Page 37 of Arrogant Playboy

“Dubai would be a game changer. It is the fastest growing interior design market in the world.”

“I know, right? I mean, not like I don’t have enough on my plate already, but this opportunity is too big to not investigate.”

“Do it,” I tell her.

Ivy looks giddy and she should be. “I’m considering it.”

“Would you move to Dubai?” I ask.

Ivy shakes her head. “Pierre and I would help set it up. I’d be creating a new team from scratch, which leads me to ask, is that something that might interest you?”Me?“I mean, it’s early days, but with what Pierre is envisioning the office is going to be double the size of our London one. I’d assume Pierre and I would join people from our offices together while hiring new ones, too.”

I don’t know what to say. “You’d consider me?”

Ivy grins. “For sure. I would love to head into this meeting with an idea of who I could trust if they ask.”

I’ve never been to Dubai, I only know it from TV and my clients as I do have a lot who live there, and they spend their summers in London. “I’d consider it.”

“Brilliant. Got to run and get onto the next flight which leaves Heathrow in four hours.” Ivy stands and says her goodbye.

Guess my afternoon is now booked up.

15

ROSIE

Itook Ivy’s advice and got my hair done, pulled up in an elegant French twist with some curls cascading around framing my face. My makeup is soft, neutrals with a hint of sea foam green on my eyelids to match my dress. Now I’m unsure of the dress, but Emily insists that it is perfect for the event. This gorgeous sea glass green sequin cocktail dress that is off the shoulder and ankle length. I’ve teamed it with matching silver heels, a clutch, and fake diamond jewels.

I’m nervous as I arrive at the gala, not knowing anyone. I have no clue who is even at my table, all I know is that it’s the who’s who of the interior design industry in London. My Uber stops at the event, and lets me out to walk the red carpet. I suck in a deep breath and quickly stroll along the carpet knowing no one will look at me.

Moments later, I walk into the ballroom and the atmosphere is electric as the sound of hundreds of voices echoes through the historic building. I grab a glass of champagne to ease my nerves as I look around to see if I know anyone.

I walk around aimlessly but give up and head straight to my table to see if I might know someone there. Taking my seat, Istart to study the menu seeing what is for dinner because I’m starving and don’t want the champagne to go to my head.

“Rosie?” that deep voice rumbles behind me. I turn in my chair and look up to see Daniel. What the hell is he doing here? He leans forward and kisses my cheeks. “You look spectacular,” he says as his warm breath caresses my neck and goosebumps light up my skin. He pulls out the chair beside me and takes a seat. Of course he looks devastatingly handsome dressed in a tuxedo, like a sexy French James Bond.

“What are you doing here?” I question him.

“Alex gave me his ticket for the event. He’s heading to Dubai with Ivy,” he states, taking a sip of his champagne. Those turquoise eyes run over me before returning to my face. “That color suits you. You look like a sexy Ariel.” He grins, placing an arm around my chair.

It takes everything in me not to shove his arm from the chair. “Ivy didn’t tell me you were invited.” I hiss at him as I reach for my glass of champagne to steady my nerves. I hate how this man can get under my skin without even trying.

“Surprise.” He grins.

I roll my eyes and throw back the rest of my champagne as another glass appears at my side.

“Are we okay?” he asks, picking up on my hostility. “I haven’t seen you much since the exhibition. It feels like you’re avoiding me?”

“I’m talking to you now,” I answer, throwing back half the contents of my new glass of champagne.

“Guess you are.” Daniel frowns as he stares, trying to work out what has gotten into me.

I hate that I miss his stupid handsome face.

Dinner is torture.I have to sit here and watch Daniel DuPont in action as he charms the entire dinner table. The women want him, and the men want to be him as he talks about, I don’t know what because I have tuned out most of it, but any chance he gets, he lays his arm around my chair as if laying claim to me.

“Excuse me for a moment, I’m going to freshen up,” I tell Daniel, who nods, then stands up and helps me out of my seat without breaking the conversation. I ignore his chivalrous act.

I make my way through the tables toward the bathrooms. Pushing the door open, I enter the fluorescent-lit room and head to a spare toilet. As soon as I close the door, I hear voices enter the bathroom.

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