Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
"Hardy har. Laugh it up. Holly has a sickness bug or food poisoning. Pax is getting her picked up and checked out. But we already have the plane and hotels booked at the three locations. Now, are you meeting me at the hangar, or do I need to ring Shelby for a free trip to Italy?"
“All right. All right. I’ll get to the airport, but I need to go home and pack.”
“There are shops in Italy. Just get here. We don’t have all day to hold the plane.”
Forty minutes later, I pull myself out of the taxi with my computer bag and now-overstuffed purse after raiding the market across the street from the office. I’m not traveling anywhere without a toothbrush and my preferred toothpaste.
And deodorant.
“About bloody time.” Charles gives me one of his smirks, letting me know he’s teasing.
“I’m only brilliant with marketing plans. Last-minute travel has never been my go-to. You are lucky I have a current passport and carry it with me.”
Bending down, he gives me a soft kiss on the cheek. “I shouldn’t say it, but I’m very glad Holly got poorly. Now I have you all to myself in Italy.”
“Hey, we’re supposed to be working. We have a lot to accomplish in a week. Milan, Venice, and Rome are all going to take time to navigate to and around.”
“Knowing Shelby, she has that all worked out to within a five-minute window. But the nights are for relaxing,” he almost coos to me as we board the plane. “Now, how do you feel about the mile-high club?”
“I don’t fly well. I’m sleeping on the plane, and you shouldn’t even think of touching me. It may be the second time someone retches on you in one day.”
“Fine. I’d rather not change clothes again, thank you very much. I have some calls to make and work to do on another client opportunity. You rest, and we’ll be there before you know it.”
29
Charles
We arrive in Milan and head straight for the hotel. Once settled in my room, I allow my lips to part into a smile.
As always, Shelby did an amazing job in picking out the hotel.
The location is sublime. It’s right off the piazza, facing Il Duomo. It will be perfect for what we have in mind for the shoot.
Milan is the focal point of the Diosa luxury segment. Lake Como and Rome for the athletic line and Venice for Icon’s consumers.
Raven’s insight is refreshing. She created a sharp look to tie the three brands together, yet each still has a distinct feel.
Pride swells inside me at the hard work she’s done, pride and another feeling I don’t want.
A feeling that I no longer thought I was capable of.
I care about her. And not as her boss.
How is it possible that in such a short time, she has made me want to break all my rules? This slip of a woman jump-started my heart.
Stop.
There will be none of that.
No way in hell will I be made a fool of again.
Not after the last time. Not after Tabitha.
I’m still living with the mess that tramp made.
Even now, I’m picking up the pieces of the shit storm she’s created in London. No. I can’t allow myself to let Raven in.
Too fucking late.
Despite my attempt to distance myself emotionally from her, to keep my walls up, I still wonder what she’s doing.
I ache to see her. To bask in her light.
Things are darker when she’s not around. I head to the door when I hear a light knock. Opening it, my breath catches in my lungs. She’s magnificent.
“Rae.” That’s all I can muster. Her beauty has left me speechless.
She smiles, a soft one that is almost shy, before looking down. “Thank you for the clothes. How did you know my size?”
“I have my ways.”
“British and a spy . . .”
“Don’t even go there,” I laugh out, well aware she’s about to make a Bond joke. “Let’s just go to dinner.” Raven rolls her eyes, and I smile.
Taking her hand, we travel down the lift to the main lobby and out into the piazza. “Up for a short stroll?”
“Sure. What did you have in mind?”
“I know of a divine restaurant. I think you will love it.”
“Lead the way,” she says, and together, hand in hand, we make the short walk to Ristorante Savini.
Raven’s footsteps stop, and I look over at her to see her shake her head. “Charles, I am not dressed for this place. It’s way too fancy.” She touches the floral cotton dress I purchased for her.
“There’s no dress code. And if there were, you’d still be fine.”
She nibbles her bottom lip, and when she does, the desire I’m barely able to tamp down whenever I’m in her presence is back.
“Rae, you have no idea what you do to me, do you? Let’s go eat so we can get on with other things.”