Page 308 of Billionaire Temptations

“I had a client come over, and she took one look at it and had to have it. I only had to do a few alterations.”

“You didn’t tell her how the dress ditched the groom and ran away, did you?”

He let out a light laugh. “No. I told her I made it for a friend, and the wedding got canceled. So, do you have any idea what you’re going to do now? Technically, you don’t have to work, but I know you get bored quickly.”

“I was thinking about getting a job.” I smiled. “Something simple.”

“Like?”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to look online.”

Franco looked at his watch.

“Shit. I have to run.” He kissed my forehead before climbing off the bed. “I have an appointment at the studio. I’ll be back later, and we’ll order in.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’m just going to get settled.”

After he left, I unpacked and put everything away. I felt as if my life was in shambles, but at the same time, I felt free as a bird. I knew eventually, this day would come. The day my father would disown me. I tried to please him once I entered adulthood, but it's quite difficult when the bond between a father and daughter is never established. He would tell you that my little stunt at the wedding was just another cry for attention. I had done some pretty shitty things to get his attention back in the day, and that landed me at boarding school in Connecticut, all the way on the other side of the country, so far out of his hair that he didn’t have to deal with me anymore. I accepted it and was now grateful he sent me away; otherwise, I would never have met Franco. And from that day on, I never underestimated my father again.

I plopped myself down on the comfy black leather reclining couch, and as soon as I opened my laptop, my phone rang, and it was Franco.

“Hello.”

“Thank God you answered. I got so swept up with you being there I forgot my design book in my office. Would you be a doll and bring it to me? My client will be here in five minutes.”

“Of course. I’ll be there soon.”

I grabbed my coat, put on my knit hat, grabbed his design book, and hailed a cab to his studio. When I walked inside, Franco was standing there talking with a woman who appeared to be in her early fifties.

“Thank you,” he sighed as he kissed my cheek.

“And who is this lovely young woman, Franco?” The woman smiled.

“This is my best friend, Anna. Anna, I would like you to meet Jules Warren. I’m designing her wedding dress. One that is simple yet classy.” He grinned.

“Nice to meet you, Jules.” I smiled as I extended my hand.

“It’s lovely to meet you, dear. I don’t mean to be pushy or rude, Franco, but I’m on a bit of a time limit.” She sighed heavily.

“What’s wrong, Jules?” Franco asked as he flipped open his design book.

“I’m having trouble finding someone who’s a perfect fit for one of my clients. His personal assistant is moving out of state, and he isn’t dealing with it very well. Her last day was today, and his company hasn’t found a replacement yet, so he called me to send someone over temporarily.”

“Anna here is looking for a job, and temporary is her thing.” He smiled.

I shot him a look. Jules brought her index finger up to her lips as she looked me up and down.

“Hmm. Do you have corporate experience, darling?”

Franco walked over and hooked his arm around me.

“Are you kidding? Anna was the personal assistant to Clyde Baker of Baker Industries for years.”

“Really?”

She seemed highly impressed.

“Yes, I was.” I smiled through gritted teeth.

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