Page 189 of Savage Suit

He chuckled. “Claude and I will give you a few pointers over dinner next Wednesday night. We’ve booked suites for you and the Sauncier guy at the Ritz.”

Oh my.

I would have to talk to Noah about calling Celine and make it clear I only wanted to borrow the clothes. There was no way I could accept another coat that cost so much, but I needed a wardrobe fit for the Ritz.

“We’d love for you to have dinner with us in our suite,” Channing said. “In all honesty, I had to twist Claude’s arm to be fair and offer you this opportunity. Sauncier’s guy is arriving Sunday, to wine and dine us, and sell us on why we should choose them. He’s having dinner with us Monday and Tuesday.”

“In other words, next Thursday’s presentation will be just a formality.”

“Correct. I think the poor fellow wants to force us into an early decision. His wife’s upset he won’t be home for Thanksgiving.” He chuckled. “He wanted to bring her, especially to the dinners. He even hinted at her tagging along during his presentation. His unprofessionalism shocked me. This isn’t a get-together. This is business. No plus ones allowed. Luckily, that won’t be a problem with you since you’re single.”

He must’ve been too busy to keep up with the Society pages and gossip columns. Besides, maybe it was a good thing Channing Powers and Claude Amage didn’t know about Noah and me. “I will be alone,” I promised, giddy at the realization I’d be going on my first business trip to Paris and staying at the Ritz.

“That’s perfect, Ryan. Perfect. Why don’t you send me the digital files on Réjane’s perfume? By the time we see you next Wednesday night, it can be signed off on and in production.”

“Really?” I squealed, reminded of my injured knee when I jumped up. Shoes and ice could wait. I’d go straight to Noah for his final approval. “I will send those files in the next half hour, Mr. Powers.”

“Call me Channing. You make me feel like an old man.”

I laughed, so happy my day had made a one hundred eighty degree turn for the better. “I will send them,Channing.”

“That boy hasn’t gotten you a secretary?” he demanded. “We might have to steal you away. Give you an office twice the size of Noah’s as well as a secretary.”

“I share his secretary,” I said. “And I’m fine with that. I hate to be rude, but I must get going. I will call you when the files are on the way. Is the number on my call list good to reach you?”

“Anytime,” he said, and a few moments later, we said our goodbyes.

Grabbing my shoes and unable to stop smiling, despite the pain roaring through me, I went to the bank of elevators. Not only was my knee hurting worse, but my limp was more pronounced. Maybe because I hadn’t seen to the injury immediately?

On the elevator, I opened my messages and saw one from Noah asking why I hadn’t arrived yet, as well as Billy’s usual one. Since I’d see Noah shortly, I responded to Billy, asking him to bring me as much ice as possible, along with clean towels and unused plastic bags if available.

In the lobby, I waved at Jose, not having time to stop and inquire after him. By the time I pressed the ‘up’ button for the building’s elevators, Billy texted and asked if I was okay.

My heel broke, and I fell and hurt my knee.

A moment later, I boarded the elevator, and it took me to floor twelve. Hobbling off brought me into a madhouse.

Billy stood next to a cart holding a huge bucket of ice and a stack of serving towels. Someone must’ve been filling the soda dispensers in the cafeteria with ice when I messaged him.

Nicholas was pacing back and forth. Mrs. Mikes worked the busy phones. Reid, who I hadn’t seen in days, leaned against the wall directly across from the elevator. And Noah?

Noah? He stood near Mrs. Mikes’ desk, arms folded, legs braced. With such fury in his eyes, I feared his head might explode.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly, addressing him first to calm him. “I overslept.” Trying to keep the situation as peaceful as possible, I walked forward and groaned at the pain. I stumbled and would’ve crumpled to the ground if Noah hadn’t moved so quickly.

He steadied me, holding onto me a little longer than necessary. The combination of anger and fear in his eyes arrested me, and I couldn’t move. But the startling realization of just how much I’d missed him in his absence settled into me. His presence soothed me and brightened my day. As excited as I was about Channing’s phone call, it didn’t compare to how happy I was just to look into his blue eyes.

“Ryan, sit,” Mrs. Mikes said, during a lull. “I can see to your knee until the doctor and x-ray tech arrive.”

“The who?” I asked, wanting to protest when Noah released me and stepped back, allowing Mrs. Mikes to help me to a chair.

She pushed the other chair in front of me so I could raise my injured knee. I dropped my ruined heels on the side of me and removed my purse, setting it next to me.

“I must cut your pants,” she said, backing away to answer the phone again.

“Do you need anything else, Ryan?” Billy asked, the concern in his eyes touching me.

“Ibuprofen and glue for my shoes.”