CHAPTER TWELVE
“I know that look,” Nadia said, and I turned to her, grinning.
“What look?” I asked.
“It’s the one I wore when Paul and I first got together. Every touch had me overwhelmed… It was so intense. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with him either.” She touched her throat.
Love. I was so glad Nadia had found love, as she seemed to be a romantic. But that wasn’t me. I didn’t want her to think poorly of me though, so I said, “I don’t know. We’re very new.”
“Some things in life happen beyond time,” she said.
Some things did in fact happen beyond time, but Nadia Crane was completely wrong about Rocco and me. Rocco and I would probably become lovers…that was clearer to me now. But love? Our commitment to each other, to the purpose of our union, would never knock on love’s door.
The home’s styling was similar to an architecture’s digest set, with custom couches, decorative cushions, and art accents. There was a grand piano on a platform in a bi-level living room with staff setting up enough instruments to form a band. Even caterers were busy setting up, and Nadia had to leave to direct them, but she quickly returned. “We’re having a small gathering tonight for dinner and music.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt,” I said.
She grinned. “You’re not interrupting; you’re invited. It’s just a big jam session we started. Guests perform for their supper. It’ll be fun.”
Rocco had mentioned a gathering, but I hadn’t expected to be around his celebrity friends so soon. I felt at a great disadvantage. However, Nadia gestured for me to follow her, and we walked up the staircase.
“How long have you known Rocco?” I asked.
“A few years now, but Paul’s known Rocco all his life. They sometimes work together. Recently, Rocco was a producer on a movie project Paul composed the music for. They also worked together on his The World is Our Family project. Are you familiar with it?”
“Yes,” I said. “Rocco told me about it.”
“Paul wrote the promotional song, “Love is an Open Heart?”
I bobbed my head. “Oh, I love that song, it’s very moving.”
“Thank you,” she said. “It’s one of my favorites, but I have so many.”
We reached the landing, and she opened a large factory door, revealing a studio. It looked like an office with workstations, sewing machines, and a built-in kitchen with steel appliances. There were quite a few mannequins, as well as a rack full of beautiful clothes and shoes. I went over and stared at them admiringly.
“Some of those could be yours,” she said, following my focus. She opened a drawer and pulled out a measuring tape, then bent to open another with a row of bodysuits. She handed it to me. And because of my possibly perplexed expression, she said, “We use bodysuits so you don’t have to strip down to your underwear in front of a stranger. It’s okay. They’re all washed between wears, I assure you.”
“Oh, God. No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t questioning that. It’s just that this feels so surreal. I admire your work so much and here I am, changing into a bodysuit for you.”
She chuckled. “I get that. But it’s my privilege to dress you. So you have it the other way around. I love what I do.”
At her smile and soft shrug, I went to the bathroom to change into the bodysuit. I shook and tried to calm my nerves, taking a few moments to comprehend how I’d ended up in a celebrity’s bathroom to try on custom clothes that she’d designed for me to wear. How could any of this be true? But I was indeed there. Nadia Crane was somehow my stylist, and would design my wedding dress!
Nadia was so down-to-earth and contrasted with her extravagant home. Her home life in Cudahy, Wisconsin portrayed in their television movie had made me think of her as a kindred spirit. But she was now married to a famous billionaire and looked so stylish and chic. She was also very kind and welcoming.
I came out and she went to work, taking measurements and writing them down on a notepad.
“I thought everything was tech now,” I half-joked.
“It is, but I still like the old-fashioned ways.” She put the pencil in between her teeth. Another woman came in, whom she introduced as her assistant.
Nadia spoke in French, and she wrote on the notepad. “Now let’s try the dresses. I was given your sizes by your grandmother.”
My mouth dropped open. “You called her?”
She smiled. “I called your mother first, and she said your grandmother styles you?”
I nodded and bit my lip.
“Then I called her. She had a list of things she didn’t want to see you wear.”
“I bet,” I murmured and put on the silk thin strapped dress she held out.
“She’s not that far off in her sizing of you,” Nadia said as she adjusted the fabric at my hips. “Hmm.” She picked up a floral wrap dress. “Try this one on.”
