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)
I realize that I’m being ridiculous. I need to loosen up and enjoy this opportunity of a lifetime. Just because it’s something that I wouldn’t normally be able to afford doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t enjoy the gift that it is.
So, I smile and run across the room and launch myself into Ryan’s arms, wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss him with all I’ve got.
“Thank you,” I say against his lips, enjoying the way his hands are planted on the globes of my ass and the way his muscles bunch under my hands. “Thank you so much for all of this. It’s amazing and wonderful and a dream come true, and I’m so grateful.”
“You’re welcome. And this smile is way better than the frown from a second ago.”
“I think I’m just overwhelmed,” I admit, and rest my forehead against his. “That’s all. We’re in the Coco Chanel suite, Ryan.”
“Yes, we are.”
“That’s fucking amazing.”
“I’m here, and I’m ready to shop,” London announces when she waltzes into our room a couple of hours later. Ryan and I ordered room service and took showers, then enjoyed a quick walk around the hotel to get our bearings and look around. It was exactly what I needed to refresh and fight off the jet lag.
When London texted and said that they’d arrived, we came back to meet them at our room.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” I say with a wide grin. “Look at where I’m staying!”
“I know,” London says with a little squeal and then does a happy dance before pulling me in for a big hug. “Holy shitballs, Batman.”
“Nice digs,” Drew says as he walks in behind her, looking handsome in a white button-down shirt and dark blue jeans.
“Which suite are you in?” I ask them.
“The Hemingway Suite,” Drew replies. “And it’s ridiculous. Not this big, but it’s fancy as shit.”
I grin at him. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I think every room in this place is fancy as shit.”
“You’d be right,” London counters, and then high-fives Ryan. “We pulled it off. Okay, you two, show me everything. I’ve never stayed in this room.”
It takes us thirty minutes to walk around and ooh and aah over every little detail. We speculate and gossip and talk about the icon herself until we’re both a couple of giggling idiots.
It’s the best day ever.
“We have shopping appointments,” London says, checking her watch. “In thirty minutes.”
“So, we’re shopping before the shows?” I ask her as we sit on the iconic couch.
“Yes, because while you always look stylish and put together, you’ll want some ready-to-wear pieces from the fashion houses to wear to the shows. Then, when it’s all said and done, we’ll shop again for the new stuff. It really doesn’t suck.”
I do a mental inventory of my bank account and just about break out into a sweat.
There’s just no way that I can shop like this and still pay my bills.
“Don’t overthink it,” London advises, her voice low as the guys have a conversation in another part of the suite. “This is Ryan’s treat, Poll. I’m not footing any of the bill, so you don’t have to be uncomfortable.”
“I’m not exactly comfortable with him footing the bill.”
“I’m going to give you a piece of unsolicited advice,” she says and pushes her dark hair behind her ear. “Ryan wants to do this for you. For the both of you. He wants you to get whatever you want, to really experience every minute of this trip. Take him up on it, Polly. He can afford it, and it’s all his idea. It’s a gift.”
“I know.” I nod and take a long, deep breath. “I know it is, but I’m not used to any of this. And maybe I wonder if it’s possible to get used to it.”
“He’s worked hard for his money,” she counters. “Damn hard. He’s generous with charities and causes and gives away more money than he keeps. You wouldn’t be with an unethical man.”
“I’m not saying that.”
“And you work hard, too,” she continues. “You work your ass off, and you’re good at your job. Consider this a work event, Polly. You’ll be networking and getting ideas for your shop. Even if you don’t carry luxury labels, the entire fashion industry takes its cues from these brands. The colors, the cuts, the styles. It all trickles down.”
“You’re right about that.”
“So, it’s for work. And maybe a little for fun.” She winks at me, covers my hand with hers to give it a reassuring squeeze, and then stands. “Now, we have an appointment across the street there at Louis Vuitton.”
“And we don’t want to be late,” I agree as butterflies set up residence in my stomach. “Let’s go do some damage.”
“Are you ladies headed out?” Drew asks as he draws London in for a sweet kiss.