Page 36 of Arrogant Playboy

Bullshit.

Did he sleep alone?You shouldn’t care.I don’t care.Maybe a little.

Rosie: Didn’t want to leave Emily alone for too long.

I feel bad for using my best friend’s heartbreak as an excuse.

Daniel: How is she?

Rosie: She’s getting there.

Daniel: I was going to see if you were free to come check out the cottage today.

He wants to go to his cottage today. What about Blondie? Has he already kicked her out of bed?

Rosie: Don’t think the team can get together at such short notice.

Daniel: Maybe you and I can go?

Daniel: Or bring Emily.

Rosie: I don’t think I can swing today, sorry.

Daniel: Of course. It was last minute. Hope you have a good weekend. Talk next week?

Rosie: Sure.

I haven’t spokento Daniel all week. I’ve been dodging his calls and telling him I’m too busy for a catch-up. Yes, I’m a coward, but I don’t know what to say or how to act now around him.

“Knock, knock,” Ivy says, knocking at my office door.

“Oh, hi.”

“Do you mind if we have a chat?” she asks.

I shake my head as she walks in and closes the door behind her. Is she going to ask me about Daniel? No, why would she? Lauren seems suspicious of the two of us. And she did say Ivy warned Daniel away from me. They must have talked about it as she wasn’t there at the gallery when it was said.

“I need a huge favor. Do you have plans tonight?” Ivy asks me.

“No,” I answer hesitantly.

“Do you mind taking my place at the design charity gala tonight for me?” she asks, handing me the ticket.

“Of course.” I take the ticket from her. Who can say no to free food, booze, and networking? What am I going to wear?

“It’s black tie and I know it’s last minute, but go take the company card, buy a dress, shoes, whatever you need. Hair and makeup, too, my shout.”

That’s awfully nice. “You don’t need to do that, I’m sure I can find something.”

Ivy’s eyes narrow on me. “This is a great opportunity to network tonight, Rosie. You are representing Starr Designs, go grab something amazing for yourself.” I nod, if she insists. “Also, there’s something else. Can I tell you something in the strictest of confidences?”

“Of course,” I answer right away.

“You know my ex-stepfather is Pierre Lavigne …” she states. I nod because he is a legend in our field. “He’s asked me to come out to Dubai tonight for a meeting with investors who would like for me to open a Starr Designs office there. I thought this idea was years away, but apparently not.”

“No way. That is … oh my god, Dubai.”

“I know. I’ve never thought about opening international offices before. I mean, I’ve dreamt it, yes, but never thought it would happen,” she answers excitedly.

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