I tried on knit, mini, and tank dresses. They were vibrant patterns of silk, sequin, fringe, velvet, and even some embroidery. I loved every one of them, but Nadia wasn’t sure. She went to a garment bag and pulled out a gorgeous floor-length gown with a swing skirt. I put it on and she clasped her hands together and beamed at me. “Yes. This is for you.” She pinned it to fit my form. Then went over and collected a few pairs of designer heels for me to try.
I changed and walked out to the three-way mirror and gaped. The dress accentuated my curves and the heels had me close to five-ten. I looked different—elegant, sexy. “Wow. I don’t recognize myself.”
Nadia clasped her hands and beamed at me, thrilled. “You look absolutely stunning. Rocco will lose his head.”
I trembled and shyly gazed at myself in the mirror. This is not about Rocco. This is about me . And this dress is…well, there were no words. But on me? “I’ve never revealed so much skin.” I stared at my arms, my full breasts, my hips. “Most of my clothes are loose-fitting.”
She shrugged. “Whatever makes you comfortable, but you’ve a beautiful body. You need clothes that fit you, but sleeker.”
I shifted my legs. “I’m not a showy kind of person.”
“I’ll mix them up, I promise. Now, let’s look at your wedding dress.” She brought over a sketchbook, and I was in complete awe. It had many drawings, all works of art, but one gown stood out amongst all of them. It was silk and lace, with beading and a full skirt. Like for a princes s.
My eyes watered. “Wow, this is so beautiful.”
“For a beautiful woman.” She gave me a hug. “Great. We’ll have more fittings. Let’s move on to the undergarments. What do you wear?”
I looked down at my feet. “Cotton briefs.”
“Me, too; they’re comfortable,” she said before sighing. “But now you’re getting married. Some partners love to see their lovers in sexy underwear underneath their clothing. Rocco expressed to me he loves lingerie and wanted it for you. He would have shopped with you, but he didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
My insides warmed. That’s nice.
Nadia brought over a few lace and silk sets. “What do I do with these?” I asked, touching the garters.
“Paul had me trying them on for him on our first trip to Paris. There I was, naked in a shop in front of him. It was insane.”
My mouth dropped open. Now that wasn’t in the TV movie . “Oh no, I could never do that.”
She wagged her finger. “Never say never. Once you’re having sex, inhibitions just fall away. Gosh, he had me so crazy in love with him.” She shook her head, grinning as she reminisced, and I was delighted to hear her share about it. They always seemed happy together.
“I know things, Adelina. I think that’s the reason Rocco chose me for you.” She gentled her tone.
I touched my warm face. “It’s your designs, not because of me.…”
Her expression turned serious. “Yes, it’s that, too, but we’re alike…I was a virgin with Paul—”
“Rocco told you?” I huffed. He’s as bad as Mama .
Her face softened. “Does that bother you? We have an open and friendly relationship. We share a lot with each other. It was hard for me to share my feelings, and I had to be careful what I said to anyone because Paul’s famous. Maybe it’s different for you.” She lowered her head.
“No, it’s really the same, Nadia. I’m kinda in shock, I guess. I-I can’t say much of anything about my life to anyone.” I hunched my shoulders. The pressure to hide everything in my life had taken a toll. Even with Cassidy, there had always been gaps of information I couldn’t fill in but wanted to.
She placed her arm around my shoulder. “That’s a burden you shouldn’t have to hold. Whatever you tell me will never be shared, unless it will hurt you. I’ll answer any questions you have honestly.”
My conscience reminded me of Mama’s warnings about the body and heart. She had good reasons for them, and I believed her. However, I had a chance to talk to one of Rocco’s friends who knew him and had been in a similar situation I found myself in. Nadia had a way of making it easy for me to drop my guard, and I had a chance to get some advice I really needed.
I took a deep breath. “I never had a life I could share easily.”
There was so much about me that Rocco may not know. My grandparents held all the cards, and I doubted he could do anything about it.
“Because of the arranged marriage?”
I nodded. More or less.
Nadia studied me for a few moments. “Well, even in your arranged marriage, you’re building a life together. You can date. Get to know each other like in any other relationship.”
