AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The pleasure is mine. I am Demetrio, and these are my creations.” He gestured to his newest designs he thought would suit us, pulling out various dresses while commenting on their colors, cuts, and styles. Then he pointed to the wine, cheese, and snacks on the counter. “And please, enjoy some refreshments while you peruse. Take your time. The store is all yours for as long as you need.”
“Thank you, Demetrio,” Adriana replied graciously. “Hmmm, let’s see what catches our eyes, shall we?” She linked her arm through mine like we were besties, then guided me deeper into the boutique as we browsed the racks, admiring the luxurious fabrics and designs.
“Mother would just die if she caught me wearing this, but I just have to try it on for giggles,” Adriana said, pulling a frilly pink cocktail dress from the rack and ducking behind the curtain to try it on.
She doesn’t waste any time.
A minute later, she stepped out, spun around like a model, then grimaced. “Okay, maybe not.” She headed right back to change.
That made us both laugh.
As soon as Adriana stepped out again, she said, “So, tell me about yourself, Grace. Any romance in your life? I’m curious about you, and this is our opportunity to get to know each other better.”
I shook my head. “I haven’t been on a date in over a year. The last guy I went out with was a model. Worst decision ever.”
“Let me guess, he spent more time in front of the mirror than you did?” Adriana said.
“Actually—it was much, much worse than that,” I said. “He was always posing in front of it, flexing, checking out his abs, then his chest, then his arms, then right back to his abs. I don’t think I have ever met a man quite so in love with himself.”
We both got a good laugh out of that.
“To be fair—he was a nice guy,” I said. “But it’s not like I need a man to have six-pack abs and walk around shirtless all day. There are other things far more important to me in a relationship than good looks.”
“Such as?” Adriana pulled a black, floor-length gown from the rack and held it against her body, looking at herself in the mirror. “What qualities do you look for in a man?”
I considered the question while idly flipping through a rack of dresses, waiting for one of them to catch my eye. “Well, I’ve always been drawn to men who are kind-hearted, genuine, fun, and laid-back. A guy who can make me laugh is gold. And generosity is also a trait I admire.”
Adriana tilted her head to the side. “Someone who showers you with lavish gifts?”
I blinked. “No—sorry. I don’t mean generous with me. True generosity in my eyes is doing something kind for someone you don’t even know.” I sighed and placed my hand on my heart. “That kind of man will win my heart every single time.”
Adriana nodded. “If my brother weren’t getting married, he’d be perfect for you.” Her tone was teasing, but there was a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. “He’s the most generous man I know. It’s one of the things I love most about him. But alas, fate has other plans for the two of you.”
“Such is life,” I joked with the back of my hand to my forehead, but then curiosity got the best of me. “What has Prince Oliver done, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Adriana pulled another dress from the rack, then shook her head and put it back. “Well, we do have many charitable organizations that rely on us for fundraising, but this is something Oliver does completely on his own, with no prompting, fanfare, or recognition. He has auctioned off almost a hundred of his paintings and donates all the money to charities that benefit children or the elderly.”
“Wow—that really is a very kind gesture,” I said. “Does that mean he’s going to donate my portrait when he’s done painting it?”
I assumed he would give it to me to take back to L.A.
Adriana turned, her brows furrowed. “He’s painting you? I did not know.”
I nodded. “Today. After lunch. That’s the reason I’m shopping today. He wanted me to wear something purple.”
“Interesting,” was all she said, then she nodded, looking deep in thought.
“Why do you say that?” I asked.
“It’s just . . . Oliver has never painted a woman before,” Adriana said. “I’m quite surprised, that’s all.”
“Never?” I asked. “Not even you or your mother or Princess Veronica?”
She shook her head. “No. None of us. He has always stuck to landscapes, inanimate objects, animals, or men.”
“Why is that?” I asked.
“He says it’s just a coincidence, but I think there’s more to the story,” Adriana said. “Do let me know if you find out.”
