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The bathrobe I’d shrugged on dwarfed me and I drew the plush fabric tighter around me. I emerged from the bathroom to find a dress laid out for me on the bed, the room empty.
I dropped the robe to the floor and pulled on the matching underwear and bra that looked brand-new. Another gift from Ciel. The wrap dress he’d chosen fit me a little looser than usual, but since I could wrap it as tightly as I needed it to, it would work.
The dress was white with large hibiscus flowers printed all over and had been a gift from William. I was sure Ciel had chosen it or else I would have ended up with a new car or boat, William’s gifts of choice. I preferred the dress since I already owned two boats I’d never driven considering I didn’t have my motorboat license, and three cars that I’d only sat in once because I had a driver.
The white wedge sandals completed the outfit. Ciel had paired it all with midnight blue sapphire earrings and a matching necklace.
Dragging myself out of my room and down the stairs required entirely too much effort. Once I made it to the kitchen where Ciel and William were waiting for me, I was breathing hard, and my skin felt clammy.
Maybe there really was something wrong with me.
Ciel clapped when I came in. “There she is. Let’s put the finishing touches on so we can go out.”
We didn’t all go out together very often to stop any rumors from sparking to life. But the rare times we did, we usually had a great time.
Ciel steered me to the table and into a chair. He’d spread out all his makeup and brushes for easy access.
William handed me a glass of champagne and settled in for what would be at least an hour. We’d done this enough times for him to know there was nothing he could do to speed things up.
The steady drinks William supplied helped me relax, and by the time Ciel finished, I was much more excited about going out. I only thought about Archer every few minutes, and a pleasant buzz hummed through my body from the alcohol.
Ciel linked his arm with mine and towed me to the car waiting for us in the driveway. “Ready for some seafood?”
The thought of eating made me feel queasy, but I knew I had to find a new normal. The way I’d been living for the past couple weeks wasn’t healthy.
And seafood meant we were going to one of my favorite restaurants on Tuna Wharf. I was excited to sit near the water and relax.
“Can’t wait.” And I found I meant it.
And spending a night with two of my favorite people also wasn’t exactly a hardship.
We spent the drive to the restaurant chatting about Ciel’s upcoming show. He was one of the most sought-after designers and had recently started his own fashion line after working for Dolce & Gabbana for almost a decade.
William had ordered a limousine so we’d be more comfortable since Carter was going with us as well. He’d been quiet the whole drive, not paying attention to our conversation, his attention on his phone instead.
As soon as we stepped inside the restaurant, the owner came up, walking us to our table. “Mr. and Mrs. Barlowe, it’s so great to see you again.”
William put what I’d like to call his outside mask in place and inclined his head. “Mr. Hough, I trust things are well.”
The first time I went out with William, I’d been surprised how different he was in public than when we were at home. But since he went so far as to enter into a fake marriage to keep up appearances, it shouldn’t have surprised me. His reputation meant everything to him.
Carter stood off to the side, refusing any attempts I made at getting him to join us for dinner.
I accepted the menu a waiter handed to me with a smile, already knowing what I wanted without having to look. Setting it down, I turned my attention back to my dates. “How long are you staying in the US?”
Ciel cast a glance at William, and I watched his posture stiffen. Putting up a hand and twirling it in the air, I tilted my head. “All right, what’s going on?”
“I’m moving to the States,” Ciel blurted before his eyes went wide.
Smiling big, I clapped my hands. “Oh my God, that’s amazing. I’m so happy to have you closer.”
Ciel adjusted his napkin on his lap, his face drained of all color, his face turned down, avoiding looking at me. “I’ll certainly be close. We were hoping to talk to you about me moving in with you.” His gaze met mine, and I noted the worry in his eyes. “Only if you’re okay with it, of course. And I know this is shitty timing, but we figured since I was already here, we should discuss this with you together.”
“And you think I’d be upset about it?”
“It’s weird for your husband’s lover to move in, isn’t it?” He covered his face with his hands. “Mon dieu, this is so weird. I’m sorry. I’ve just had enough of only seeing William every few weeks.”
I put my hand on his arm. “I’ve always told you you’d be welcome any time. I think it’s a monumental step for you both.”
