Your Irresistible love

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ava

Two weeks to D-day, and everyone's running around crazily already. I'm definitely leading the crazy pack.

"Okay, everyone. Let's start this," I instruct.

This is the first rehearsal for the show, and I'm impressed that all the models showed up. The prep team did a wonderful job, and now the girls are ready to hit the runway. They're wearing mock jewelry, of course. The real items will only be here on the day of the show.

I sit next to the runway, but don't look much at the models; Pippa's in charge of that. I inspect the rest of the decor and the way the technical equipment blends in. I've had nightmare issues with shows before, with designers deciding the day before that they want to change the entire color scheme. Luckily, Pippa looks very pleased.

Finally, content with the decor, I turn my attention to the models. I'm impressed with the high-caliber models they hired for this. The star of the show is Simone Candella, an Italian beauty who took up residence in the United States six years ago. Watching her stroll on the runway, I understand the world's fascination with her. She's the personification of beauty. Her waist-long black hair and tan skin give her an exotic air, making her striking blue eyes nothing short of mesmerizing. A visible dash of arrogance accompanies her every move, but that's to be expected.

Midway through the rehearsal, I notice a shift in the models' behavior. They smile more, occasionally winking at something behind me. Baffled, I turn around and find Sebastian there. I let out an audible groan. Both Pippa and Sebastian laugh.

"What are you doing here, brother?" Pippa whispers over her shoulder. "You haven't been at a rehearsal in years."

"Thought I'd take a break, delight my eyes with some beauty." He looks at me pointedly, and heat rushes to my cheeks. I know he's teasing me, but I feel a tiny pang of jealousy.

As the rehearsal progresses, the models become bolder, giving him hot looks. Out of the corner of my eye, I peer at Sebastian, who wanders around the room. To my astonishment, he's not looking at the runway, instead inspecting the lighting equipment.

Finally, he sits next to me and says, "This is going to be our most expensive show."

"The buzz around it got you enough partners to offset the cost."

"I know. You're a genius."

Pride swells inside me at his words. Shortly afterward, we take a break. The models wear robes, milling around, drinking nothing but water, even though the catering company also brought model-approved food like salads and low-calorie everything.

Sebastian speaks in a hushed voice to Pippa, still ignoring all the hot looks he gets. He speaks to the technician who's behind all the magic that will happen during the show, especially the opening stunt. Since Sebastian and I aren't displaying our relationship (very) publicly, we try to keep our distance to what would pass as professional interest.

Pippa walks to me and says in a low voice, "Looking at these girls makes me feel bad about all those cupcakes I eat."

"You look great," I reassure her.

"I like my body, though I have my unfavorable spots, but it's hard to look at them and not get self-conscious."

Silently, I agree.

"I mean, look at Simone. She's practically perfect," Pippa says. "Well, she's a total bitch, but other than that. . . Anyway, I wanted to ask you something else. I need to change something."

Oh, crap. I knew it. Here it comes.

"The dress Lily wears the second time she comes out isn't right."