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We’re all sitting on the bed, eating from the massive array of plates. Zack and Josh are sprawled out on the sheets, their collars loosened and sleeves rolled up. As promised, Luke has sat me on his lap and is feeding me himself. Every time I try to pull free and reach for something, he makes a low noise in his chest and drags my hands back to his thighs. I’m pinned in place.
It’s kind of hot. And judging by the hard-on nudging against my backside, he thinks so, too.
We’ve managed to demolish most of the courses by now, and I’m full and sleepy and happy as I lean against Luke’s chest. He scoops up a forkful of chocolate fondant and holds it to my lips, watching intently as I eat the bite. My eyes flutter shut as chocolate fudge melts all over my tongue.
Josh clears his throat, stretching out his legs. “So,” he says, nudging me with his socked foot. “I’ve been meaning to ask.”
I force my eyes back open. “Mm?”
“Tell us more about this invitation from Anna.”
I smile, sinking back against Luke as he takes a bite of cake. “She offered to fly me out to New York in a couple of weeks, so she can see my stuff in person. If it works out, I could form a collaboration with her. Stay in New York, get my stuff put in her shops and featured in her fashion week shows.”
Zack freezes midway through picking up a strawberry. “New York, lass?”
I nod. “Fashion capital of the world. It’s where everything happens.”
“Will you have to design something new for her?” Josh asks slowly.
“I submitted my Butterfly design. I’ll have to make some changes to incorporate it into her style, though.”
Zack immediately looks outraged. “No! You can’t let her take credit for it, it’s yours!”
“I’d get credit,” I say patiently. “It’s a collaboration. Plus I’d get a massive influx of attention and money to pour into the product.”
“But she’d make money off you,” he complains.
I sigh. “Josh, tell Zack how marketing works.”
Josh shakes his head, his brow furrowed. “How long would you stay in New York? Weeks? Months?”
I shrug. “Hopefully, while I’m out there, I’d be able to set my own roots. Actually start up a brick-and-mortar store.”
“What does that mean for you?” Luke says slowly. “You’d move to America? Forever?”
I nod. There are a few seconds of silence. The men exchange looks. I frown. I was hoping for slightly more excitement.
“Do you want to live in America?” Josh asks eventually.
“It’s the logical next step for my career. I’d be mad to turn it down.”
“Yeah, but do you want to live in America?” Josh presses. “Not just work there, but live there, full time?”
“I guess. I never really thought about it. My main focus is the business.”
No one says anything for a few seconds. Then Zack tugs at Emily’s ring, frustration all over his face. “Flippin’ stupid idea,” he mutters.
I sputter. “Excuse me?”
He meets my gaze levelly. “You heard me. It’s a stupid idea.”
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FORTY-EIGHT
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LAYLA
