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PACING AROUND HER LIVINGroom thinking about the night ahead, Tia was excited, but she was also tense.
“I haven’t felt like this since my early modeling days in Paris,” she said nervously. “I hope I have the outfits in the right order. The music is perfect, at least I think it is. Why am I like this? Stephanie’s completely calm.”
“Tia, you’re a pro,” Jerry declared. “Everything will be great. You don’t need to worry.”
“Maybe I’m freaking out because Stephanie’s relying on me and I don’t want to let her down,” she said, pausing her step and turning to face him. “I’ve never been involved in a business. It’s one thing to be a clothes horse—I put on a dress and parade down a catwalk—but to actually have a company...”
Her voice trailed off, and Jerry suddenly saw his glamorous, famous wife as a sweet, insecure, vulnerable woman.
“Come here,” he murmured, taking her into his arms. “I’ll help you every step of the way. You and Stephanie are both brilliant and you’ll make a fantastic team.”
“I always feel like I have to be this—this—superwoman, but I’m just a human being like everyone else. I have fears too.”
“I understand, believe me. Just remember, tonight isn’t a couture show in Paris. No-one is expecting a group of beautiful girls modeling sexy lingerie. The surprise alone will blow everyone away.”
“Oh, my gosh, you’re right. Thank you! How did I know to marry you?”
“See! You’re not just gorgeous, you’re smart. But it’s time for us to get ready. The limo’s arriving soon.”
“Limo?”
“Did you forget? Stewart and I are having a bite to eat at Mariano’s before we go to Matt’s.”
“It completely slipped my mind.”
“Take a breath. The parade will be a huge success, and when we get home, you’ll give me your own private show, right?”
“Yes, Master,” she said with a grin, “and I can’t wait.”
* * *
STILL THINKING ABOUTJennifer Olsen’s brazen behavior in his office, Stewart was watching his beautiful wife apply the last of her makeup. He wasn’t about to let anything disrupt their new-found happiness, especially a woman like Jennifer Olsen. But he knew how stubborn and conniving she could be when she wanted something, and she’d made it clear she wanted him.
“Stephanie, do you have any idea how wonderfully normal you are? And I don’t know how you can be so calm. You’re amazing.”
“I’m not sure I’m as calm as you think I am. I’m really excited, though I’m not worried and I thought I would be. Tia’s a basket case.”
“That surprises me. She must know your fabulous lingerie will be a smash hit.”
“I guess it’s different for me. I don’t have anything to lose, not really. No-one knows who I am. I don’t have a great height from which to fall. Speaking of great heights, how is that crazy client of yours.”
“Jennifer Olsen? Let me put it like this. If I had more clients like her, you’d be calling the men in the white coats to take me away.”
“That bad?”
“Worse,” he replied, walking over to her and hugging her from behind. “You keep me so—what’s the word? Grounded.”
Turning to face him, she circled her arms around his neck.
“I’m glad I’m good for something.”
“You’re good for many things, especially me,” he said softly. “The last time I saw Jennifer she pulled down the top of her dress.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope, and she was naked underneath.”
“Oh, my God! What did you do?”
