12 Chapter 14
“Precisely what I was hoping for,” Mrs. Sterling nodded. “And perhaps some of my relatives as well?” She gestured around the room. “Many of them would love to commission pieces from
you.”
My eyes widened. This wasn’t just one client–it could be a dozen from the most influential family in the city. After the scandal with Julian and Ivy, this kind of endorsement could save my reputation and business.
For the next hour, I measured Mrs. Sterling while discussing design ideas. She had excellent taste and clear opinions, making her an ideal client. As I worked, several of the other women approached to be measured as well.
While fitting a woman who introduced herself as Mrs. Sterling’s niece, I overheard a conversation from across the room that made me freeze.
“Has Damien approved of any of the candidates yet?” one woman asked in a carrying whisper.
“Not a single one, another replied. “Victoria Sun’s daughter was the latest disappointment. Perfectly accomplished, Harvard Business School, speaks five languages–and he barely spoke
two sentences to her at dinner.
“He’s impossible,” a third voice joined in. “What exactly is he waiting for?”
Mrs. Sterling’s voice cut through their gossip. “My son knows his own mind. When the right woman appears, he’ll know.”
I tried to look busy with my measuring tape, but my ears were burning. They were discussing potential wives for Damien Sterling–the man who’d helped me when I was at my lowest. The man whose handkerchief I still kept in my purse.
“Hazel,” Mrs. Sterling called unexpectedly, making me jump. “Come sit with me a moment. I’d like your professional opinion on something”
I excused myself from the niece and joined Mrs. Sterling, who had moved to a more private
corner of the solárium.
“What do you think of them?” she asked, gesturing subtly toward the group of women who’d been gossiping.
“They seem very elegant,” I replied carefully.
–
She waved her hand dismissively. “Not them. Their daughters. The potential matches for my son. You’re a young woman with good taste. What qualities do you think would make a suitable wife for Damien?”
The question caught me completely off guard. “I–I couldn’t possibly say, Mrs. Sterling. I’ve only met your son once, very briefly.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Have you? How interesting. He didn’t mention that
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I felt my cheeks warm. “It was just in passing. At the gala for children’s cancer research.”
Mrs. Sterling studied me with renewed interest. “I sec. And what was your impression?”
“He was very kind, I said honestly. “More considerate than I expected, given his position.”
“And what about you, Hazel? Are you seeing anyone at present?” she asked, her voice casual but her eyes sharp.
My stomach tightened. Had she heard about the wedding disaster after all? “No, I’m not. I recently ended a long–term relationship.”
“I heard something about that, she acknowledged. “Some nonsense in the tabloids, wasn’t it? I never pay attention to such things”
The way she dismissed my public humiliation as “nonsense” made me want to hug her. “It’s been la difficult few weeks, Ladmitted.
“The truly worthy always face trials,” she said, patting my hand. “It separates the gold from the dross.
Before I could respond, the solarium doors opened. My heart stuttered in my chest as Damien Sterling walked in.
Julian had described him as “that pretentious, uptight Sterling heir,” but nothing could have been further from the truth. Damien moved with the quiet confidence of someone who had nothing to prove. Tall and impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, he radiated an effortless elegance that made every other man I’d ever met seem unpolished by comparison.
His eyes found me immediately, as if he’d known exactly where I’d be sitting. A small smile touched his lips.
“Mother,” he greeted Mrs. Sterling, bending to kiss her cheek before turning to me. “Ms. Ashworth. What a pleasant surprise.”
“Mr. Sterling” I managed, rising to shake his hand. His grip was warm and firm, lasting perhaps a second longer than strictly necessary.
“I hear you’re designing for my mother’s birthday celebration,” he said.
I nodded. “Yes, several pieces.
“Wonderful. Perhaps you could design something for me as well?” The request sounded casual, but something in his eyes suggested it was anything but. “I find myself in need of a new formal
suit”
Mrs. Sterling looked between us with barely concealed interest. “Excellent Idea, Damlen. Hazel’s men’s pieces are just as impressive as her women’s collection.”
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12 Chapter 14
“I’d be happy to” I said, trying to maintain my professional demeanor despite my racing heart.
“Perfect” His smile deepened. “And please, call me Damien.
The familiarity of the request startled me. Clients–especially ones of his status–remained firmly on last–name basis unless we’d known cach other for years.
“I–of course, if you prefer: 1 stammered.
His eyes.
held mine for a moment longer before he turned to greet the other women in the room. I watched him move through the space, noting how everyone’s attention shifted to accommodate his presence.
I returned to measuring Mrs. Sterling’s niece, trying to focus on my work rather than stealing glances at Damien. When I finally finished with her, I stood and turned–only to find him standing directly behind me.
“Is it my turn next?” he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear it.
His proximity and the direct question threw me completely
eyes, suddenly aware that whatever was happening betw/ balance. I looked up into his dark
simple designer–client relationship.
And much more dangerous to my carefully guarded heart.
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