Page 4 of Arrogant Playboy

This is bad.

So very, very bad.

Daniel rolls his eyes at her jest. “I’ve been busy.”

“I know,” Ivy says sadly, reaching out and touching his arm.

Then he looks up and those turquoise eyes land on me, but he doesn’t flinch, there’s no recognition, nothing before he turns his attention back to Ivy.

“You don’t need me there, you’re all couples.” He smiles, flashing those dimples at Ivy, each one making my legs wobble.Urgh. He’s so hot.How the hell did I pull this guy?

Ivy shakes her head. “Maybe it’s time we find you a nice woman.”

“I don’t think I need help in that department,” he jokes, giving her a teasing wink.Ew, what an egotistical dick.“I’ll come to dinner next week, how about that?”

“The boys would like that.”

Then he turns his attention onto me, and panic clings to my chest. Is he going to say something in front of the group after ignoring me? I’m not sure Ivy will appreciate knowing I’ve messed around with her friend.

“Hi, I’m Daniel DuPont, owner of the gallery,” he says, holding out his hand to me.

Oh.

He doesn’t remember me, that hurts, not going to lie, but now is not the time. I shake it and say, “I’m Rosie.” Electric sparks shoot up my skin as his large hand envelopes mine, it’s warm and soft and firm and I remember exactly what kind of things those hands can do.

“Nice to meet you, Rosie.” There’s a seductive lilt to his voice as he says it.Do not get lost in those turquoise pools.

“Don’t flirt with my designer,” Ivy says before turning her attention to me. “This man is dangerous, do not fall for his tricks,” she warns me with a friendly smirk.

“You just said I need to find a beautiful woman and then you warn one away from me.” Daniel smirks at Ivy before sending a wink my way.

Ew. Screw him.

Ivy lets out a huff. “This is Rosie Hunt, one of the brightest designers on my team. She will be here frequently due to her expanding portfolio, so I don’t need you scaring her off,” Ivy warns Daniel. “This man is an incorrigible flirt, it’s why he sells so many paintings.”

“I can see that.” Yes, that face is the best sales tool. Any woman would find it hard to resist when this man’s attention is full on you, I should know.

“I’m just good at my job. Now that Ivy’s done insulting me, shall we look at some paintings?” He grins, letting those dimples pop to his advantage. The two of them walk off together chatting.

“Please don’t fall for his tricks.” Delphine cringes.What does that mean?“You wouldn’t be the first designer to fall under his spell, he has a reputation.”

Oh.

Her words are too late, already been there done that. “I’m not interested, believe me.”

Delphine laughs as we follow behind our two bosses. “That’s what they all say.”

I frown at her, it’s not very professional of her to be questioning me like she is. “It sounds like you don’t think very highly of your boss.”

“Daniel is a great boss, I love working for him. It’s the other stuff that I’m not a fan of,” she explains.

“It’s really that bad?” I question. Now I feel ick about our situation, I’m another notch on his belt.

Delphine sighs. “No, but we have had some crazy incidents, one woman stalked him after one night.” Oh dear, that doesn’t sound good. “Look, I admire Ivy, and she spoke so highly of you, I felt compelled to say something.”

Guess I should appreciate the warning. “Thanks. I’m not interested in your boss.Yes,he’s good looking, but there are many good-looking men in London. I don’t mess around with my work contacts.” And it was a one-night thing never to be repeated.

“Good.” She smiles, and this time it’s genuine.

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