AllFreeNovel
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“No, I just had dinner. I’m going to work a while longer.”
“Did you see the packages?”
“Packages? No, I haven’t.” Paul? Two other housekeepers came in with a box and placed it down. I opened it to find Hayden’s dress.
“Merci. Thank you.” He said he’d give it to me, so I guess this was okay.
They left and returned with more boxes. There were more of Hayden’s clothes, accessories, and designs he must have chosen for me. He’s insane.
I took out my phone and called the number I had for him.
“Allo, Nadia. You like your clothes?”
“I love them. They are so beautiful, but really, you’re much too generous. I can’t accept the gifts.”
“It’s not a gift. I’m clearing out a warehouse, and we sent over some things to everyone. It’s what we do a couple of times a year for staff. Some keep the clothes, other sell them online.”
I touched my warm neck. “Really?” No way. These clothes are to die for.
“But they’re gorgeous. I’m surprised you’re not giving them to stylists for celebrities. I’m positive so many would die for these clothes—”
“But I gave them to you, Nadia. I want you to wear them.”
“Hayden. I don’t know how I can accept your dresses.”
“Nadia, you wore one, and we have a demand to carry it at stores. It’s advertisement. Does that help? Stop arguing with me and say, ‘Merci, Hayden’.”
“Merci beaucoup, Hayden. The dresses are so beautiful, and you’re too kind. Thank you for considering me in your clearance. It’s very thoughtful.”
“That’s better. Next time, be happy and stop being an American cop.”
I laughed, and he joined in. “Thank you again.” We hung up the phone, but I went through the clothes again. They were my size, and I knew a few items had only recently become available in retail. There was no way they were in a clearance warehouse. What’s Monsieur Madsen up to?
Paul appeared on my phone screen as we FaceTimed, and that wild energy he carried with him brought on a rush of excitement. “Hello,” I sang out.
“Hello, Nadia. Stand up, please, so I can see all of you. Is the dress one of yours?”
I had on one of my floral sundresses he’d seen me create back in NYC. “It came out great.” I spun in a circle and laughed before sitting back down.
“Damn, you look lovely. Sexy.”
I smiled and pulled my hair over my shoulder. “Thank you.”
I’d dressed especially for him to admire. But there was always something intimate in the way he looked at me, but today there was more. He appeared rested and relaxed. Happy. There were two sounding boards and monitors behind him. I could make out the image of a palace paused on the screen.
“Where is that?” I asked, gesturing behind him.
He turned his chair so I could see the entire screen. “That’s Linderhof Palace. Ingrid’s family traces back to King Ludwig II of Bavaria. We’ll be heading over there to do a location shoot soon.”
“So that means you’re not coming back to Paris?” I asked, and while I tried, I couldn’t hide the disappointment in my tone.Even though Paul wanted me to spend time alone and focus on my work, I hoped that still included him visiting me.
He rubbed his neck. “Not yet, baby. But I’m doing all the location shoots, so I can be free to spend time with you again soon. Okay?”
“Okay,” I murmured.
He winked at me. “Good. Mom said her visit with you was delightful.”
I nodded. “It was. She apologized and was very kind. The Kusama exhibit was amazing, and it inspired me.”
