Page 52 of Unbind

‘So I don’t know if you’re aware, but we’ve had some big wins on the wholesale front recently—Net à Porter’s picked us up which we’re thrilled about.’

I frown. I certainly didn’t tell him that, which means he’s been checking us out.

‘Yeah, it’s a big win, and they’re very committed to building out Gossamer’s offering. We may even be doing some exclusive stuff for them.’

This guy is a major, major bullshitter.

‘But obviously,’ he continues, shifting in his chair, ‘it means we have to completely reevaluate our entire supply model as well as our cash flow. I understand from Natalie that we’re still operating under the same terms with you guys that we put in place when we started, but we’d like to think our relationship with Tissus de Pascal has really solidified since then.

‘We’re very committed to moving forward with you as a trusted partner, but as our model evolves, we’re looking for partners who can evolve with us.’ A pause. ‘Thank you for saying that—it means a lot. Anyway, we’re looking for terms more akin to net ninety, going forward. That should give us the leeway we need to accommodate our wholesale clients at the other end.’

My jaw drops as Adam waits, his tense expression at odds with the jovial tone he’s adopted for the call. I can hear Gui’s voice faintly, but I can’t make out what he’s saying. There’s no way on earth Tissus de Pascal will grant us ninety days’ credit. Absolutely zero.

He holds eye contact with me and licks his lips as Gui speaks. Then his entire face breaks into a smile, and it’s a beautiful moment. I gape like a groupie.

‘I understand. No, completely. That makes total sense.I’ll have to check with Natalie, but I’m confident we can make net sixty work.’

He’s bought ustwo monthsof credit with them? Holy crap! That’s beyond incredible. I beam at him, and he holds his finger up.

‘Thanks, mate,’ he continues. ‘I appreciate your support—it feels good to be on the same page. I’m assuming we can put that in motion for the shipment I understand is forthcoming this week, yes?’

I hold my breath until he nods, his grin not wavering. ‘Okay, great. So if you can send Natalie an amended invoice that’ll be great, and we’ll get the courier booked in once you’ve confirmed the shipment weight. Yep. So happy to have connected with you, Gui. You have a great day. Thanks—au revoir.’

‘Oh my God,’ I say in a rush as soon as he’s ended the call and thrown his phone onto my desk. ‘Thank you, thank you. Sixty days?! That’s insane!’

My brain is racing. The big fat axe that’s been hanging over me all week hasn’t gone, but it’s sure as hell lifted from the back of my neck.

‘Now you need to do that with every single supplier,’ he says, waggling a finger at me.

‘I will,’ I tell him. ‘I can’t believe they rolled over so easily.’

‘I had the distinct impression he’s a fan of yours,’ he says sternly. ‘But it’s also a function of you and how you’ve carried your relationship up until now. He can’t see your P&L. He’s judging you on what he knows, and you’ve never given him reason to doubt you before, so why would he start now? The important thing will be coming good with the money when the credit period is up.’

‘I will,’ I say again. ‘I didn’t even know there was wiggle room with these guys.’

‘Everyone in this industry will take what they can get, but they’re often decent people, too. And there’s never any harm in asking. There’s only upside.’ He hesitates and pulls himself up to standing, reluctantly, it seems. ‘If you want to have a chat about longer term stuff and how to optimise your model for scaling, I’d be happy to.’

I stand too, and then we’re facing each other, my face tilted up to his.

‘You’ve done enough. This is way below your pay grade.’

‘Bollocks,’ he says. ‘I like it. I find it interesting, and I’ve looked closely enough at your brand to know it’s worth it. Always remember that the potential of your brand and its financial health are very different. Don’t judge the former on the latter.’

I nod, feeling oddly emotional. He’s been so kind. With a single phone call, he’s alleviated the pressure I’ve felt and given me breathing space that I’m determined not to waste.

‘I won’t.’

He pockets his phone and puts his hands on my shoulders, letting them slide down my upper arms. Once again, this beautiful man I’m not supposed to like has made me feel seen and cared for and valued. I stare up at his face. I can’t know the truth and not tell him.

‘I don’t hate you, you know. Not really.’

It’s little more than a whisper, but his fingers flex on my arms before he slides one hand around the back of my neck, caressing it so lightly it sends a flurry of goosebumps over my skin.

‘I’m very glad to hear that,’ he says gruffly. We stand and gaze at each other as he strokes my neck, and I have the impression that he’s searching for an answer in my face. Hemust find it, because he dips his face, his perfect mouth closing over mine.

His kiss is soft and hard all at once. It asks and it tells; it begs and it plunders, and all of it, his lips and tongue and breath and teeth and fingers, weaving magic and spinning my body and my soul until I’m a whirlwind of sensation and emotion and I don’t know which way is up.

I know his arms are full of me, though, and his kiss isintentional, and I know it would be a crying shame if I didn’t overdose on him while I have this random window in my dingy studio in the middle of the day.

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