Page 34 of Arrogant Playboy

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ROSIE

“Thanks, team, for coming tonight, I think you’re really going to enjoy the art,” I say as we wait to be let into the DuPont Gallery. I wish Emily would have come, but she said she wasn’t up for anything like this just yet.

“I’ve never been to an art show before,” Adina, my assistant says.

“Me either,” Beth adds.

“My parents used to drag me to them all the time.” Helena moans.

“Poor little Miss Trust Fund,” Josie says, teasing Helena, who flips her off behind her hand which makes me laugh.

“Rosie, you made it. Daniel will be happy to see you,” Delphine says, greeting me warmly.

“Thought I’d bring my team, too, for support.”

Delphine cooly looks them over and tells us to have a good night.

“That’s interesting.” Josie gasps as we look around the room.

The art wasn’t what I was expecting, a curation of charcoal nudes. “Guys, I had no idea this was what the show was.” I giggle as my team stares at the various large pieces.

“Lucky there’s champagne,” Helena says as the waiter comes by, and we each grab a glass.

“Come on, I guess we should check it out,” I say.

“What the hell, twenty thousand pounds for a picture of a wrinkly old man’s dick.” Beth gasps as we stare at the image, trying to stifle our laughter because everyone around us is taking it seriously.

“We might be in the wrong profession,” Josie whispers as we try to fight another round of giggles.

“I’m going to give my congratulations to my client, I’ll be right back,” I tell the girls who nod and continue to whisper and giggle.

“Rosie, over here.” Ivy spots me from across the room and I head over to her group. “Nice to see you here,” she says, kissing my cheek.

“Thought I would show my support. I even brought the team with me. I thought it would be good for them to look at what is out there.” Pointing them out as they huddle together, I can see their shoulders shaking. “It’s an interesting first show for them.”

Alex chuckles as he greets me. “Don’t worry, we didn’t check either.” He grins over his champagne glass.

“Are people really going to buy pictures of saggy balls?” A dark-haired beauty who looks vaguely familiar asks as she walks up to our group. “I left Jasper looking at boobs, that will keep him entertained for most of the night.” She chuckles.

“Lauren, this is Rosie Hunt, one of my interior designers,” Ivy says, introducing me to her.

“I’ve seen you in the office when I’ve delivered the cupcakes,” Lauren says. Oh, that’s right, she’s the cupcake lady.

“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you,” I say, shaking her hand.

“I see why you warned Daniel away from her, you are stunning,” Lauren states. Huh? I see from the corner of my eye that Ivy is shaking her head as Alex slaps his forehead, but Lauren doesn’t seem phased by what she’s said.

“Rosie, you came,” Daniel says as he spots me walking past. He walks up to me and kisses my cheeks tenderly and I hate that a shiver slides across my skin. I look over and see Lauren watching me like a hawk. “What do you think?” he asks excitedly.

“Interesting,” I say, biting my lip, which makes him smirk.

“It’s not for everyone, but people who are into nudes and charcoal drawings love it. We’ve sold half of the exhibition already.”

“That’s fantastic, I know how hard you have been working on it.”

He leans in and whispers, “I’m happy it’s almost over.”

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