Page 131 of Eat Your Heart Out

“Clarissa Stone speaking.”

“Merveilleux! Mademoiselle Stone, I didn’t think I’d be able to get hold of you. This is Raphael Dubois speaking from Lagardère. We’re the publishers of Elle Magazine in Paris.”

“Monsieur Dubois, this is a surprise,” Clarissa’s heart was beating a mile a minute. Even though she was a popular photographer for Vogue and other fashion magazines, Elle had been one she had been coveting to work with. To have the publisher on the line was a huge honor.

“We have a proposition we’d like to present to you, Mademoiselle. It is rather urgent, and although we are cognizant of it being the holiday season, we were hoping you would be able to come to Paris and meet Madame Philipponnat. She would like to discuss the possibility of procuring your services on an exclusive basis for two years.”

“Two entire years? In Paris?”

“Not necessarily. We feature fashion from all over the globe, so you’ll be required to travel extensively. Of course, you’ll be working exclusively for us the entire time.”

“I… this is rather unexpected.” Véronique Philipponnat was the director of the company. That she would personally be present caught Clarissa off guard.

“We have been considering this proposal for a while but were looking for the perfect candidate. You are it, Mademoiselle Stone. Are you interested?”

“Yes, I definitely am.”

“Magnifique. I’ll email you the details of your flight and hotel bookings. We will be expecting you two days after Christmas.”

“Until then, Joyeux Noël, Mademoiselle.”

“Merry Christmas to you, too.”

Clarissa stood like a statue for a long while after the call ended. She was numb, unable to compute what had just happened. This was the kind of breakthrough she had been working for. To be approached as a full-time photographer for Elle Magazine was more than she could ever have hoped for. Imagine that, for two entire years, she wouldn’t have to juggle different commissions all the time. She could sit back and let others worry about her work schedule.

“Hello, Clarissa here,” she answered in a daze when her phone rang again.

“Morning, sis. I hope you’re up and about. Have you had breakfast yet? Today is a big day. I hope you haven’t forgotten that it’s gingerbread cookie day for you. All day long. Those cookies aren’t going to bake themselves. Hey! Clarissa, are you there?”

“Yes, Cathy, I’m here.”

“Then why don’t you say something?”

“If you took a breath now and then when you talk, I might have,” Clarissa said tongue-in-cheek.

“Pfft, time is of the essence in this world. So, are you on your way yet? You can’t be late. Otherwise, you and Rick will be baking until the sun rises in the morning.”

“What? Are you serious? It’s only the two of us baking all those cookies?” Clarissa’s voice rose a couple of octaves.

Cathy laughed. “No, there’s a bunch of local women helping out. Me included, but don’t tell Samuel. He’ll have a fit if he knows I intend to bake all day.”

“He won’t have to worry. I’ll make sure you’re not on your feet the entire day.”

“So, get your ass in gear, little sis. I’ll see you at Rick’s restaurant.”

Although at first, Clarissa had been annoyed at Cathy for volunteering her to a day of baking those hated gingerbread cookies, ever since she’d spent time with Rick, she had been looking forward to it.

Until she realized she was on a dangerous path, one that would lead her astray. She thanked the stars for the phone call from Elle’s publisher this morning, reminding her of what her true focus in life was.

Her career.

Nothing and no one were going to stand in her way of achieving all her dreams. Not even the unwanted feelings Rick had stirred to life inside her.

“Hmm, at least she has a pulse.” The deep murmur rippled against her skin as Rick softly kissed her throat.

The immediate but brief silence from all around the kitchen was proof enough that his action didn’t go unnoticed. With annoyance spread over her face, Clarissa stepped out of his embrace.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Her voice could freeze the lake over.

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