’s all I
ask.”

Dianna
was busy taking measurements on a blonde model I recognized from a Vogue photo
spread. I motioned to her that I wanted to talk and then stayed out of her way
until she was done. She grinned happily as she walked over.

“Do
you have any idea how awesome this is?” She asked. “Of course you do,
you’re here too duh. I’m just so starstruck right now you have no idea.”

“I
know! Did you see some of the designers here? Its mind blowing to think I’m
showing my collection on the same runway.”

“You
know,” she said as she glanced over to Will, “if you want to go
sightseeing with Mr. Sexy you can.”

“Where’d
that come from?”

“I’m
just saying that if the gorgeous man of my dreams was in the most romantic city
in the world with me, I’d want to spend some quality time with him.”

“I
can’t, Dianna. I can’t leave you here alone to work while I run off and have
fun. Its not right.”

“No,
you have to. I’ll never have an experience like this again and I know you will.
While you’re gone, I’m not going to lie, I’m pretending its my collection,”
she said as she laughed. “Plus, I need to live vicariously through you,
remember? If you don’t spend some alone time with Will, then I won’t have
anything to dream about. I will be expecting details in the morning when we get
to work on the alterations and everything else.”

“Are
you sure? I really do feel bad…”

“Go!
We’re done talking about it. I have models to measure dahling, now shoo!”
She said with a snooty fake accent.

Dianna
gently pushed me away as I wondered what I did to deserve such a great friend.
Will looked at me anxiously as I returned.

“Well?
What did she say?”

“She
told me to go. And Stewart?”

“Smitten.
Nice to see him enjoying himself for once. Now lets go before we lose our
chance.”

He
grabbed my hand and led me to the back of the room. Behind the three way mirror
was a door I hadn’t noticed before. It opened to a long marble hallway that we
followed until we reached the entrance with the crystal triangle.

“Good,
I see the car arrived,” Will said as he looked ahead towards the antique
shiny red roadster.

“And
what’s so special about this car?” I asked as we approached it.

“Everything.
Limited run, almost made BMW go bankrupt, Elvis owned one, I could go on and
on.”

The
convertible was gorgeous and didn’t look its age, but until I noticed Will
couldn’t stop grinning as he got into the car, I didn’t realize the
significance of it. He never had his own car before. For his entire life
Stewart had driven him wherever he needed to go.

“Where
are we going?”

“Remember
the gate in front of King Manor?”

“The
one your mom told you stories about?”

“That
one. I found the monastery and I’ve always wanted to see it.”

“Then
lets go!”

As
Will steered the car out of the city, I enjoyed the warm sunshine and the wind
blowing through my hair. We drove out of the city in silence as we soaked in
the beauty of the city. The architecture was a combination of the old, with
Greek and Gothic influences, with the new. Somehow the city joined old and new
together like a complex jazz piece with all the instruments working together to
create music.

The
further away from Paris, the more open the landscape was. Eventually we were
surrounded by green rolling hills that reminded me of the landscape of Canyon
Cove. If it wasn’t for the occasional spire of a centuries old church or the
cut of a castle against the sky, the two places might have been
interchangeable.