Page 30 of Arrogant Playboy

Ivy: And Louis?

Daniel: Devastated.

Ivy: Tell Louis she needs time to heal, and unfortunately, there is no timeline for that.

Daniel: Louis blames himself for what happened.

Ivy: It’s not his fault, he needs to know that.

Ivy: I’ll keep an eye on Rosie this week.

Daniel: Thank you.

Rosie: Do you still want to work with me on your Kent project?

Her text message surprises me.

Daniel: Yes, of course. But we have plenty of time to start on that.

Rosie: I need something new to focus on.

Rosie: Please.

Daniel: If you’re sure?

Rosie: I am.

Daniel: When would you like to start?

Rosie: Now.

Daniel: If you are free tonight, come by the gallery, I’m working late. Is that okay?

Rosie: That’s fine. I’ll see you after work.

“I appreciateyou popping by the gallery after work,” I say, greeting Rosie warmly with a kiss on the cheek. She’s wearing a white shift dress with a matching jacket, heels, and designer bag, her copper red hair cascading around her shoulders with a pair of sunglasses slid into place atop her head. I notice the dark circles under her eyes and the lifeless color in her face, and I want to pull her into my arms and make it all better for her. I offer her a seat and she takes it. “I’m flat out. We have a new exhibition next week, and the artist is being artistic, but the distraction is good,” I say, giving her a sad smile, which she returns with a nod in understanding. “You should pop by if you have time.”

“Maybe.” She shrugs.

“Do you want a drink or something?” I ask, getting up and moving over to my bar where I pour myself a scotch as the awkwardness settles between us.

“Water thanks.”

I grab a bottle from the mini fridge and hand it to her as I take my seat again. “How’s Emily?” I ask.

“Coping. She’s painting so I guess that is good.” Emily’s painting? Interesting. “Anyway, about your gorgeous home,” she says, steering the conversation back to work.

Two hours later,and after the initial awkwardness as soon as we got talking about my home, the difference in Rosie was noticeable. So much so that when her stomach rumbled and I suggested dinner, she agreed, even more surprising, she let mepop a bottle of wine as we continued to talk about my home. As the house has already been renovated in dark moody tones, which was a reason I purchased it in the first place, we are sticking to that. I then showed her the art I have already hung everywhere, and she sat and listened as I spoke about each piece, writing notes as we talked. She created a Pinterest board for me so we can share ideas and styles that I like. It was nice being able to let my mind think of something other than what was happening between Louis and Emily. A pang of guilt hits me because Louis wishes he could be doing this with Emily.

“I have some great places to start to source furniture and soft furnishings for you. Is there a chance I could head down and see the place? I need to get measurements, see where the lighting hits, the heights of the artwork, and those sorts of things,” she asks.

“Sure. I’d love to show you around,” I say, sipping my wine.

“Great, let me coordinate with my team, and we can set up an inspection,” she says, writing notes into her book. My brows pull together, I was kind of hoping that it would be just the two of us. “If I haven’t said it tonight, thank you. I needed this, getting out of the flat, making my brain think of something other than that night.” I reach out and give her hand a squeeze. “I’m excited about the project.”

“Me too. You have some great ideas and I know my home is in great hands. Ivy speaks highly of you and that’s the best recommendation,” I tell her.

A wide smile falls across her lips, one I haven’t seen in such a long time. “I promise I won’t let you down.” I know she won’t. Rosie looks down at her watch. “Oh, that’s the time. Wow. I didn’t realize it was so late. I should be letting you go, I’ve taken up too much of your time,” she says as she starts packing up her things.

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