“Okay.” Her face relaxes as she nods for me to take a seat.
I take out my notebook and Vanessa starts the projector. There’s a tall, slender model with red hair standing in a green bikini. Her skin is flawless and her curves perfect.
“What do you think about her?” Vanessa turns to me. “For the showstopper. I’d like a redhead.”
“Um.” I bite my lip. She is so not Merida. This model is perfect, and far away from the image I had in my mind while designing the dress.
“Spit it out, Cherry.”
I’m momentarily surprised by the nickname. I must have pulled my weird, confused expression because Vanessa giggles.
Vanessa Hilbert, the bitch extraordinaire, fucking giggles over my nickname.
“Cherrywood girl is long.” When she sees me smiling, her expression sobers. She tilts her head toward the projector screen. “Natasha is an international model. I’m not even sure if she’s available. But she’s the most famous redhead I know.”
“Oh.”
What do I know about models?
I’ve never followed models, but rather what they’re wearing.
“But you don’t like her?”
“She is too…perfect. I mean…” I glance at Vanessa, checking to see if she is already ticked off. But when she looks more confused than angry, I try to explain. “I was thinking maybe a more natural… I mean less—”
“Perfect,” she finishes for me before falling back in her chair. “Let me see what I can do. Meanwhile I want you to take a final look at all the designs. Make sure everything is on target for the show.”
* * *
It’s been almost a week since my naked encounter with Keith in his bedroom. We have not discussed it, since we rarely had any time alone. Mere’s project is selected for the state-level competition and today she leaves for her school trip.
The girl studied twenty-four-seven the last few days. When I got up at five, she had already been up since God knows when. I’d just sit with her and drink my morning latte while flipping through my notes for the day. It also helped to not think about Keith’s absence in the dining room.
Since our move, he’d spent more time in his office. Most days, there was a dinner delivery for Mere and me while he ate with Lukas or Gavin in the office.
Merida barely registered his absence, as she was mostly working on her code, fixing the last bits, but I missed him terribly. I know a part of his absence is because of me or avoiding me, to be precise.
“You packed all your things?” Keith asks as Mere stands by the door, a backpack on her shoulders.
“Yeah, Dad. It’s only three days and I have my own personal bodyguard.” She hits Carter’s arm playfully.
Carter will shadow Mere on this trip. Keith had to do some heavy convincing, but in the end Mere’s school agreed and I’m so thankful they did. I know Keith would be worried sick if Mere was traveling alone. Heck! I’m worried even now. Mikhail Lebedev is still out there. My body shivers just thinking about him.
“You take care of her.” Keith pats Carter on his back.
When the elevator door closes, taking Mere and Carter away, Keith avoids eyes contact and says, “Lock the door behind me.”
I hate him acting like this. Like we’re committing some crime or taboo. I understand he has a lot at stake with Mere and he’s also not on board with the fifteen-year age gap, but I’m twenty-five for Christ’s sake.
Not to mention his concern of me being a temporary tenant. He was worried about Mere getting hurt when I leave, maybe he fears the same for himself. But can’t he see, he’s the one doing the hurting by avoiding me?
I shut the door with more force than necessary and the noise startles Snowy. She peeks out from Keith’s bedroom.
“Oh, baby, did I scare you?” I pick her up and bring her to my room. At least I’ll have someone to talk to. “You love staying in Keith’s room, don’t you?” I kiss her on her small forehead as she purrs before stretching on my bed. I slide beside her, and she immediately crawls on top on me. “Lucky girl. He lets you sleep on his bed, roam around his things, touch his stuff—”
My cell phone rings and Snowy makes a run from where she’s resting on my belly to Keith’s room most likely.
“Hey, girl. What are you doing?” Em chirps, sounding happy as always.