Page 37 of All the Gossip from Paris
“I. I…” she stammered.
The door of the atelier opened, and Liam glanced up from the gown. A tall man dressed in a deep blue suit stepped into the room, then closed the door firmly behind him. At the sight of a stranger coming toward them, Liam let the fabric drop from his hands. He was still tugging the gloves off as the man approached.
The stranger carried himself with an air of serious self-importance. His stride was confident and contained a strong hint of swagger. Liam took an instant dislike to him.
“I wondered where you had got to this morning. Your mother said something about you going into Paname to take a wedding guest sightseeing, and yet —you are here.” He gave a momentary glance in Liam’s direction, then sniffed. “And who is this?”
Liam caught the unmistakable tone of superiority. Was this one of Sophie’s brothers? He looked around the same age as her. She had a few male siblings, so it would make sense that this guy was one of them.
But he did say ‘your mother’.
Whoever he was, he was a rude ass. No one should speak to Sophie like that, and nor should they look down their nose at her guest.
Sophie took the gloves from Liam and placed them back on the bench. Her entire body language had changed from happy and relaxed, to cautious and wary. The tight smile which now appeared on her lips looked almost painful.
“This is Liam, Ryan’s brother. Liam is a photographer, and we have been undertaking a tour of the world of haute couture. I thought I would show him Papa’s atelier.”
She turned to Liam. “Liam this is Patrice. He works with my father.”
Patrice cleared his throat, and glared at Liam. “I’m François’ senior business manager.” He then turned his attention back to Sophie. “And as such I don’t think it is appropriate to allow him to touch the garments.”
If Liam could have thrown a punch and not caused his brother major problems three days out from his wedding, he would have floored this prick. But instead, he did as Sophie had done and forced a smile to his face.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Patrice. And I can assure you I was wearing gloves when I touched the gown. Sophie had it all under control.”
Just like me and my temper.
And then it dawned on him. This guy was Sophie’s ex. The one who’d cheated on her. The ass who’d called her basic for liking Korean fried chicken. As he studied Patrice a little longer, Liam’s smile grew ever brighter. Patrice was vibrating with barely repressed rage.
He’s jealous. Oh, I need to lean into this big time.
Turning to Sophie, Liam offered her his arm. “Since we’re finished here, how about we take that walk along the river you promised me. Then I’ll buy you lunch in the village.”
To his deep satisfaction, Sophie took his arm and let him lead her to the door.
As they got to it, Liam called back over his shoulder. “Nice to meet you, Patrice. Have a good day.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Once they were outside of the atelier, Sophie headed quickly for the stairs. Liam hurried after her. He got the distinct impression that she wanted to be as far away from Patrice as she could get in a short time. When they reached the bottom, Liam turned to Sophie. “So that’s Patrice, is it?” he said.
He wanted to say more, but held back.
“Yes. I’m sorry about the way he spoke to you. He means well. But he can also be a bit full of himself.”
And here was me thinking he was just a rude pig.
She shouldn’t have to apologize for Patrice’s behavior. But Liam didn’t know anything about the dynamics of Sophie and her ex’s relationship. It would be careless of him to go getting involved.
He checked his watch. “It’s almost three o’clock. Are you still interested in going into the village and seeing if we can find somewhere to eat?”
Sophie screwed up her face. “All the boulangeries will be closed by now. I hadn’t realized it was that late. How about we go over to the kitchen and see what food we can beg from the head chef.”
“You don’t really beg for food here, do you?”
“They are in full prep mode for the wedding, so yes, this week we do.”
The main kitchen was located on the ground level of the chateau. The building itself was separated from the residence by a covered walkway. Liam followed Sophie to the door, then stopped. He hadn’t been inside a commercial kitchen in several years. Not since Brooke.
