Page 100 of Arrogant Playboy

I raise a brow at him. “As if you wouldn’t have told Ivy.”

His eyes narrow on me before a smile forms. “You’re right. I can’t hide things from her.”

“Rosie is so scared of letting Ivy down,” I explain to him.

“Ivy loves her.” I nod. “She thinks she’s one of her best designers,” then his shoulders sag, “hence why she wants her to head her first ever international office. Shit. Maybe I can ask her to not send her, give the job to someone else.”

“No,” I say forcefully, “I will not mess up her life like that. Like you said, Rosie is the best, and by the sounds of it, she wants this opportunity.”

“But you love her?” Alex argues.

“Yeah, but I don’t think she feels the same way,” I tell him sadly.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. Thank you for being honest with me.”

Alex smiles sadly. “I’m sure she wanted to be honest with you, but she couldn’t.” I nod. “Do you still want The Paradise Club membership?”

I shake my head. “No point now.”

“It kills me seeing you like this. She’s the first woman that you’ve fallen for.” And she will be my last. “Talk to her, convince her to stay?”

“Thanks for the chat, I appreciate it, but I’m going to get going,” I say, standing and pushing my chair out. Alex shakes my hand and I walk out of his office.

38

ROSIE

Adina walks into my office. “Hey, Ivy would like to see you, if you have a moment.”

My stomach sinks, today has been a shitty Monday by Monday standards, because all I can think about is Daniel and how amazing he was all weekend, the heartfelt confessions, the fact that a man like him might have fallen for a girl like me, he’s the man of many woman’s dreams, but is he mine?

“Sure, I’m on my way,” I say, jumping up out of my chair and shaking off my anxiety. I head on over to Ivy’s office and her assistant sends me in. “Hi,” I say, trying to mask my nervousness as I take a seat.

“Hey, how are you feeling? I’m still so dusty.” She groans, shaking her head.

“I’m all good. Thanks again for being there for the tow truck, I’m sorry it inconvenienced your weekend.”

She waves my apology away. “How were the markets? Did you love them?”

“Oh my god, yes. That village is the cutest. There were so many things I would have grabbed but I have no room in my flat.”

“Same. Did Daniel enjoy it?” She smirks.

“I think he did. There wasn’t any complaining, but to be fair, the free food samples kept him busy.”

Ivy smiles. “It usually works for Alex, too.” She chuckles before her face turns serious, and the nervousness that had disappeared returns. “I wanted to talk to you about Dubai,” Oh. Has she changed her mind? Does she not want me to go anymore? “You’re still interested in going, right?” I nod. “Good, because I wanted to talk to you about something, and I’m not sure if you will be interested. I wanted to offer you the position of manager of the Dubai office.” What! “You would have a say in how the business is run. I want you to be my right-hand woman regarding this project.” I stare in disbelief at her. “I trust you, Rosie, and I believe you are the right person to make the Dubai office one of the best in the world.” My heart is pounding loudly in my chest, I can’t believe it. Then Ivy’s phone rings, and she looks down and silences it. “It’s just Alex, I’ll call him back,” she says with a smile. “So, what do you think? I’m planning the girls trip not next week but the one after. It works for all our schedules so if you could check and let me know.” This is happening so quickly. “You don’t have to give me an answer just yet, Rosie. If you want to wait till you get back from Dubai …”

“Yes,” I blurt out without even thinking. “Yes, I accept.” I would be mad to turn this down. I would be the manager of the Dubai office, me. This is a dream come true and the first person I want to call is Daniel to tell him about it, then my stomach sinks.

“I am so excited. This is a huge step in your career,” Ivy tells me excitedly.

“I know. I won’t let you down. I can’t thank you enough for thinking that I would be the right person for the job.”

Ivy gives me a wide smile as I leave. I can’t believe this as I skip back to my office shutting the door and excitedly dancing before grabbing my phone.

Rosie: OMG. I’m going to be the boss of the Dubai office.

---