Chapter 10
Melanie stood in front of the mirror, fidgeting with the diamond around her throat.
She felt like Cinderella all decked up for the ball and wondered if the poor girl had felt like a fraud as well.
The outfit she had finally decided on was a stunning electric blue romper with a cinched in waist and a hammered gold belt wrapped twice around the waistband.
The style was chic and made to appear deceptively casual.
The top was wide, made to fit closely on her arms, leaving her shoulders completely bare and impossible for her to wear a bra. The pants flared at the ankles showing off cream colored pointed toe boots.
Diamonds glittered around her neck, lobes and left wrist, only a few of the stones he had gifted her with.
Her hair was styled by a pumped up Frenchman with a distressing habit of rubbing his hands up and down her arms, every few minutes.
The man was a pain in the ass, but a genius.
He had oohed and aahed about the thickness of her hair and how healthy it was.
"You must visit the salon twice a week, Mon amour."
She had laughed at that but refused to give a response.
"She does not like me." She murmured now, staring at the transformation in the mirror.
"Pardon?" Rodney slid the cuff links through the shirt and lifted his head to look at her. He felt pleasure blooming inside his chest as he took her in.
"Hailey Snyder. I looked her up. She was a college professor before she fell in love and married David, who is completely hot, by the way." She stifled a smile at the aggrieved look on his face.
"You think he's hot?"
"Of course he is. He was a certified playboy before he met his wife. They are in love even after several years of marriage and three children."
He crossed the room and turned her to face him.
"How hot do you think he is? And should I be jealous?"
Her lips curved slightly as she lifted her hand to straighten his tie.
It felt natural, them dressing together, being with each other like this.
So natural, that she could almost pretend that it was real.
Her hands shook slightly as the thought crossed her mind that this was only temporary.
Soon, she was going home to her real life.
"Melanie?" He had noticed the change in her expression and wondered what caused it.
"Nothing." Going on her toes, she brushed her lips against his. "I'm with you, which means that men like David don't stand a chance."
Catching her around the waist, he held her close, inhaling her scent.
"Which is a good thing. David happens to be a friend, and I would hate to have to rearrange his face." Stepping back, he went to the closet and came out with a stunning cream colored cashmere jacket and draped it around her shoulders.
"Where did this come from?" She snuggled into the warmth of the jacket, marveling at how soft it was.
"Had it sent over with several other things. You were fast asleep."
"When are you going to stop?" She felt the guilt spiking again and with it the awful foreboding.
"Never. Ready?"
"Just let me get my purse." Turning away, she used the time to compose herself. Snapping open the tiny clasp of the ridiculously tiny reticule, she checked to see if she had put the lipstick inside.
"I love your hair like this." He had come up behind her, fingers sliding through the thick strands. "Is it permed?"
"No. Just the wonder of a straightening iron." She leaned against him for a moment.
"I wish we could skip the damn opening and stay here." He murmured roughly.
"And give Hailey more reason to dislike me? I don't think so."
"What nonsense is this? Why do you think she dislikes you?"
"I saw the way she looked at me."
"You're imagining things. Come on, let's go."
*****
The gallery was located in Le Marais, one of the city's most vibrant art neighborhoods, filled with galleries and boutiques. Forgetting her earlier misgivings, Melanie found herself completely enchanted by the lights, the press of people and the incredibly rich culture.
Rodney explained the history of the place to her, revealing that the meaning of Le Marais was 'The Marsh,' because the area had been a swamp before it was developed in medieval times.
"After the French revolutions," he continued as they were admitted into the elegant surroundings. "The nobility left and the area declined, which was somewhat of a blessing, because it helped to preserve the old architecture. Hailey and David are over there."
Melanie found herself gripping his hand as they made their way across the narrow crowded room to where a group of people were standing.
If she had thought the woman was stunning when she saw her before, Melanie realized that Hailey Snyder was one of those women who never aged, one who outshone every other woman in the room.
She was wearing black; the dress covered her slender curves from neck to ankles and outlined her shape perfectly.
Her makeup was flawless. She also displayed a confidence that added to her beauty. And the tall, handsome man at her side, had eyes only for her.
Fighting the stab of envy and sudden nerves, she forced a smile and noticed for the first time, the rest of the people.
