Page 249 of The Heart You Kept

“Hello, Philippe, thank you.” I slink into the back seat. “What a day.”

“Yes, it’s really coming down out there.”

As the car drives through the rain in Nice, I open my phone and begin to scroll through Instagram. I need to get used to this drive.

EDWARD

I read the email.

“Mr. Prescott, Laurent is here for his appointment with Miss Sorenson.”

“Just show him up to the upper-level living room and ask him to set up there.” I keep typing. “Can everyone help bring in anything he needs carried.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Close my door on the way out, please.”

As they leave me alone, I keep working for another hour and my office door slowly opens and I glance up, Alora peeks around the doorjamb. “Hi.”

Just the sight of her brings a smile to my face and I slide my chair out and tap my lap. “Hello, Miss Sorenson.”

She walks in, sits down and I wrap my arms around her. She kisses me softly and puts her head down onto my shoulder. “How long until you finish?”

“At least another hour.”

“Hmm,” she grumbles. “I’m going to go upstairs and soak in the bath, I’m so tired.”

“Have you forgotten something?” I kiss her temple.

“What?” She looks up at me.

“Someone is coming to see you tonight?”

“Who?”

“Laurent, the stylist.”

“Oh god.” She screws up her face. “I’m way too tired to try on clothes tonight. Can we reschedule, please?”

I put my mouth to her ear and whisper to try and soften the blow, “He’s upstairs already.”

“What?”

“They’ve been carrying clothes inside in the rain for over an hour.”

“Oh god.” She throws her hands over her eyes. “I don’t even want to go to these stupid things on the weekend.”

“You’re going.” I tap her behind. “Upstairs now and get it over with.”

“Edward.” She sighs.

“What would you like for dinner, I’ll order and have it ready for when you’re finished.”

“I guess if I had to pick…” she rolls her eyes, “…chocolate cake.”

I smile and kiss her big, beautiful lips. “Go do this and I’ll have a chocolate cake waiting.”

“I’m not trying anything on. I’m just picking any old thing.” She stands.