Page 3 of Roses are Royal

DANTE

Well, this complicates things. How did their prior friendship not show up in my research? I chose Luca as my contractor on this project to gain an introduction to Rose. I turned down the first three designers Luca recommended until he finally brought up Rose as an option. However, when I dug into their connection, I only found documentation of the previous projects they’ve worked on together, which is what led me to choose Precision Builders in the first place.

I didn’t find anything about them attending the same high school, let alone being friends, which seems strange since I vetted Luca extensively to ensure there was no possible connection outside of working together. I need to keep my composure, get through this cursed walkthrough, and get Rose and Luca off my property so I can do some more digging and find out about their shared history.

I was already caught off guard by Rose when she stepped out of her Mercedes. Although I've had her under surveillance for the past year, watching her from a distance and on surveillance videos didn’t do her captivating beauty justice. I pretended not to notice her arrival to give myself a few seconds to compose myself before making introductions. But instead of the charismatic gentleman role I intended to play to gain her trust, I was struck by her unique eyes as we stood there staring at each other, and I could barely form a single thought.

I knew she had heterochromia from my time watching her, but knowing it and seeing it in person are two very different experiences. I’ve always thought a person’s eyes are the easiest way to read someone, especially a potential mark, but having her gaze trained solely and intensely on me only feet away has taken my perfectly crafted character and put him on his heels. I was granted a small mercy. Knowing she was equally affected by my appearance gave me a chance to clear my thoughts, get back on track, and take control of our interaction. I know the effect I have on women, and some men, quite frankly, and I fully intend to use that to my advantage.

I didn’t mean to be so combative with her or show my frustration, but her sass pulled me in, and I couldn’t help but banter. Sassy, beautiful, confident women who know how and when to push back are top tier in my experience, and Rose is no exception. She is the most captivating woman I have ever encountered. I have half a mind to track down her so-called mentor and teach him how we handle disrespect within the family. He deserves more than a middle finger in a meeting, however amusing it was for me to watch through the video surveillance. Rose is nothing if not theatrical. That prick’s reckoning will have to wait, though. I can’t play her white knight when I’m about to become the real villain of her story.

And why did I invite her in for a drink? At least Luca has been good for one thing—a distraction. Luca has actually exceeded my expectations with not only the build of my house but also with his discretion and lack of questions when I described the secretive nature of my home and the need to keep it that way. Rose, on the other hand, is objectively the best luxury designer at Franklin & Sons, and her talents were widely wasted there from everything I’ve seen. Plus, her ability to work with the pretentious elites of New York while keeping a genuine smile on her face is something that can’t be taught.

While I don’t intend for her to actually design my house in its entirety due to my strict timeline, it will be nice to get her vision so I can use it as a blueprint for finishing the project once she’s been dealt with. I might as well use this assignment to my benefit.

4

ROSE

Walking through the front door into the open foyer of the grand entrance is like walking into a dream. My dream, specifically. It’s as if Dante and Luc took the sketches and vision boards of my dream home and brought it to life in the middle of a magical forest. I’m greeted with a massive staircase that curves up to the second floor on both sides and perfectly frames an impressively intricate crystal chandelier that is easily five feet tall. It seems Dante has great taste when picking finishes and fixtures, so maybe this project won’t be so bad.

I know Dante and Luc are talking behind me about the work still needing to be completed, but all I can hear are my echoing footsteps as I move across the black-and-white marble entryway onto the dark-stained hardwood floors with detailed geometric parquet patterns throughout. As I turn to my right, I can see the hallway will lead me into the great room, which is bare except for a stone fireplace. The fireplace is so large I could probably walk inside without having to duck my head. Its foreboding presence reminds me of an old English castle.

The primary living space is painted a dark charcoal color that looks almost black in this lighting. Intricate wainscoting decorates the bottom third of the walls, adding texture and tactile depth with the custom-carved beveled panels. The French-style crown moldings add elegance to the room’s dark tones and match the ceiling medallion anchoring a beautiful chandelier, similar in style to the one in the entryway. Victorian cornices and custom plaster arabesques add to the luxurious nature of the home. The time and skill it must have taken to craft such designs makes me want to spend hours admiring every surface. My mind is going wild with all the lighting, furniture, and decor that will make this the most beautiful project I have ever worked on. For the first time in my line of work, I could see myself living in a space I’m designing.

Luc and his team truly live up to the name Precision Builders. The custom plaster and woodwork throughout this house are breathtaking and might be some of the best work I’ve ever seen. I still can’t get over how similar everything looks to the sketches I have done in the past. I guess these styles aren’t unique to me, so it’s not unheard of that Dante would pick something similar.

“Well, what do you think?”

I startle slightly at Dante’s words, not realizing he and Luc have joined me in the great room. Okay, Ro, this is your time to showcase your expertise and land this contract.

“This is a great starting point for sure.” Understatement of the century. This will likely be the easiest project I have ever worked on, but I don’t want to come off too eager. “I have several sketches in my design portfolio that I think would really bring this place to life.”

“I can’t wait to see what you have prepared.” Dante’s proximity sends goose bumps down my arms. Why is he so close?

“Wonderful! If it’s all right with you, I’d prefer to make some tweaks to the design this evening after we’ve completed the entire walkthrough. That way, I can adjust things based on what has already been completed and add any further work that I would recommend.” I look subtly in Luc’s direction to gauge his reaction, knowing I’m speaking of the work he and his team have completed, but Dante speaks first.

“Yes, the two of us can review your updated proposal tomorrow morning. I have some work that needs my attention this evening, unfortunately.”

I don’t want to read too much into that statement, considering Dante and I have only just met, but I sense he would prefer Luc not be involved where I am concerned.

“Ro, I would be happy to show you the property myself and answer any questions you may have. I know Dante is a busy man,” Luc interjects eagerly. I can’t tell if he’s actually trying to be helpful or if he too wants to have time alone with me.

Before I can answer, Dante responds, “That won’t be necessary. I’ll accompany Rose on the walkthrough. She and I can prepare a list of any necessary improvements or changes for you and your team.”

“I don’t mind tagging along,” Luc responds, not breaking eye contact with Dante. I seem to have found myself in some strange pissing contest between my client, whom I just met, and my childhood best friend, whom I haven't seen in fifteen years. I need to say something and not just let these men bicker.

“Why don’t the three of us do a precursory walkthrough now, and Dante, you and I can review my proposal in the morning? From there, I will work with Luc on any necessary fixes or improvements before he fully signs off on the project.” There, I feel like that solution should appease both men.

“Fine.” Dante is the first to agree in a clipped tone.

“That works for me,” Luc adds with a beaming smile just for me. “I can’t wait to work on this project with you, Ro.”

“Shall we then?” Dante gestures for me to precede him out of the great room to continue with the rest of the walkthrough.

The three of us were able to cover the remaining property in about three hours, and I have filled my tablet with more ideas than I know what to do with. The house is absolutely gorgeous, from the massive bedrooms upstairs to the enormous kitchen and dining area. I’m already imagining how the various other empty rooms can be used, such as an office and a luxurious parlor/sitting room. Maybe he would even go for a classic billiards room. I definitely have my work cut out for me tonight.

First, however, I need to find food and caffeine, and then I can lock in for a long night of designing. I want my proposal to be something that Dante can’t refuse. Maybe I can grab some takeout and work in my hotel room.