Page 10 of Lovers and Lace

Chapter Four

A few weeks later, Olivia and Sergio slowly toured Camille’s expansive office space. It was filled with mannequins showcasing various new pieces in Delcinia’s Eden bridal line.

A relaxed smile crossed her lips as she gazed at the exquisite samples on display. Olivia loved everything she saw, from the corsets, silk and lace slip dresses, teddies and bustiers, to the lace panty and garter belt sets, camisoles and satin and lace elegant short robes and long robes featuring lace edged sweep trains.

Olivia nodded in delight. The designs were fresh and modern. More than she’d dared to hope for. She observed Sergio examining each piece. Carefully scrutinizing every detail. When he reached out and gently ran his fingers over a pair of lace garters, Olivia was immediately reminded of the many times he had caressed her skin. A jolt of longing shot through her, and she shuddered with lust. Not good.

As if sensing her desire, Sergio turned, a devilish smirk curving his lips. “Perfection.” He whispered.

Olivia’s pulse spiked as sparks blazed inside her. How many times had he whispered that very word while caressing her skin during their year together? Her body shivered recalling their intimate time together. Olivia’s thoughts were fully absorbed in the memories when she was startled back to the present.

“I’m so pleased!” Camille smiled proudly.

Olivia fought hard to refocus while Sergio set a sensual stare on her. “Sergio’s right. Everything is perfect. I’m intrigued with the robe train.”

Camille nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, my thinking was to extend the wedding day into the wedding night. I’d like us to offer sweep, court, and chapel length lace edged train robe options.”

Olivia loved that idea. “Maybe pair the robes with some of the racier lingerie sets for a sexy wedding night reveal. Let’s try that for some of our test shots later.”

A ray of need shone in Sergio’s eyes, and Olivia quickly turned her attention back to Camille.

“I can’t take all the credit. The Italians may have offered some wonderful design insights and suggestions,” Camille admitted with a bright smile. “I was unsure at first, but I’ve enjoyed collaborating with Isabella and Sienna. Even learned a thing or two. I hope they’ve found our time working together beneficial too.”

Olivia was relieved to hear that. She hadn’t relished the idea of having to let Camille go, but would have if left with no other choice. The Italian sisters were key for their expansion plans.

Sergio nodded. “I’m glad to hear that, Camille. The feedback we’ve received about them has been positive. Without betraying any confidences, I can tell you they’ve enjoyed working with you as well. They have an enormous amount of respect for you and everything you’ve accomplished at the company.”

Camille beamed with pride as she should. She’d been crucial in Delcinia’s success to this point. Camille set up her laptop and the three of them reviewed other proposed designs for the Enchantment line, their main line consisting of bras, panties, corsets, teddies, camisoles, and more. All garments would now include even larger sizes because every woman should have the opportunity to feel beautiful in Delcinia lingerie, regardless of their size.

This expansion of the product line meant everything to Olivia. Her beautiful sisters had sexy curves that would look amazing in Delcinia’s designs.

The exciting new Essence line, the nearly naked, barely there feeling fabric for pajamas and loungewear included coordinating men’s garments. Which also meant they’d recruited some of the best-known male models in the business. Now Delcinia had male Darlings. Olivia was nearly giddy with anticipation. Her dreams and plans were finally coming to fruition.

“When we were together, I’d wanted some kind of garments to coordinate with your lingerie. I pictured us relaxing on a Sunday morning over breakfast, in matching loungewear. The Essence line captures what I had in mind back then,” Sergio said wistfully while they looked over the pajamas, chemises, nightgowns, robes, and boxer styled pants.

Olivia’s heart swelled. He’d wanted to match with her? He’d never mentioned it. It was an incredibly sweet idea, although it didn’t matter now. It could, she reminded herself. She promptly pushed that thought away. She wasn’t going to risk her heart a second time, but hoped other men felt the same about the line.

“There was one thing we were considering. Delcinia is known for our intricate lace, and this line doesn’t feature any. What if we add some on the women’s garments?” Camille studied the photos on her laptop, deep in thought.

Sergio remained silent, presumably awaiting Olivia’s response. “Won’t that weigh down the fabric, affecting the nearly naked feel? Defeating the purpose of the line entirely?” Olivia agreed Delcinia’s lacework was extraordinary, but she was uncertain about adding it to the Essence line.

Sergio and Camille seemed to contemplate Olivia’s concerns.

“What if we add small lace accents on the women’s V-neck pajama tops, and lace straps on the chemises and cami tops?” Sergio suggested.

That wasn’t a bad idea, Olivia thought. “Can we prototype and decide from there?”

Camille made some notes while she nodded. “Good idea. If those lace additions don’t affect the light, sheer feel of the fabric we can offer the lace accented options.”

Feeling satisfied with their decisions, the topic of discussion turned to Vera and Henry. Camille had visited Vera and Henry in Laguna Beach recently. They’d settled in and were enjoying their ocean front home. Vera was doing fairly well, considering. She’d had moments of confusion during Camille’s visit that had passed somewhat quickly. Those bouts would become more frequent as her condition continued to deteriorate.

They’d arranged for in-home hospice and their competent medical team was providing Henry with the emotional support he needed. Personal visits were now limited to close family members and Camille only.

Olivia was wiping her tears when she received a text stating everyone, including her sisters, was ready to take test shots in their in-house studio.

“Have either of you said anything about September being my last show and passing the Lead Darling title to Akira?”

“Are you sure about this?” Sergio’s concerned expression did something to Olivia’s heart that she needed to ignore. He still wasn’t on speaking terms with his father, but she knew that wouldn’t last. Carlos would come around at some point, and she refused to allow him to mistreat her again in any way. Once had been enough to last her a lifetime.

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