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“Are you coming to the party?” he asks casually.
“I haven’t been invited, so, no. But it's fine, Kellen. I’m busy with the love of my life.” I touch my heart.
“Ah, your building,” he pauses, looking away nonchalantly but then goes on. “Jude was telling me you’re looking for some items for the courtyard garden. There’s some really lovely places near the chateau we’re staying in. Why don’t you come down the day before the party and have a look around? Stay for the party and then the family day.”
I’m a bit speechless. One, Jude has been flapping his gums to Kellen. And did he just invite me to the event itself? I wouldn’t think he’d want me there to be a witness to that debauchery.
“Cat got your tongue, Kitten?” He’s laughing at himself. “I’d like you to come. I never sent you an invite as I intended to ask you face to face.”
“Why, Kellen? You know it’s not really me. And I don’t even like your family, so the family event is definitely not a draw for me.”
“So fucking harsh,” he shakes his head. “I know you’ll like the area. And I’ll set up some appointments for you. Go see some of the private gardens and courtyards. Xander’s in charge of the entertainment, with the help of Jonno I might add, so you can’t hold me responsible for that.”
“I dread to think what they’re cooking up. Can I let you know? I’ll check my diary. I would like to see the Marchand gardens in the flesh. I’ve only seen pictures.”
“Sure,” he says, really coolly, “text me or email me. If you don’t have time to call, I can arrange the flights for you, no worries.”
I smile at him. “That’d be great. I’ll let you know tomorrow. It's next weekend, yes?”
“Yes, next weekend. Fucking thirty-seven years old. We’re getting old, E.”
“Speak for yourself,” I scoff. “I’m just getting started.”
He laughs and hits me with his mischievous smile. “I can believe that. Catch you later, Kitten.”
I hang up and blow out a breath. The man is hard to say no to, even though he’s a pain. I pick up the brochure of the gardens and surrounding areas and have a good read of the blurb. Free accommodations in a top class home. I can’t really pass it up. Decision made, I call my assistant, ask her about my schedule, and get her to move all my appointments.
The South of France here I come, my head filled with courtyard gardens.
Me
Hi Kellen, I’m in. Can you make the arrangements for me? And I am happy to stay at a hotel nearby instead of the chateau. I’m sure they’ll be busy with party planning. Evie x
Kell
Leave everything to me, Kitten. You can stay at the chateau. There’s a lot to see there. You’ll love it.
And I know it’s you, Evie. You don’t need to add your name. Kellen x
Me
Ditto. Evie x
Kell
R U flirtin, darlin? Kellen x
Me
R U? Evie x
Kell
Always with you, Kitten. Kellen x
I don’t respond to the last one. This could get out of hand. And I don’t want to encourage him.
Dropping the leaflets back on the table, I head to my office. I better get on with his present if I’m going.
