Page 12 of Arrogant Playboy

“And did your friends make it?” he asks.

“Yeah, they all did. What about you, how do you know Ivy’s fiancé?”

“I met the boys around London. They all went to university together, so they knew each other from way back,” he explains.

“And what about your friends in France?” I ask.

“Yes, I have friends there, but some have moved to other parts of France or Europe. Most are married with families so having time to catch up is hard,” he explains.

“So, you’re the odd man out with your friends as the single guy?”

He nods as he continues to create this strange French sandwich. “Are all your friends single?”

“Yes.”

“All concentrating on your careers?” he asks, a teasing lilt to his voice.

“We are all very passionate about what we do.”

“That’s admirable, not many people love their jobs.”

“You don’t love yours?” I ask.

He looks up and grins at me, those dimples popping as he does, and I want to melt just like the cheese is on the sandwich. “I love what I do. I’ve been accused of being a workaholic before.”

“Ah, now I understand. You don’t have time to devote to a relationship, so you don’t.”

“And you think that’s bad?” he questions me.

I shake my head. “The number of times exes of mine have complained because I’m at the office till later or on the phone with an overseas client at all times of the day. I drag them into design stores and look at furniture they weren’t interested. I’ve given up on dating because the hassle isn’t worth it.” Daniel is staring at me in surprise. “What?” I ask, wiping my face thinking there is something on it.

“Not many people feel the same way, and they think I’m the playboy,” he says as if accusing me of being like him. I don’t think so.

“You don’t date models?” I tease. Daniel rolls his eyes at me. “Ha, see, I knew it. You’re totally a playboy, dating models is on the playboy list.”

“It’s a job, Rosie, just like being a doctor or something like that.”

“Yes, very much like being a doctor.”

“You’re judgmental,” he says, pointing the wooden spatula at me.

“I am.”

“Glad you’re aware of your flaws,” he teases as he starts to plate up the sandwiches. I flip him off which makes him burstout laughing. “Voila,” he says proudly, sliding the plate across the counter to me.

“Oh, it’s a fancy ham and cheese toastie.”

Daniel glares at me. “It is not a toastie.” He clearly looks irritated which makes me smile. “Come, let’s see what’s on TV.” He heads into the living room, and we take a seat on his charcoal couch. I take a seat beside him, and he starts flipping through the channels while I bite into one of the most delicious sandwiches I’ve ever eaten.

5

ROSIE

“Rosie, there’s a delivery for you and it’s big. Can I tell them they can come right in?” Adina asks, popping her head into my office.

“Sure,” I answer, I wasn’t expecting any deliveries today.

A man rolls in a large wooden box and asks me to sign and then leaves.What the?