Page 96 of The Heart You Kept

“What for?”

“I have a boutique hotel that I want you and my designer to collaborate on. I want eclectic pieces that work with her vibe.”

“Oh.” That sounds interesting, I would jump at the chance for something like this. I’ve thought about tackling the commercial market before but hadn’t any idea where to start. Maybe if this works out it could lead to future work, at the very least it would be good to have a contact in the industry…hmm. I should do this.

“I’m actually going to Paris next weekend.”

“You are?” He frowns.

“Yeah.”

“What are you doing there?”

“Umm….” I try to think on my feet. “I have a business meeting.”

“On the weekend?”

“Sunday, but thought I would take the weekend to enjoy and do some shopping.”

“Okay, well if she can meet you briefly, would you have time?”

“Yes, of course.”

He takes out his phone and texts someone and my eyes flick between him and the room. “What’s her name?”

“Nel Davenport.”

“Nel Davenport?” My eyes widen. “You know Nel Davenport?”

Why did I say that, it made me sound like a five-year-old groupie.

“Yeah, she’s great.” He puts his phone down and glances over to me. “Do you know of her?”

“Vaguely,” I lie. I’ve got every book she ever wrote, not that I’ll ever admit it. “I’ve heard she’s pretty good.” I try my hardest to act casual. Nel Davenport is the rock star of the interior design world, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

I want to bounce in excitement.

His phone beeps with a text and he reads it. “Is 11 a.m. on the Saturday suitable?”

“Sure.” I roll my lips to hide my smile, oh my god…. Is this for real?

He texts her back as my mind runs wild with possibilities.

“All set.” He keeps texting. “I’ll organize a room for you at the hotel so you can get a feel for the vibe I want.”

“Oh.” I should say no but in all honesty that’s probably a good idea, I guess I could always cancel the hotel I booked. “Okay, if that’s not too much trouble.”

He reads something on his phone. “All set.”

“Thank you.”

Ding, my phone sings in my bag and I glance down at it.

“I just sent you the hotel’s address.”

“Great, thanks.”

“Edward.” Someone calls his name and he glances over to another man I haven’t seen before.