Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Wowsers.
I have a dress you can wear, Giorgio said. That was the understatement of the year. Being friends with the boss of Valentino seems to have its perks. Perks that come in the form of gorgeous evening wear being delivered to your hotel room in your exact size.
My blonde hair has been styled in big, loose curls, and pinned back on one side. My makeup is smoky, and I even pulled out my sexy underwear for the occasion.
I look through the six dresses that have been sent over but my eyes keep going back to the red one. The fabric is embossed, the detail on the stitching, the way it falls at the back, the shade of red—it’s all so incredible. I hold it up in front of my body and stare at my reflection in the mirror. A big smile crosses my face.
Maybe this week isn’t a complete disaster after all. I’m going out in Valentino.
Who have I become?
I look around the big ballroom in wonder as Giorgio leads me by my arm. We weave through the beautiful people and make our way over to the seating arrangement chart. He studies it in great detail.
“Wow.” This place is ridiculous with over the top chandeliers hanging low and huge candelabras lining the walls.
“These things are always over the top,” Giorgio says as he looks around, distracted. “This is our table here.”
We make our way over and he pulls out my chair. We take a seat at the large, round table, set with ten places. It’s covered with white table linen and set with fancy silverware. There are dozens of fresh flowers, all in different shades of cream.
A waiter arrives. “Can I get you a drink, sir?”
Giorgio’s eyes flick to me. “Champagne to start?”
“Sounds great.” I smile.
“Two champagnes, please.”
I smile as I look around. I recognize some people from my design studies. Never in a million years did I think I would ever be the in the same room with them.
“I feel like a celebrity or some shit with all these famous people here,” I lean in and whisper.
He chuckles, clearly amused. “Well, those famous people were all staring at my gorgeous date. You’re the most breathtaking woman in the room.”
“Why am I your date? I’m sure you have a million girlfriends you could have asked.”
“This is true,” he says as our drinks arrive. “Although, unlike them, I have an invested interest in you.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say that I find you fascinating, Olivia Reynolds.”
“Me,” I scoff. “Fascinating?”
He glances down at his watch. “All will be revealed shortly.”
“Giorgio!” someone calls from afar. A man standing with a group of people waves him over.
“Marcel.” He laughs. “I’ll be back in a moment, darling. Are you all right here for a moment?”
“I’m fine. Go do your thing.”
He stands and goes to the other side of the ballroom. I watch on as he kisses everyone on both cheeks.
“Buongiorno,” a voice says.
I turn to see a man in a black dinner suit standing behind my chair. He’s dashingly handsome with a honey-colored hair and big brown eyes.
“I don’t speak Italian, I’m sorry. Do you speak English?”
He sits down in the seat beside me and holds out his hand to mine. “Hello, my name is Sergio.”
I shake his hand. “I’m Olivia.”
“Are you new to Milan, Olivia? I haven’t seen you around before.”
“Yes.” I smile. “Although, I’m sure you don’t see everyone in Milan.”
“When a woman is as beautiful as you, I would have remembered her.” His eyes hold mine. “And I would have most definitely approached her to introduce myself.”
I open my mouth to speak but no words come out. I feel my face flush. “Are you here alone?” he asks.
“I’m here with a friend.” I gesture to Giorgio who is now watching the two of us.
“Ah.” He smiles. “I have competition.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “If only I wasn’t working tonight.”
“You’re working here tonight?” I ask.
“Yes, my boss is on his way.”
“You work in fashion?”
He grins, amused. “A little.”
“Do you work for a design house?”
“I’m in…” He pauses, as if searching for the right word. “Security.”
“Oh. You’re someone here’s security?”
“Yes.” He smiles, reaches over and picks up my hand, lifting it to his lips. “Can I have your number? I would like to call you tomorrow.”
I frown as I watch his mouth dust my skin. “I… oh, I…”
He pushes something in his ear, and it is then that I notice he’s wearing an earpiece.
“Me ne vado subito.” Translation: I’ll be right out. His eyes flick to me. “I have to go. My boss is here. I shall be back later.” He kisses my hand again as he stands. “Don’t have fun without me, Olivia.”
He rushes off, and I smile as I watch him disappear out of the room.
He was… interesting.
Giorgio falls back into the seat beside me. “What did he want?” he whispers.