She recognized the outrageously handsome Liam Moses and his beautiful wife, Adam Whitmore and his wife Amber, Kane and his wife Kelly and of course, the ever popular, Leesa.
Rodney had told her earlier that Leesa's husband Bradley was convalescing from a minor stroke and was not able to make it.
Introductions were made and soon after the men wandered away to talk business.
"Love the dress." Amber told her with a smile as soon as she had snagged a glass of champagne and wondered what on earth she was supposed to do with these powerful women.
"Thanks."
"It's quite overwhelming isn't it?" Amber continued, giving her an understanding glance.
"It is."
"So, Melanie," Kelly looking chic in a raspberry colored dress that stopped short of her knees, rounded on her, eyes curious. "Where has Rodney been hiding you?"
Before she could stammer out a response, Leesa laughed softly.
"Kelly is not known for her tact."
"Or her timing." Hailey actually smiled at her. "We try to be more welcoming." She stretched a slender hand out, rubies winking on two fingers. "I apologize if I seem formal before, but I have trouble warming up to people at the first meeting."
"That's fine." Melanie took her hand and uttered a sigh of relief. "I mentioned to Rodney that you seem to have taken an instant dislike to me. Happy to have it sorted through."
"Not a problem. Oh, here is the woman of the hour." They all turned to face Jerri as she walked towards them. "Darling, where have you been?"
"Fussing with my husband." The plus sized beauty beamed at the newcomer, eyes dancing. "No need for introductions. Rodney has been singing your praises to us. I'm Jerri."
"I know. I love your show." Melanie murmured enthusiastically.
"Thank you. Well ladies, why don't we start mingling?" Sliding her hand through Melanie's arm, she led the way.
She would admit to Rodney later on that she had fun. She was made to feel welcome and could almost imagine that she belonged with these glamorous and wealthy people. She was constantly surrounded by the wives of powerful men and plied with champagne and delicious finger foods.
She was introduced to Jackson and his brother Jason and was tongue-tied for two seconds, before she was put at ease by Jackson's frank manner. For a staggeringly successful artist, he was very down to earth and approachable.
She mentioned it to Rodney, a few minutes later while they were strolling upstairs and admiring the works by several upcoming artists.
"Jackson and his brother were brought up in a group home and adopted by a wealthy couple." He studied the slash of colors on a stark white canvas and shook his head before moving on. "Wealth makes him uncomfortable."
"Unlike you, who was brought up with a silver spoon in your mouth." She teased. Her hand was tucked through his arm, and she felt contented just being with him.
He glanced at her, expression sober.
"Are you saying I'm a snob?"
She was about to answer with an offhand remark when she realized that he was serious.
"Not exactly."
Turning, he took her hand and steered her away from the crowd and into a corner.
"Not exactly?"
"Rodney, I was joking."
"Were you?"
She gave him a strange look.
"Yes. Why are you making a big deal out of what I said?"
He shrugged, feeling a little foolish.
"I don't ever want you to think that I'm that person."
Lifting a hand, she cupped his cheek.
"Never."
"Good." Easing out a breath, he bent to kiss her. "I noticed you admiring a painting. The one with the mother and son in the corn fields."
"I think it's a lovely depiction of true motherhood." Her eyes narrowed as he started over to where the painting was being displayed. "What are you doing?"
"It's yours." He told her simply.
Coming to a stop, she stared at him and then at the painting and noticed for the first time that there was a sold sign at the bottom. And also, that the price tag had been removed.
"It's--" She swallowed the lump that had found its way inside her throat. "I can't accept it. It's--the price--It's--No!" She shook her head, tearing her eyes away from the lovely painting. "I cannot accept it, it's too much."
"It's already a done deal." He drew her against him. "All you need to do is say thank you."
"Rodney--"
"I love buying things for you. Please don't spoil it for me."
She felt like crying. All of this was so beautiful, so magical. From the moment they met, he had been special. Treated her like a queen and she loved him for it.
She was in love with him!
It staggered her how much he had wormed his way insidiously into her heart. She was in love with him and he was going to despise her when he discovered what she had done.
"Melanie?"
Blinking away the tears, she went into his arms, burying her face on his chest.