A Private Affair - A.C. Arthur Page 0,34
been another busy week,” he said. “I didn’t get a chance to catch up with you.”
“Yes. I know. There’s a lot going on right now. I’m just going to go and find my seat.” She moved around him and was not totally surprised when he extended an arm to stop her.
“Hold on a sec. Can we just talk for a minute?”
“The show’s already started.”
“You knew that would be the case when you purposely arrived late.” He sounded like he was making a casual observation.
His arm was extended in front of her but he wasn’t touching her. She could still feel the heat emanating from him. It was familiar, and to her chagrin her body sought it.
“Five minutes, Riley. We can go out into the hall or find some other private space.”
How much would she love to go off to some private space with Chaz? Way too much, to be honest.
She shook her head. “Not here, Chaz. Maybe we can meet up later.”
Before he could respond Riley saw two people coming up the aisle heading directly for the spot where they stood. She moved around his arm and walked quickly to find any available seat. It was best if she sat down and got out of view.
After the show it took Riley a few minutes to make her way out of the auditorium. Reporters and photographers were everywhere and while she knew it would be good to be seen by one of them and to offer a tease about RGF’s show, Riley couldn’t help but hope they ignored her. Besides, Major was here—he could just as easily give a tease and a lengthy interview since he wasn’t opposed to using the tabloids at every opportunity. He figured that served them right for all the times they purposely misinformed the public with outright lies.
“Hey! Riley Gold is here! We were wondering if you were somewhere in this crowd!”
Once again her plan was foiled as she locked gazes with a reporter. Riley didn’t remember his name but she knew that he wrote for the Fashion Insider blog. He was tall and slim and wore too much product in his hair.
“Hello.” Riley clasped her purse with both hands and held it in front of her as if it were a shield.
“What can you tell us about RGF’s upcoming show? I know you’ve got something up your sleeve. The gossip mill’s been buzzing, girl, so please give us an exclusive!” He looped his arm through hers and walked them past a throng of reporters who had snagged their prey and were chatting away.
The lobby of the hotel suddenly felt very crowded and Riley tried to focus on saying the words she’d typed into the notes app on her phone on the drive here.
“You’ll just have to wait until the show for the full surprise,” she began. “Of course, we’ll be having our annual media brunch on the seventh, where you’ll be treated to delicious food and face time with our top designers.”
“Oh yes, I already have my invitation. But what we really want to know is if RGF will be focusing exclusively on a debonair men’s collection. Or are you unveiling something extra special for the women this year?”
He was persistent. They all were, and when Riley glanced around the room to see more people stopping and talking, her heart began to race.
“RGF always offers top-of-the-line designs for everyone. We’ve built a platform based on quality and high fashion for a diverse world and we plan to deliver just as we have in the past.”
“Okay, so you’re not going to spill any of the details. You’re always so discreet.” He smiled at her and Riley took that moment to step out of his hold. She put a little space between them and was prepared to say her farewells and get the hell out of there when he continued.
“Unfortunately, that didn’t work well where Walter Stone was concerned. We were all saddened by that breakup, but I’m sure not as sad as your parents were. That was a pretty lucrative deal hinging on those nuptials. But all that’s water under the bridge now. Do you have anything you’d like to say to Walt and his new fiancée? I hear they’re planning a fall wedding. Will RGF be designing the bride’s gown? Or is that a little too close to home since you and Walt were once an item?”
Riley’s legs began to wobble and her knees threatened to give out. She squeezed her purse as if she