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While I was waiting, I reluctantly checked my phone. Della left not one but five abusive messages for me, basically telling me to get my ass back to LA, like she’s my mother and has some control. There was also a text from Devon telling me Della is losing her shit and has booked the recording studio for Friday, and I better be back by then or else. Or else what, I don't know. She can't fire me, so I'd like to know what she really intends to do. I'll be back when I'm good and ready and not one second sooner. I'm enjoying a little sexy alone time with my girl.
When I get back to the room, Amelia still hasn't moved. The sheet is wrapped around her body, with one foot popping out at the end of the bed. Her hair is splayed over her pillow, and she looks so peaceful. I place her coffee on the side table next to her, kick off my shoes, T-shirt, and pants, and hop back into bed myself, needing to get my hands on her.
I brush her hair out of the way so I can kiss her neck, and she stirs. "What time is it?" she groans sleepily.
"We have fifteen minutes before you have to get up and get ready for your lunch meeting," I tell her, knowing exactly what I want to do with that time since she's now awake and just the sight of her wrapped up in bed gives me an instant boner.
"I've slept half the day?" she says, panicked, trying to spring from the bed. I pull her into my body, not giving her the chance.
"It's not surprising, we were up most of the night." I knew she was tired, but I just couldn't help myself. Being alone together, we had to make the most of it. And we did. I wrap my arms around her tightly, pulling her back in closer to my front so she can feel just how ready I am to go again. She snuggles back, enjoying my body against hers.
Her eyes shut again. "I smell coffee." She smiles.
"I got you one, it's on the side table."
"You’re amazing, thank you. This is how I want to wake up every morning," she tells me, and I couldn't agree more.
Her phone vibrates on the bedside table, making her jump. "Sorry, it might be the kids." She moves quickly, leaning over my body to answer it. "Hey, Summer, is everything okay?" She sits up, pulling the sheet around her. Then she winces, looking toward me as she listens to what her assistant is telling her. "Oh God, are you serious? I'm so sorry, I think it's got something to do with the article about Heath." She runs a hand through her hair. "There was some mention of Artemis."
She listens to her assistant, and from where I'm sitting, it sounds like there is all sorts of craziness going on in the background, wherever she is.
"Okay, well, you can only do what you can. Try not to stress too much. I have one more meeting with Julian very shortly, then I'll get on the first plane I can and be home to help you sort it out."
Summer is talking again, and Amelia is watching me, her eyes wide as she shakes her head, like she can't believe what her assistant is saying.
"Have I told you how much I love you yet this week?" She laughs. "Okay, see you soon." She ends the call.
"Work?" I ask, already knowing the answer but wondering what's going on.
"Yeah, they’re getting smashed. Every store stocking my range all but sold out this morning. That's every store across California," she says, amazed. "We have more stock at the warehouse, but I wasn't prepared for a mass sellout like this, so they’re understaffed trying to get it all shipped out. I was supposed to be staying one more night, but I'm going to have to cut this trip short, get home as soon as I can to help get it all fixed. I don't like leaving Summer like this, when it's my mess to deal with."
I take her hand, pulling her back into bed. "You don't need to rebook, just cancel your flight, and you can come home with me. I'll just call my guy."
She rolls on top of me so she's sitting with her legs spread over me. “You have a plane guy?” She looks at me like I’m ridiculous. And I guess it sounds that way.
I pull her nightgown over her head, palming her tits. "Yeah, how do you think I got here in the first place, baby? There are some perks to mega fame." I suck her nipple into my mouth and release it with a pop.
"I'm sure there are a lot."
I run my hands up her sides, and she giggles, letting me throw her down on the bed. I hover over her, caging her in beneath me.
"Heath, we have like five minutes if we're lucky," she protests. "I can't be late."
"I can make that work." I drop my lips to hers, pushing inside of her. If this is the last I have her to myself for a while, I'm making the most of it.
AMELIA
"Let'sgowiththisone. It's perfect." He taps on the design I decided was my favorite. It's a steely gray metallic color, with a fitted bodice and slinky floor-length skirt and a small train. "The color you have selected with Sophia's chestnut hair and her olive complexion. Perfection." He kisses the air.
"I'm glad you like it." I beam. I have never been so complimented by anyone, and this coming from him is huge. This trip has been a massive confidence boost. We're in my hotel restaurant and have already eaten lunch. Lucky for me they have one of those all-day breakfast menus, so I've had a big breakfast—scrambled eggs on thinly sliced baguette, and of course, one of those chocolate croissants I decided I liked so much yesterday. I'm surprised how easy Julian is to talk to, for someone so high up in the industry. He doesn't come across as pretentious or showing off in any way. And I guess he has been in the fashion world his whole life, and I have been obsessed with fashion since I was old enough to dress myself, so we have a lot in common.
His warm eyes gloss over me as he takes a sip from his third glass of wine. "You know, I haven't been able to get you off my mind since I met you yesterday. There is something about you. You're more than just a talented designer, you're special, I can tell. It's a shame you live in California. We could make a really good team if you worked here alongside me every day."
I feel the heat coming from him, and while I wasn't sure yesterday exactly where he was coming from, today I'm certain he wants me for more than my design skills. And I'm slightly grateful there will be no room for anything to get weird, because after today, I will only be working with him via Wi-Fi. "It's truly flattering you think I'm so talented. It would be a dream to live here and work alongside you, one I had when I was younger before having kids, but now I have to put them first, and it just wouldn't be possible to uproot them from their schools and social lives." I go with that because it's easier than calling him out when I still really want to work with him. This is such a big opportunity for me and for my brand.
As I say the words, I see Heath walk through the lobby. He offers me a nod of acknowledgment and keeps on going through to the bar at the back of the restaurant. No smile or friendliness to his eyes, though, and I see the way he looks between me and Julian. It's like his radar is in place, and he knows this guy is about to hit on me. Something about him being here right now makes me feel really uncomfortable.
"And a boyfriend?" asks Julian, bringing my attention away from Heath and back to our conversation. He is looking in Heath’s direction as well and must have put two and two together. Good, I won't have to spell it out for him.
