Page 24 of All the Gossip from Paris
By the time she eventually sat in her usual place at the table, Sophie had managed to school her features into an expression of polite disinterest. She could only pray that the mask held.
In the weeks following her brief visit to New York, she’d tried hard not to think about Liam. To forget about what had happened that night. But when it came to the heavily tattooed, penis pierced older Collins brother, not thinking about him was easier said than done. Especially when she lay alone in her bed at night and he was all she could think about.
I am a fool. It’s impossible not to think about him.
Before parting, they’d agreed to pretend that nothing had happened. They were just friends.
What Sophie hadn’t counted on, was the lingering effect which Liam had on her. She’d thought she’d be able to walk away without looking back. Three months later, and she still hadn’t stopped looking back.
At least she’d finally come up with a plan.
In the lead up to her sister’s big day, she would remain busy helping with the wedding preparations. At the wedding reception, she’d blend into the throng of relatives and friends. How hard could it be to hide in a crowd of four hundred people?
And if she was really lucky, the only time she’d have to see Liam was at the actual wedding service. At worst that would be a couple of hours. Between then and when he got back on a plane to go home, she’d do everything to stay well out of his way.
Out of sight. Out of mind. Out of temptation’s way.
Thank heavens the Collins family wouldn’t be staying at the chateau. That thought then begged the obvious question. “Why aren’t the Collins staying here Mama?” asked Sophie. As the family of the groom she’d assumed they would be, rather than staying in the city.
Marina closed up her wedding planning journal, and let out a tired sigh. “Because by this time tomorrow the house will be full of rowdy Royals from all over the globe. Your father and I don’t want Ryan’s parents feeling overwhelmed on their first trip to Paris. You know how the cousins get when they are all under the one roof. I decided that the Royal Suite at the Royal Resorts hotel would be a much nicer place for them.”
Sophie couldn’t fault her mother’s logic. Once the Italian and Greek members of the family arrived at the chateau, things were likely to get loud and busy. If the Collins family felt intimidated by the antics of several dozen members of the billionaire clan, they might not want to visit again.
It wasn’t hard to figure out why Marina was at such pains to ensure that the American side of the Camille/Ryan marriage felt comfortable with visiting the Royal family in France. Her mother was hedging her bets. If the Collins were happy, then it would make future family gatherings easier, and Marina would get to see her grandchild more often.
“Brenda and Pete have never been to Paris before, so it makes sense for them to get the chance to see the sights of the city before the wedding. If they are staying in the city, then they can walk to most places. Though of course they will have use of a private car,” added Camille.
Their mother was planning this wedding with meticulous precision. From the second Ryan had put an engagement ring on Camille’s finger, Marina had launched into planning and then executing her grand strategy.
Three days from now, there would be four hundred guests in the main ballroom of the chateau. Marina was going to great lengths to ensure that Camille and Ryan’s wedding was the highlight of the year for Parisian high society. The wedding hostess was leaving nothing to chance.
Sophie took a sip of her coffee. “Is there anything I can do to help today, Mama?” There was a small army of assistants and catering staff already swarming over the chateau, but it didn’t hurt to ask.
“Well now that you mention it. I was thinking it would be nice for you to call in later this morning, and see how our American guests are settling in. I know Ryan has plans to take his parents to see a few of the tourist sights, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. He mentioned that his brother has already been to Paris on several occasions, so perhaps you could spend some time with Liam. Make him feel welcome.”
“That would be amazing if you could do that for us Sophie. Ryan and I want to make sure his family has the best time while they are here. I think Liam was still hoping to get some photographic assignments during haute couture week. Perhaps you could work closely with him on that,” added Camille.
The sly smile which tugged at the corner of her sister’s mouth set alarm bells ringing off in Sophie’s head.
Her sister knew she and Liam were already acquainted, but Camille couldn’t possibly know how close they’d become that night in New York.
Could she?
Fuck. Fuck. Merde. Fuck.
“Oh. I was thinking I could go help Papa in the atelier. I’m sure he has work for me,” replied Sophie.
She’d rather not spend the day with the man who’d given her the best orgasms in her entire life. Keeping up the pretense that he hadn’t rocked her world was something she wasn’t sure she could do.
“No. Your father is busy putting the final touches to Camille’s wedding gown. He has given strict instructions that he’s not to be disturbed this morning,” replied her mother.
It was worth a try.
Sophie was fresh out of luck. “Alright. I will text Ryan and see when his family has arrived at the hotel. I’m sure they will want some time to rest up after the flight from America.”
If she was clever and dragged her feet, it might mean she would only have to spend a couple of hours with Liam. Surely, she could resist him for that long.
God, I hope so. Or this could be a super uncomfortable day.
