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“Forget everything I said. I’m sure you’ll work it out. I’m rooting for you. You deserve to be happy.”
I love Finn. Always have. Once he loved me too. Now he’s telling me he wants us to be together again, but he never said a word about love. Does Finn love me?
Only time will tell.
In the office, I’m busy reading over Bianca’s numerous emails. I haven’t spoken to her all morning, which I don’t mind; I’d rather the silence then her snapping at me. I feel someone come up from behind me. The scent of woodsy cologne surrounds me, and I know exactly who is standing there. Finn places a hand on the back of the chair and leans down so our faces are at the same height. Scanning the room, I breathe a sigh of relief to see everyone busy on the phone or computer. Not paying us any attention.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Alessi?” I keep my tone formal. Anyone close by could be listening.
He points at the computer screen, pretending to show me something. In a low, deep voice, he says, “Come to my office.”
I tap my finger on my chin like I’m taking in the ‘work’ he’s showing me on the screen. I know exactly what he wants. “No.”
Turning his head toward me, he cocks an eyebrow. “No?”
I push my chair away slightly, pick up a folder and hand it to him. Opening it, he scans the document inside. “Why not?”
“We’re at work. Dozens of people come and go from your office or walk past it.” Alyssa’s comment about overhearing us last night comes to mind. That can’t happen here. “It’s not the time.” Even if I wanted to follow him into his office, he has a meeting with another fashion house in ten minutes. Bianca told me to make coffee for it in one of her emails.
Finn snaps the folder shut with a huff and places it neatly on top of the pile of other folders. I touch it so it’s slightly askew. I’m getting better at things being neat and in their place. Sometimes the habit of messing things up creeps back.
“Fine. Come to my office after work. I’m going to bend you over my desk and fuck you from behind. Be prepared.” With that, he spins on his heels and strides into his office, closing the door behind him. My mouth drops open. I give another quick glance around the office. Thankfully, no one heard. Five o’clock can’t come fast enough.
Ten minutes later, I’m in the boardroom getting coffee ready for the meeting, when Finn, Hayden, Lucas, Juliette, and Bianca walk in. Following behind them is a man I recognize. “Matteo?”
Matteo Blanchett turns to me and gives me a huge smile. Matteo is one of Derek’s old friends. I use that word lightly, because Derek never had any real friends. I never knew why Matteo was involved with Derek; he’d expressed on multiple occasions he couldn’t stand him. They must have had some business between them, or Derek was blackmailing him too. Whatever the reason, when I saw Matteo, he always treated me with kindness.
“Harper, it’s so good to see you.” He strides toward me and envelopes me in a warm hug. He pulls back but keeps his hands on my arms. In his late fifties, Matteo’s auburn hair has silver streaks at his temples. His build is solid, a result of regular visits at the gym, and creases fan from his blue eyes as he smiles at me. “How have you been?”
Before I can answer, a throat clears behind me, and I break away. “How do you two know each other?” Finn glances at us, a frown creasing between his brows.
Matteo gives me another smile. “We saw each other often when she was married to Derek. She was the only reason I suffered through his boring dinner parties.” Matteo chuckles.
Finn doesn’t appear to find his comment amusing. He pins Matteo with a hard glare. Uncomfortable tension pinches the back of my neck.
Turning to me, Matteo says, “I’m sorry I missed Derek’s funeral. I was out of the country. I wish I could have been there for you.” He rubs a comforting hand along my arm.
Finn’s glare grows more dangerous. I step away and ask, “Coffee anyone?”
Without waiting for anyone to answer, I rush to the coffee station, turning over cups. They shake in my hands and rattle on the saucers. When everyone is seated, I serve them. Thankfully, with no one getting scorching coffee spilled in their laps. After asking if anyone needed anything else, I excuse myself and make my way from the office.
Before I reach the door, Matteo calls my name. I turn to face him. “We’ll have to meet for dinner soon and catch up.”
I give a quick nod so I don’t appear rude turning him down in front of everyone and hurry from the room.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
FINN
Myfistsclenchonmy lap under the table. Why the fuck is Harper so friendly with this piece of shit? Anyone who associates themselves with Derek can’t be trusted.
Matteo Blanchett, of Blanchett Fashion House, has always rubbed me the wrong way. The only reason we’re holding this meeting is because our father asked us to. Dad said Matteo might have something to offer. I’ve seen Matteo’s work lately, and there’s nothing I’m interested in.
As Matteo drones on and on about collaborating with a collection he believes will blow our competitors out of the water, all I can think about is whether Harper will meet Matteo for dinner. He’s roughly the same age as Derek. Runs in similar social circles. Is he someone she’d be interested in?No! Stop thinking of Harper that way. That’s not her.I told her I can let the past go.
“Well, what do you think? I’ll have my head designer bring you samples, and we can build them from there with Juliette’s input.” Matteo looks at me and my brothers expectantly. Like he’s come up with a brilliant idea.
I lean back in the chair, placing my forearms on the armrests. Steepling my fingers, I give a quick glance at Hayden, Lucas, and Juliette for their reaction, already knowing what’s on their minds. The man has rocks in his head.
