Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
With a successful morning behind me, I make myself a sandwich and head up to the office to take some meetings and speak with Arthur.
Since our talk on the plane, he’s been professional and aloof. Cold. Not disrespectful or untrustworthy, but there’s now a rift in our relationship that wasn’t there before.
And honestly, I don’t care.
I treat him the same as I always have. I needed to put him in his place on that trip and remind him that I’m the boss. Not the other way around. I’d rather not have to train a new PA, but I will if I have to.
Just as I sit down at my desk, the phone rings, and I see that it’s London.
“Did you even have time to get back to your condo?” I ask her.
“Are you kidding? We’re headed to the airport. I wanted to let you know that I got you that invite to fashion week, via Dior, which is at the top of Polly’s favorite fashion houses, and I spoke with Anna. You owe me, Wild. Big time.”
I lean back in my chair and look out the window, watching Jake drive the side-by-side back to the house. “It’s all set, then?”
“All set in spades. Give me your travel itinerary when you know it, and I’ll get appointments set up for shopping at the fashion houses before the shows start. Polly will want to be dressed to the nines. Then, we’ll have appointments after the shows to buy what was shown for the new season. It’s so freaking awesome, Ryan.”
“I’ll email you when I have things ironed out.”
“You’ll want to call the Ritz right away,” she continues. “They know it’s you that’s taking the suite, but just to be sure.”
“I’ll call as soon as we hang up,” I assure her. “Thanks again.”
“Thank you. You just made Paris even better than usual, and that’s saying a lot. Oh, and I talked Drew into joining us, so double dates in France are on the docket.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Even better. Have a safe flight.”
“Talk later.”
She hangs up, and I immediately call the Ritz and make the arrangements for the suite, and also give them Arthur’s name so he can make further plans for me directly with the hotel.
With that settled, I call the man himself.
“Hello, sir,” he says stiffly.
“Good afternoon, Arthur. I want to let you know that I’ll be out of the office all of next week. Actually, make that ten days.”
He’s quiet for a moment. “You’re taking a vacation?”
“Sort of.” I explain my plans for Paris, and when I’m finished, I can hear him clapping his hands.
“This is fabulous,” he says. “Leave the details to me. I’ll be in contact with the hotel to make sure there are extra touches in place.”
“I appreciate it. Now, how much do I have to work over the next four days to make sure I’m uninterrupted during this impromptu getaway?”
“You can sleep on the plane.”
And now, for the most challenging piece of this plan.
I’ve been working around the clock for the past twenty-four hours, and I’m picking Polly up to take her on a date. I’m as nervous as a teenager who just got his license and is picking up the girl he’s had a crush on the whole school year.
It’s ridiculous. Jake even gave me a pep talk on my way out the door.
I knock on her door and wait for her to answer, and when she does, she gifts me with one of her bright, amazing smiles.
“Hey,” she says and steps back to let me inside.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” I pull her to me and kiss her long and slow, my fingers running through her amazing, thick red hair. “Work has been crazy.”
“We didn’t have to do this tonight.” She cups my cheek and narrows her eyes. “You’re exhausted. Ryan, you need some rest.”
“I’m fine.” I take her hand and kiss her palm. “Really, it’s nothing I haven’t done before. But how do you feel about staying in tonight?”
“I’m all for it. I was actually craving a burger from The Wolf Den. What do you say we order in delivery?”
“I say you’re a goddess, and I’ll offer you all I have in exchange for that burger.”
She smirks and reaches for her phone. “No need to get that dramatic over a burger. I’ll hook us up.”
She places the order, and then we curl up on the couch together, Polly tucked into my side and resting her head on my chest.
“How are you?” I ask her.
“I’m also a little tired. It’s been busy at the shop. Things will start slowing down a bit now that summer is almost over.”
“Are you fully staffed right now?”
“Yeah.” She frowns up at me. “Why do you ask?”
“I have a surprise for you, but I have to tell you a couple of days early so you can make arrangements of your own because you also own a business.” I drag my fingertips down her jawline. “We’re going to Paris, babe.”