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Hayden speaks up, asking questions regarding the financial side of things. I know he’s only trying to be polite and not toss him out the door with a don’t-bother-us-again boot to the ass.
Holding up my hand, I stop Matteo in the middle of his financial spiel. I’m not as polite as Hayden. “Juliette’s designs on their own will blow our competitors out of the water. We don’t need to collaborate.” Without looking at Juliette for her reaction, I know she’ll agree.
Matteo’s mouth opens and closes in surprise before he says, “This is an amazing opportunity. Aren’t you even going to discuss it? You’d be foolish not to agree.”
Shrugging, I say, “We don’t need to discuss it. Hayden, Lucas, Juliette, and I are anything but foolish. Our work is at the top of our industry. What would be foolish is if we collaborated with you.” I sound harsher than I’d normally be. Blame it on the fact he had his hands on Harper.
Matteo sucks in an offended gasp. “If this is what you want, don’t come crawling to me when Alessi’s is no longer the talk in the fashion industry. You might be on top now, but it only takes one mistake to plummet to the bottom.” Rising from the chair, Matteo straightens his jacket before marching from the room.
“What was that about—”
I cut Lucas off with a wave of a hand. I know he’s wondering why I was being such a prick, but I don’t have time to talk to him. Rushing from the boardroom, I need to see if Matteo speaks to Harper. He’s standing at her desk, smiling down at her. She nods at something he’s saying, rises, and gives him a quick hug before he turns to leave.
A burning sensation like something I’ve never felt before rushes through my veins. A mix of jealousy and anger battle it out. The two of them seem awfully friendly. Did she fuck this man behind her husband’s back? And lie to me about never sleeping with another man? Was her story about Derek and the blackmailing a bunch of lies? Have I fallen for them?
Stop it! This is not letting go of the past.I believed her story. You can’t fake that kind of sadness and emotion. She was genuinely upset and broken by her past. Still, I hate how friendly Matteo behaved around her. Hated that he touched her.
Later that day, when everyone has gone home, Bianca knocks on my door and walks into my office. “So much has happened today, let’s go for a drink and I’ll debrief.”
“Sorry, not tonight. I’m working on something. Schedule a time in the morning.” I open a file and pretend to read its contents.
“Anything I can help you with?”
“No, thanks. See you tomorrow.”
“Oh, okay.” She hesitates at my desk for a second then says, “Bye.”
A few minutes after she leaves, there’s another knock at my door before Harper enters the room. “Finn, have you finished work?” I’d forgotten I told her to come to my office so I can bend her over the desk. I’ve been so preoccupied with her and Matteo.
I lean back in the chair, hooking a leg over my knee. “You and Matteo looked friendly.”
Harper’s eyes widen at my harsh tone. “We haven’t seen each other in months. It surprised me to see him.”
“Did you fuck him?” I know I shouldn’t have said it the second the words passed my lips. I know she hasn’t. I’m a dick for asking. “Harper, I’m—”
She jabs a finger in my direction. “Who the hell are you to ask me a question like that? Especially someone who screwed so many women after we broke up. You’re unbelievable! I’ve told you the truth. You said you can get over the past. If you don’t trust me, that’s on you.” She waves a hand between us. “I lived with a controlling man for nine years, and I will not put up with another.” Spinning on her heel, she marches toward the door.
Christ! I’m such a bastard. Rushing behind her, I slap a hand on the door above her shoulder, stopping her from opening it. She whirls around, giving me a deathly glare.
“I’m sorry. Seeing his hands on you drove me crazy. I’ve been without you for so long, jealousy gripped at my gut. I trust you.” I cup her face in my hands. Her eyes soften. “I’m sorry.”
“I can’t be worried how you’re going to react every time I talk to a man.”
“I know. It won’t happen again.”
“Are you sure? I know you said you can move on, but maybe you can’t.” Her eyes turn sad.
“Maybe it’s going to be harder than I thought. But believe me, I want to make this work.”
Harper pulls back and steps away from me, hugging her arms around her waist. “You’re leaving for London soon. How will we make it work?”
I slide my hands into the pockets of my pants. I want so much to touch her. I’m not sure she wants me to. “Maybe I can work from New York, or you can come to London.”
“You’d want me to go to London with you?”
“Of course. Youaremy girlfriend. Will you come with me if I go?” I say, hoping she wants the same thing.
Harper giggles. “Calling me your girlfriend sounds like we’re teenagers again.”