“What’s Rocco like?” I asked.
She grinned. “Rocco goes out of his way to be friendly to everyone. When Paul was away, he’d check in, take me to movies or a play. When I was short a model for my premiere show in Milan, Rocco came and stood in. He’s someone I can count on to be there. I try to help him in any way I can. But….”
“But what?” I asked.
“I think, even though he’s often surrounded by people, he’s lonely,” she said. “I want him to be happy.”
I could see she loved him. He did seem to jump in to make me comfortable. And it was nice to hear he was thoughtful with his friends. But I had other questions, too, and this was my chance to get them answered.
“Can I ask you something personal?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
“What was your first time like?” I chewed on my bottom lip.
“I built it up so much in my head that when I finally found someone I desired, I didn’t want to wait. The first time felt good, but it hurt. Just communicate; tell him to slow down and that you need him to touch you more.”
I scrunched my face. “Wouldn’t that put him off?”
She lifted her chin. “Who cares? You know your body better than anyone. But trust me, he’ll want to make it good because he’ll want to have sex again.”
My mind returned to Rocco touching me on the bed. He’d watched my every move, switched the intensity and speed of his touches. He’d brought me to orgasm but hadn’t pushed me to reciprocate. He would be great. But what about me? Would I be great for him?
I stared down at the heels. “What if I don’t know how to do it right?”
“I worried about that, too. Just touch him, express your pleasure or discomfort, and don’t hold anything back. The rest will come to you. In fact, tell Rocco. He’ll love to hear how you’re feeling.”
I opened my arms, and she hugged me tight. “Thank you so much, Nadia.”
She smiled. “You’re very welcome, Adelina. Anytime, day or night, I’m here…Now for this evening, let’s have you wear this.” She went over and selected a dark blue palazzo jumpsuit. It was sleek, and sophisticated. “It’s beautiful,” I told her.
“It will be on you,” Nadia said, and we hugged.
I left to change. And once again, I couldn’t believe how stylish I looked in the clothes. I’d never really been bothered about fashion—much to Cassidy’s distress. She would love it here. Love being dressed by Nadia Crane. This was incredibly fun.
Just as I returned, a gorgeous man walked in. Paul Crane. Oh. My. God . He went straight to Nadia and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Damn, he’s sexy.
Her team packed up my clothes in boxes and garment bags. “Adelina, please come over here and meet Paul.”
Paul walked to me with an outstretched hand. “Lovely to meet you, and congratulations.”
My hand was clammy as I shook his. “Thank you, Mr. Crane. Nadia’s an amazing designer, and I’m very happy and grateful to you both for opening your home for me to have my fitting,” I babbled.
He grinned broadly. “Call me, Paul. Rocco asked me to play at your wedding, and I accepted.”
My mouth formed an ‘O’. “Seriously? Uhm. Wow, I’m so honored. Thank you so much.”
He squeezed my hand and made direct eye contact, his expression serious. “I’m happy for the both of you. Anything you want that’s special for you, let me know.”
His offer was very generous. But what do you ask a Maestro to play? I could only thank him again.
“Here’s my phone number,” Nadia said. She waited for me to get my phone programmed, then confirmed it by texting her.
“Call me anytime. Okay?” she said.
“Wow, thank you so much,” I said cheerfully.
She hugged me again, then leaned close to my ear. “Practice smiling in the mirror and use the one that works. The public will know you soon. And also, don’t search for your name on social media after an event. Ever.”
Paul hugged her from behind and kissed her neck. Nadia reached up and rubbed the hair on his square jaw. “Love you, my love.”
It was so intimate, and they did it right in front of me, like I was a new friend. Nadia made a great effort to welcome me, and I liked her a lot already.
“The party’s going on up here,” Rocco’s deep voice called as he walked in.
I was taken once again by his looks and charismatic effect. It was a visceral pull that had me gravitating to him. His eyes met mine with a smoldering gaze that had me struggling to even my breath as my pulse raced. Don’t get lured in, Adelina. We’re in a partnership, not a romance . But he held out his hand and my stomach fluttered as I took it.