Page 18 of Royal Hottie
“Phillip helped restore the mantel. It was in the attic.”
She raises her brows. “Phillip knows how to restore a mantel?”
“I taught him. He’s been really helpful.”
“Really?” She drawls the word out almost like she’s suspicious.
I nod.
“Hmm…” She looks up at the ceiling and squeaks. “Ruby! This is incredible! Who did this?”
“Maya and I tracked down two artists on the island. Clara did the sea painting, and Jeanne did the starry skies over the whirlpool tubs. The tub paintings are made from acoustic panel so it muffles the echo and also doubles as a pretend skylight.”
“Get. Out.” She rushes to the master bathroom. “I love it! I never would’ve thought of this.” She turns to me. “Ruby, you’re a genius! I can’t believe you haven’t been inundated with new work now that you’re freelance.”
I shift on the balls of my feet, torn between pride in my work and shame for not getting my new freelance career off the ground. Some part of me blames my lingering gloom, preventing me from getting that crucial word-of-mouth going. “It’s tough to get some momentum in the beginning. I’ve had a few small jobs. I’m hoping adding this project to my portfolio will give me a boost.”
She wanders into the master bedroom and runs her fingers along the gold silk throw pillows and the soft gold throw. “It feels extra royal with all the touches of gold. And these columns! I love it!” She picks up the antique phone on an end table. “Does this thing work?”
“It’s decorative. I think it needs to be rewired.”
“I’ll do it today.” I immediately picture her whipping out her tool belt. It’s cool that she’s so handy, but I know she has royal duties to attend to now.
“It doesn’t have to work. Maybe your guests would like to unplug. You know, like they’re temporarily living in a retro, less hectic time.”
“Good point.” She heads to the door to the adjoining suite, a smaller version of this one, checking everything out.
I follow her through all the rooms as sheoohsandaahs.
“How was your honeymoon?” I ask when she’s finally done exclaiming over my genius. She’s really much too generous with her praise. On the other hand, if every client was like this, I would be one happy camper.
“Fabulous.” She takes a seat on the bed in one of the smaller bedrooms. “I learned so much.” Not what I expected her to say.
I sit next to her and grin. “You learned so much on your honeymoon? Your husband must be very skilled.”
We crack up.
“He’s amazing, of course,” she says. “But I was also soaking in the women’s style in Paris, Milan, and Barcelona.” She lowers her voice conspiratorially. “Kind of a research trip slash honeymoon. Don’t tell Gabriel.”
“Like I would rat you out to the king.”
She laughs. “So did you meet everyone? Oscar, Lucas, Adrian, and Emma? I’m told my mother-in-law hasn’t left her rooms.”
“Adrian was away, but yes to everyone else. Phillip introduced me when they each stopped by to see what he was so busy doing in here. Everyone’s been very warm and gracious.”
She purses her lips. “How’s Phillip been treating you?”
My cheeks flush. “Good.”
She nods once, her curls bouncing. “Good. I told him to keep it in his pants.”
“Anna!”
“What? I know he’s a player, you’ve been through hell with your asshole ex, and you’ve never been a casual-fling kind of woman.” She gives my arm a squeeze. “Plus, you’re getting your new business off the ground. You don’t need any distractions right now.”
My shoulders droop. “True.” Why do I feel let down? She’s right. Besides, Phillip and I only kissed once. Mostly we’ve been working since I had such a tight deadline to get the suite ready. Some small part of me must’ve been hoping for a little more. The chemistry sizzles between us just from standing near each other.
“Why do you sound so sad?” she asks. “Did you want to hook up with Phillip?”
