thing, not so much.
When she returned her gaze to Major’s, he immediately felt at ease. So, when the first question came directly to him from a reporter, he didn’t think twice before responding.
“This is all so exciting and fast, Major. Where and when did you and Ms. Fuller meet?”
“We met earlier this year and I wasn’t aware there was a time clock ticking on love.” He had no idea where that response had come from, but it seemed like a good answer. And, if he wasn’t mistaken, it made Nina’s smile a little brighter.
Another reporter took advantage of the fact that Major was actually answering questions, even though it hadn’t been announced that he would.
“So how did he sweep you off your feet, Ms. Fuller?”
She didn’t look at him to gauge his response, she simply continued to smile and began a story that sounded very real.
“It was Valentine’s Day and neither of us had a date. We ended up at the same bar, not crying in our drinks.” Nina chuckled and so did the reporter. “Next thing I know, we’re having dinner on a rooftop like this one, talking about all the people who put too much emphasis on Valentine’s Day. After that we were together every weekend, either here in the city or in Pennsylvania where I’m from. So if you count quiet walks in Central Park and sitting in rocking chairs on my dad’s back porch as being swept off my feet, then yeah, that’s just what he did.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet,” the woman reporter said.
“So you’re the Fashion House Romantic instead of the Fashion House Playboy. That’s not as good a headline,” the guy said, chuckling when the woman elbowed him.
“These lovebirds have lots of planning to do,” Ron interrupted. “And we’re going to keep you up to date with those plans. But for now, we have more announcements.”
Thankful for the reprieve, Major offered the press another smile, before leaning in to whisper in Nina’s ear, “Our part’s done. Let’s get out of here.”
Her quick nod and the instant look of relief that washed over her face also reminded him the smile and natural movements he’d just glimpsed were part of the sham. She didn’t want to be there any more than he did.
* * *
If Cinderella hadn’t run away from the ball at the stroke of midnight, she may have walked into a room with Prince Charming following closely behind, feeling the quick jolt of excitement, anticipation and lust.
Nina was feeling every one of those things and then some as she slid the card over the panel on the door and walked into her hotel room. Just twenty-four hours ago she’d entered this same room, but she hadn’t been wearing a designer dress that sparkled with what she’d now identified as success, nor had there been a great-looking guy standing just a few feet behind her.
“Would you like a drink?” It sounded cliché but polite nonetheless.
“Sure. I’ll pour,” he said as they moved into the living area of the suite. Just a few feet away stood a large round table with two chairs on either side. It sat in front of the only window with a view of one of the New York streets. Buildings, people and lots of cars were below even at almost eleven at night.
“I’ll be back in a sec.” She made her way into the bedroom when she heard her phone ringing inside her purse.
“Hey,” she answered as she sat on the bed.
“Where are you? I’ve been texting and calling you all night,” Angie said. “Dad’s worried sick and ready to call the police to file a missing person report, and Daisy wants to get in the car to drive up there to bring you home.”
Nina sighed. She hadn’t called them back after telling them this morning that she’d missed her train. So much had happened in those twelve hours that she hadn’t completely forgotten about her family, but she had put them on the back burner for a change.
“Sorry. I meant to call you sooner to explain what’s going on.”
“Okay. Well, explain now.”
Right. Explain how the deal she’d finally been able to land had somehow morphed into a six-week assignment that could either make or break her experience in the fashion industry. She glanced over at the window, to the night sky in the big city, still in awe of where she was and how she’d come to be there.
“They offered me a project for six weeks. It’s kind of like