Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE
ONE YEAR LATER
“Jay, why are there ten different shades of pink fabric in the back room?” Amber, my assistant, and the person who’d kept my head above water this past year, was tapping her foot on our new wooden floors.
“Because there is never just one shade of anything, Princess.” I winked which got me the reaction I enjoyed most.
“Don’t get bratty!” She pointed at me, cheeks a delightful shade of scarlet, because there was no one shade of red.
“Dellanore James is coming in at one to decide what color she’d like her dress to be for the spring gala this year. It’s March first and with the gala on the spring equinox, I only have maybe two weeks to complete it and get alterations done.”
“Why must she wait until the last minute? She did this with Christmas too.”
“Because she pays us an obscene amount of money and she is funny in the, I’m crazy rich but not offensive, way.”
Amber rolled her eyes and closed the curtain to the back room where I was putting the final touches on a wedding dress.
The sound of the shop door opening surprised me, only because we were appointment only and I didn’t have anything scheduled until one. The clock indicated it wasn’t the mailman, and morning deliveries were already in. Maybe Amber had to step out.
“Can I help you?” I heard Amber ask so it must have been someone walking in. It was uncommon as the shop had always been appointment only, which was stated on the front entrance, and most people respected that.
“Good afternoon, my name is Landry Astor. I was hoping I could order a few suits and McPherson’s Tailor and Designs came highly recommended.”
Amber giggled which was so unlike her, she was the epitome of professional.
“McPherson’s is the best, but I’m biased. Unfortunately, Mr. McPherson is booked out until the end of the year and doesn’t accept walk-ins.”
“Oh, I see.” The man’s voice dipped, almost a growl that while not scary, was very unhuman.
“Uh…I can get your contact information and call if there’s a cancellation?”
“That won’t do. May I speak with Mr. McPherson?”
“I’m sorry he—”
“I don’t mean to be rude, Miss, but I’m in a bit of a bind and require only the best. Money is no object.”
I huffed and stood from my spot on the ground. I gently released the ivory lace and collected myself. I was going to have to go out there. Pretentious people never took no for an answer, unless they were Dellanore James…but this guy didn’t sound half as delightful.
“I understand, Mr. Astor, but time is, and Mr. McPherson has none left.” Amber was starting to get upset and while she truly was the epitome of professional, she could, if pushed too far, extend that professionalism to one of a bouncer.
“What is your name?”
“Amber, sir.”
“Amber, I’m the CEO of Astor Pharmaceuticals which also funds A3, a research and development company. I’m quite important and—”
Nope. I pulled back the curtain, opened my mouth ready to give this douchebag both barrels when we made eye contact, and I froze.
His eyes were a kaleidoscope of color. Red, green, gray, maybe flecks of light blue, and they were sparkling. Honest to God sparkling.
“Mr. McPherson I presume?”
That shook me from my stupor…right, douchebag.
“I am and you’re Mr. Astor.” He wasn’t super tall, maybe a little over my own five foot eight. His hair was different shades of brown, straight but full going a little past his ears. He was sleek, lithe, a swimmer maybe. The current suit he had on was like a second skin and tailored to perfection.
“You’ve heard of me, lovely.” He smirked and while I was sure it was meant to be a harmless expression, I took a small step back as something in the back of my mind tingled in warning.
“I have. I mean, I was in the back room when you came in here.”
He dipped his chin. “I didn’t mean to be rude to your assistant, but I’m honestly in a troublesome situation.”
I gestured to his expensive suit. “From where I’m standing it appears you have a rather extraordinary tailor. I’m unsure how much trouble you could possibly be in.”
“Right. You see, I’ve been in Johannesburg for the last five years and—”
“Africa?”
He furrowed his brows and looked at me like maybe I was an idiot.
“Yes, Africa. Anyway. My tailor was remarkable, but he passed away a couple of weeks ago and he had suits I was to pick up but somehow, they were removed from his studio and no one can find them. Currently, I have only four suits with me here and am desperate.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
He waved my condolences aside. “Yes, well, you can see now why I’m in need of your services and fast. I run—”
“Yes, Mr. Astor, I heard what you run but Amber wasn’t wrong when she said I had a full calendar. It’s honestly the worst time with the spring gala in a little over two weeks.”
Landry snapped his fingers and smiled as if I’d guessed the winning lottery numbers. “Yes, that. My family is hosting the gala this year.”
“How…nice?”
“I have nothing to wear for that either.”
“Mr. Astor, I’m sorry.”
“Call me Landry and perhaps I could hire you for after-hours work?”
Was this guy serious? I was getting some unsettling vibes from him earlier but with his hint of desperation I was feeling a little irritated now.
“You want to pay me to overwork myself?”
“Of course not—”
“But that’s exactly what you’re asking for. Look, I get you’re important and your situation is unfortunate, but I can’t push my other customers aside for you.”
Landry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Mr. McPherson—”
“I’ll offer you the same courtesy, you may call me Jason.”
The side of his mouth quirked up and he took a step closer to me, opened his mouth to respond and then jerked his head to the side. It was almost animalistic. His nostrils flared and he sniffed the air, then…oh my god he’s sniffing me.
“Can you stop doing that.” I met Amber’s gaze but she was no help, she simply shrugged.
“Your scent, it’s so appealing.”
“Uh…thank you.”
He jerked back, his stunning eyes were like unique marbles, and I found myself staring into them.
“Dinner, then?”
“Huh?”
“Will you have dinner with me, tonight?”
Wow this guy was going to give me whiplash. “You want to take me on a date?”
“I do.”
“What makes you think I’m gay?”
He chuckled and the son of a bitch winked at me. “I know you are. You find me attractive.”
“I find Beyonce attractive too.”
He pursed his lips. “Bisexual perhaps?”
“It’s none of your business and I can’t have dinner with you because you’re like a human-sized ball of chaos.”
Amber snorted which earned her a glare from Landry. “A drink then?”
“Are you on drugs, Mr. Astor?” Under such circumstances I thought using his first name was far too familiar.
He shook his head. “That’s ridiculous. I can meet you here at closing.”
“But you see I’m saying no soooo…”
He held up his palms and stepped back. “I respect your answer, but I won’t stop asking you out until you say yes.”
“Are you threatening to stalk me until I agree to make your suits?”
He jerked his head back as if I’d slapped him. “No, I’m saying I’ll stalk you until you agree to dinner.”
“Oh…so much better. You have to leave now. Amber, if he’s not gone in a minute call the police.”
“Yes, Mr. McPherson.” She lifted her cellphone and quirked a brow at Landry. “I’ve started counting in my head.”
Landry narrowed his eyes, and he was clenching his jaw. “For now, Jason, I will go.”
He turned on his heels and left the shop.
“What the fuck was that?” Amber placed her phone back on the counter.
“The world gets crazier every day.”
With that, I left Amber in the front of the store and went back to my alterations.