Page 16 of Brooke
“That’s some dress,” he commented, closing the leather-bound book he’d been reading in the salon. “Not a color you usually wear but it looks great on you. I believe I painted you wearing it.”
She gave him a knowing wink. “The fashion designer I met with today showed me his new collection, and I had to wear it out. Isn’t it gorgeous?”
“Is that a new dress?” Thea emerged from the kitchen with Jean Luc, practically squealing as Brooke nodded enthusiastically in response. “I love it!”
More of her roommates trickled out from the kitchen, wineglasses in hand. “You cut it close,” Kyle commented, tapping his watch face. “I was prepared to step in and meet Axel for you. Traffic bad?”
God, her planning hadn’t included Kyle volunteering to take her place. What a nightmare. “You know how it can be on a Friday night.” She fixed her smile like she had her makeup in the car over. “Where are Dean and Jacqueline?”
“They decided to go to a few vineyards in the Loire last minute,” Jean Luc broke in. “I’m still trying to talk Thea into going with them for a long weekend.”
“You totally should! I think Madison could spare you, Thea.”
“That’s what I told her, but you know how dedicated she is.” Madison nudged their friend, who blushed.
“There’s so much going on,” Thea commented, touching her heated cheeks. “Plus, I wanted to hear about your dinner with Axel. We all know what a big deal it is for you to be working with him, Brooke.”
She would not feel guilty. “I can text you. Thea, go with your fiancé. When you open your bakery, you won’t have as much flexibility.”
“Okay.” She gave Jean Luc a hesitant smile. “If you’re sure.”
“Completely!” she said, heartened by the thought that she’d helped them. “Now I’m going to dash upstairs and freshen up.”
“You already look pretty great,” Madison said as Pierre, who rested on her shoulder, gave an agreeable squawk. “Kyle mentioned you’re going toLe Gran Cirquetonight. Make sure to take notes. They have two Michelin stars, and I want your thoughts.”
Her inner go-getter practically sang. She could add it to the docket for tonight’sgetting to know youdinner. Sure, she’d fibbed to her friends, but at least she was doing one of them a favor. “You will have them. I’ll be down in a sec.”
Dashing up the steps, she heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Kyle walking with her. “Do we need to talk about anything for your meeting?”
Kyle was serious about his role as the president of The Paris Roommates Group. He listened. He made sure everyone was supported. Which was why he’d gone out of his way to recruit Axel to decorate their house. He’d done it for them all, but he’despeciallydone it for her. She put her hand on his arm, her heart swelling. “You’re a great friend and business partner, Kyle. Tonight is about Axel and me getting to know each other better. You know how it is…”
“It’s critical to have chemistry with someone you’re working this closely with,” Kyle added thoughtfully. “Axel is in new territory, and so are you. I know you’ll navigate it successfully. I’m here if you need anything. Also…you look terrific. That color is the same one Sawyer painted you in. Did you know?”
She hoped the smile she gave him was one of her most mysterious.
“Of course you do. You’re in fashion. I’ll let you get ready.”
She kissed his cheek spontaneously. “Thanks, Kyle. For everything.”
He flashed one of his Golden Boy grins, looking ever the handsome high school quarterback and prom king. “Just doing my job.”
They both knew it was more than that. After she’d freshened up her makeup and fluffed her hair, which had grown out past her shoulders, she descended the stairs to find everyone waiting for her in the foyer. Well, everyone except for Dean, whom she missed suddenly.
Thea and Dean’s first dates came to mind. All of their roommates had sent them off with encouraging smiles on their faces. Even Madison. She allowed herself to be surrounded by their warmth and good wishes. Because she really did want tonight to be special.
“Have fun,” Sawyer said, a speculative gleam visible behind his glasses.
Kyle shot him a puzzled look before turning back to face her. “Good luck.”
“She won’t need it.” Madison tipped her hand at Brooke. “She’s a woman in complete command tonight.”
“Brooke’s look is destined to dazzle everyone around her,” Jean Luc said in his usual suave way, echoed in his fashion choice of pinstriped suits. “And thank you for suggesting we go away for the weekend. I owe you one, as you Americans say.”
She blew them a kiss. “There are no debts between friends. Don’t wait up. The chef’s menu is notoriously long.”
Another carefully seeded aspect of tonight’s outing. She could slip into the house and go to her room without being observed. A must, because tonight would end in one of two ways: with her glowing or her moping.
Both of which she would need to cover up.
