Page 33 of Unforgettable

Bianca slams her lips tight, nostrils flaring. “Understood.”

“Good. I have a meeting in ten minutes. Please get coffee and bring it into the boardroom.”

Bianca’s mouth drops open. “That’s Harper’s job.”

Finn slides his hands in his pocket, giving him a casual stance. But I can see the tension pinching his expression. “I’m askingyouto do it.”

“Fine,” Bianca says, not arguing. Although, before leaving the room, she glares at me.

My eyes follow Bianca from the room. “I wish you hadn’t done that.” I sigh, collecting the files from the desk.

“Why? She was being a bitch. She shouldn’t speak to you or anyone like that.”

Clutching the files to my chest, I spin around. “Oh, but it’s okay for you to talk to me like crap?”

Finn pinches the bridge of his nose. “Harper, that’s different.”

“Right. So, you can speak to me like I’m the most hated person in the world, refuse to listen to me, but I’m okay to fuck.”

On a long breath, he drops his head and stares at the floor. “We—Ishould never have let things go so far.” He lifts his head back up. “I’m sorry.”

“Will you listen to what I have to say?”

“I’m not sure.”

My heart trips at the sadness shining from his eyes. He wants to hate me so much for what I did, but underneath that anger, lies a man who is still hurt. “When you’re ready to talk, let me know.” On trembling legs, I leave the room. Hoping and praying he’ll come to me soon.

During the rest of the day, Bianca has me running around the office. She either communicated with me through two-word grunts or email. I prefer the latter. The less time I have to spend with her, the better. Finn has been in meetings for most of the day, and our paths haven’t crossed. Or maybe Bianca planned it that way. It doesn’t stop me from trying to catch a glimpse of him though.

When four o’clock hits, I excitedly head down to Juliette’s room. I have no idea how I can help the designer, but I can’t wait to see what she wants me to do. Juliette is in the office, pacing in front of multiple easels with drawings of stunning gowns on them. Colored and textured fabric are draped over the corners.

When she spots me, she whisks open her folding fan and waves it in front of her face. Today’s fan is gold with a black sequence pattern. “Darling, thank you for coming.”

Like I would say no to Juliette Monet! “I’m not sure what I can help you with?”

Juliette opens her arms out wide like she’s a model on a gameshow. “My collections are almost complete. Only a few adjustments and confirming fabric choices and they’re set to go.”

“Again, I’m not sure what I can help you with? I’m not a fashion designer. Don’t you have people who are qualified for this?”

Juliette gives a dismissive wave of her hand. “You don’t need to be qualified to have a good eye. I have a feeling you do. Besides, they tell me what they think I want to hear. They don’t have the guts to speak the truth. Fresh eyes and an honest opinion are what I need.”

“Yes…but—”

“It’s not rocket science. You’ll be fine. Ahh, finally you show up,” Juliette says to someone behind me.

“Sorry, I got caught up in a meeting. What did I miss?” Finn’s voice, so smooth and deep, washes over me.

“I was telling Harper she doesn’t need to be a qualified designer to appreciate great designs.”

“What happened to the fashion degree you started?” Finn asks me.

“I never continued after…” I was going to sayafter I got married, but I don’t want to keep bringing that up. The reminder only drove a bigger wedge between us. Instead, I say, “…after the first year.”

“Why? You loved it. Oh,” he says, giving a curt nod. “Too busy being the wife of a billionaire.”

My back stiffens. So much for keeping Derek out of this. “No, that’s not why. Derek never allowed it.”Derek took everything away from me. Including you.

Finn pulls a dubious expression.

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