Page 26 of A Billionaire After Dark

“Nash’s sleeves are too long,” she said to Olivia, who walked next to her taking notes. “You’ll need to have one of the seamstresses take them up.” Her gaze moved to Grayson. “And Grayson’s doublet is too short. It needs to cover his manly display in those tights or he could be arrested for indecent exposure.”

Grayson’s face flamed bright red, and he waited for Deirdre to move on to Deacon before he whispered to Nash under his breath. “I’ll give you ten thousand dollars to switch costumes with me.”

“Sorry, little brother, but I wouldn’t be caught dead in that getup. Besides, Deirdre isn’t going to let you get away with that.”

“She won’t have to know—”

“What is all the whispering about?” Deirdre glanced over at them. “You sound like a bunch of schoolgirls.” She looked around. “And speaking of girls, where is Samuel? I want to go over some of the decorations with him.”

“I’ll go over the decorations with you, Mom,” Olivia said. “I think Samuel has had enough party planning. He seemed upset when he found out that you were taking over his studio for fittings today and disappeared without a word.”

Deirdre smiled. It wasn’t a happy smile as much as a sly one. “I’m sure he did. But as amazing as you are at lingerie design, Olivia, you’re horrible at decor. So if you’ll finish up with the costumes, I’ll go find Samuel.” As soon as she was out the door, Grayson turned to Olivia.

“Help me out, Livy,” he pleaded. “I can’t spend an entire night in these tights. They itch like hell.”

Olivia lifted her shoulders in a small shrug. “I’m sorry, Grayson, but I can’t see any way out of it. If it’s any consolation, everyone will be wearing masks. So people might not recognize you. And since everyone is coming dressed as lovers, I’m sure there will be other Romeos in tights.”

“Great,” Grayson grumbled before he turned and headed for the dressing room.

“He’ll get over it, Livy,” Deacon said. “As for me, I’m starting to like my costume.” He placed his hands on the colored scarf tied around his waist and struck a pose similar to a runway model at the end of the catwalk.

Olivia giggled and held the back of her hand to her head. “I’m your slave, Sheik.”

He grinned. “I would love to whisk you away to my sultan’s tent, but I have a meeting in ten minutes. So I’ll see you for lunch. And I expect you to eat more than you did for breakfast. Remember… you’re eating for two.” He gave her a quick kiss before he followed Grayson to the dressing room.

When he was gone, Olivia wasted no time in cornering Nash. “So did you talk to Doug?”

“Unfortunately, yes. And not only is he gay, but now he thinks I am too.” He plucked at the satin shirt. “And if he could see me now, it would only confirm it.”

Her eyes sparkled with humor. “I think you look a little like Zorro.” She took some pins out of the cushion on her wrist and cuffed Nash’s sleeve. “Now all we need to do is figure out how to get Doug and Samuel together. Samuel has been acting more and more depressed with every passing day.”

“Are you sure it has to do with Doug, Olivia? Maybe Samuel’s just tired of working. Hasn’t he been doing it for over thirty years?”

She pinned his shirt sleeve. “He has been doing it for a long time, but designing is his life.”

“Then why does he need a companion?”

“Because everyone needs a companion, Nash.” She glanced up. “Are you bringing someone to the ball?”

He didn’t know why an image of Eden popped into his head. But there was no way he could see Eden again. Not if he wanted to keep any kind of control over his life.

“Now why would I only bring one woman to the ball, Olivia,” he said, “when there will be so many beautiful women there looking to hook up?”

She started to say something when her eyes widened. “That’s it! We’ll invite Doug to the Lover’s Ball. It would be a perfect place for Samuel and him to hook up.”

“How are you going to manage that with hundreds of people in attendance?”

Olivia eyes squinted in thought before they widened. “We could make them a couple. Like I’m going as a harem girl to match Deacon’s sheik. And Mother’s date is going as Lancelot to her Guinevere.”

“Who is your mother bringing?”

“She hasn’t told me, but I’m sure it will be someone who is wealthy and connected.”

“Of course.” Deirdre swept back into the room. “Why would I want some poor man who can’t keep me in Gucci bags?” She glanced around. “Did Samuel come back? I can’t find the blasted man anywhere.”

Olivia shook her head. “But he’ll turn up eventually, Mother. We have a designers’ meeting this afternoon. In the meantime, are you sure you don’t want me to go over the decorations with you?”

“I really wanted a man’s opinion. I don’t want the decorations coming off too froufrou.” Deirdre’s gaze pinned Nash. “What are you doing right now, Nash?”

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