Page 34 of Unforgettable

Like Juliette could sense the tension in the room, she ambles herself between us and says, “Darlings, let’s go over everything.” Turning her attention to me, she points to the designs. “Once Finn decides everything is perfect, we can start production. Then he can head back to London.”

So, this is why Finn is in New York. Will he stay the full two months or go back early if the designs are finished? Of course, he’ll leave when the job is done. There’s no reason for him to stay.

Juliette taps the fan closed in her hand, breaking my depressing musings. “We have a lot to do while Finn is in town. We better get started.”

Finn and I put aside the tension between us and focus our attention on the designs. I stay quiet and listen to Juliette explain fabric choices to Finn. Soaking up this moment because when will I ever get the opportunity again? Juliette drapes the material over her arm and shoulder to get the feel of the texture, pulling me into the conversation, genuinely interested in my opinion.

“I’m torn between two fabulous samples.” Juliette picks off the fabric hanging over an easel. A soft midnight material falls smoothly over one arm, the light picking up shimmers of silver threaded into it. On her other arm is something very similar except with no silver threads, making it less dramatic. She hands the silver threaded one to Finn. “Drape this over Harper so I can get a better look. This is gorgeous. I’m leaning toward it. I’d love to make every gown in it if I could.” She chuckles.

Finn cocks an eyebrow. “You want me to put it on Harper?”

Juliette shrugs a shoulder. “Unless you want to wear it?”

Does Juliette know about my history with Finn? Would Finn discuss our past with her? If they’re close, maybe he would have. Or…my cheeks flame hot; she heard about what happened in the trailer at the photoshoot?

“Not my style,” Finn says.

“I think you’d look spectacular in one of my gowns,” Juliette jokes.

Maybe I’m just being paranoid.

Finn steps behind me with the fabric and drapes it over my shoulders, his fingers brushing over my skin. Did his hands stay a moment longer than necessary? I lock my knees, trying not to fall back and sink into him.

Propping one hand on her hip, Juliette pulls her lips to the side as she studies the material. “Drape it around the front. I can’t see the full effect if it’s on her back.”

Finn steps in front of me, adjusting the fabric. He’s standing so close I breathe in the faint woodsy scent of his cologne. I tilt my face. The air gets trapped in my lungs. He watches me with such an intense gaze. When his eyes drop to my mouth, I bite my lip. So desperate for him to kiss me again. Finn squeezes his eyes shut like it’s taking all his effort to resist.

“I can’t see the sample with you standing in front of Harper.” Juliette’s laughing tone snaps me back to attention. For a moment, I’d forgotten the designer was in the room.

Finn clears his throat and steps away, the heat leaving his eyes.

“Which one do you like best, Harper?” Juliette asks.

It’s blowing my mind the way Juliette really wants my opinion. I look down at the sample I’m wearing and then to the one hanging over Juliette’s arm. I pull mine off and drape it over a mannequin. I take the one Juliette is holding and place it over another mannequin. I take a few moments to examine them both.

Juliette seems to love the one with the silver threads, but as I look at the fabric and then the design on the easel, I know which one I’d choose. Can I really tell Juliette what I think, knowing how much she loves the silver thread? It’s not like my opinion really matters. Juliette is the professional. She knows best.

“The ruffled tiered skirt on the design is so dramatic and eye-catching I think if you use the silver thread it might take away from the structure of the dress. Do you want people more focused on the design or the color? If I made something as spectacular as that sketch, I’d want everyone to be aware of every detail and not get distracted by silver threads.” My heart is racing as Juliette narrows her eyes. Oh crap. Have I offended her? She did say she wanted people to be honest.

After a moment that felt like hours but was probably only seconds, Juliette’s face splits into a wide grin. “Exactly, darling. I knew you’d tell me the truth. I was never torn between the two. I knew what I wanted.”

I frown with confusion.

“Like I said, I want honest opinions. You passed the test with flying colors.” She taps her fan on my shoulder.

“Oh…” I give a relieved chuckle. “I’m glad.”

“You would have crushed her spirit if you’d told her she’d failed. Harper never could cope with bad grades. She’d sulk for days.”

My mouth drops open. “I did not!”

Finn rolls his eyes. “After getting a B-minus on your English report, you wrote Mr. Rodriguez a two-page letter on why you thought he’d graded your paper poorly.”

“Oh my God. I forgot about that.” I hold my fingers to my mouth and giggle.

“What about when you got a C in math—”

“Okay. Okay.” I laugh. “I’m a high achiever.”

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