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He scoffed. “Is that what you think? I would never.”
I smiled at him. “Thank you, but I think I’m too small to go around circles.”
“Absurde. It’s going better than it had for me.”
My brows rose. “Really?”
“Yes. The woman that kissed me over there….”
I spared a look behind me at the older woman with octagon thick glasses. “She had her security remove me from her lobby a few years ago. Now she writes endlessly about how amazing I am and begs for access.”
“How do you put up with it?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I must. I’m relevant now, but I won’t be forever. I need to promote myself at every turn—that’s what it takes to continue. Of course, unless you have a wealthy benefactor.”
Although Hayden didn’t mention Paul by name, I knew him well enough to know he’d fund my line tomorrow. And I, like everyone else, would think I didn’t work for my success, that I didn’t deserve it even. Paul had told me that had happened to Aubrey. She questioned her merit and second guessed herself. Am I doing the same to myself already?
“You’re upset, no?” Hayden asked, and I bit the inside of my cheek. He was quite observant, and I’d have to school my expressions.
I straightened my spine and smiled. “Not at all. Thank you for letting me wear your dress today and for introducing me to your guests.”
Hayden’s smile broadened. “It’s what I’m here to do.” His eyes scanned over my dress approvingly. “I love this dress; it looks like one of mine.”
My lips parted, but I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t thought of Hayden when I chose it or what he’d think if he saw it.
“I know it’s Givenchy. I recognize it,” he added.
I nodded in confirmation.
“Seeing you in one of my dresses inspired me, and I had to have you wear another. You’re a muse. You’re also stunning. I see why Paul Crane’s enchanted.”
I dipped my head. “I don’t know about that.”
His gaze lingered on my lips. “Modest, too, hmm.” He sighed. “It’s Wyatt’s turn. Don’t stand like a wallflower. Be fascinating. Charm. Talk.”
“En Francais,” I joked.
“Oui. Try.” He brushed my arm, then walked over to Wyatt and immediately took him around for introductions. Wyatt was charming and much more at ease with himself. He appeared to receive a good reception, which I was happy for and admired.
“Hayden’s a good man,” Josephine said as she stepped closer to me.
“Yes, I suppose he is,” I murmured and gave my empty glass to a server.
“He’d done the same for me when I was working as a buyer at a department store. Now I’m at Givenchy.”
I smiled at her. “That’s wonderful.”
“Yes, it is. He’s an exceptional designer…passionate, attentive.” Her tone turned wistful.
I glanced at her and saw she was staring at him. “You like him.”
Her smile broadened. “I do, but who doesn’t? He’s extraordinary.”
Hayden turned and crooked his finger at Josephine.
“Enjoy the party.” Josephine rushed forward to Hayden, and he placed his arm low on her back. Our eyes met, and I quickly turned my head away. It wasn’t my concern what he had going on with Josephine. Or the brunette in the minidress.
I left the room and went to the adjacent one, where music was playing and some people were dancing.
