CHAPTER TWO

With my suitcase in hand, I follow Kade down another hall passed the entrance. I hold my breath as Kade opens the door. For a second time, my breath is taken away at the stunning view the bedroom windows provide. I can't believe I get the chance to wake up to something like this.

The room is narrow, yet the length of the room makes up for the space. As we step into the room, I look around as I take in the space. In the middle of the room, pressed against the wall is a plush bed. The sheets are a beautiful silk with hundreds of throw pillows piled on top.

Next to the frame is a deep brown set of drawers that match the tall boy, and the picture frame above the bed. On the opposing side, there's a complete full-length wall that opens the room to the beautiful cityscape.

"I hope you will feel comfortable here," Kade says, breaking our silence.

"This is beautiful, I'm sure I will."

"I will let you rest. Come out when you're ready." Kade gives me a small smile before turning to leave the room. Kade closes the door, leaving me all alone to take it all in.

Pulling out my phone, I walk towards the window. The stunning view would make a great photograph. I snap a picture and then proceed to check the message from my mother.

'How was the flight? Are you settled into the hotel okay?' – Mum.

Typing back, 'Flight was long, got to the hotel alright. Bout to catch up on some z's.' I hit the send button and place the device on the side table.

The bed looks amazing, which makes me reluctant to mess up the pillows. Instead of disturbing the cushion, I flop down on the covers. I rest my head on the pillow and fall into an instant peaceful sleep.

The sound of a door groaning shoes squeaking, and the ruffling sound of blankets pulls me from my slumber. Blinking my heavy eyelids open, I find Kade frozen with a blanket in his hands.

"Sorry," he mutters.

"I was totally already awake." I softly grin.

"How was your sleep?"

"Splendid, actually." Now that I'm well rested, I need some food to satisfy my hunger.

"Are you hungry?"

"You read my mind." I nod my head. "Starved, actually."

"I'll make you something to eat. Do you have a preference?"

"I'm good with anything," I reply.

Kade and I walk towards the kitchen. It's further past the office and tucked away. This place is like a maze, so it's going to take time to get used to it.

Kade goes to the fridge and looks through the contents before turning back to the bench to prepare the vegetables.

"The clothing was delivered. I hope you are the same size as Alessia, if not, we'll have to organise something else for you to wear tonight," he explains.

"Hm, I hope so," I agree.

Already, I don't want to be an inconvenience to Kade or their personal shopper. I suck at fashion, so I'm fine with them dressing me up in whatever I need to wear for these events.

"The clothing is sitting in the entrance. I haven't had –"

Before he can finish his sentence, I cut him off, "I can handle putting some clothes away, Kade, I'm not completely helpless," I say.

"The dress is in a garment bag. Do you know what that is?" teases Kade.

"I'm sure I'll figure it out." I wink back.

Leaving Kade in the kitchen, I walk towards the entrance in search of the new clothing. Sitting by the elevator door is a mountain of shopping bags. Well, perhaps I'd need some help carrying it all back to the guest bedroom.

The garment bag is laying on top of the other bags, so it's easy to find. I grab that bag along with as many bags I can grab – which is surprising a lot. I hurry down the hall and make it back for a second grab, which leaves me feeling successful when I enter the bedroom. The thought of having to hang it all up is dreadful.

Pushing that thought away, I grab the garment bag and place it on the bed. I unzip it and take out the dress.

My eyes light up at the sight of the dress. It's a black strapless body with a silk white slip and cream netting over the top. The bottom of the dress is a black fade that looks stunning. Maybe Alessia and I have more in common, or she's just knows someone with fabulous taste.

"I can't believe I'm being paid to wear this."

I take the dress into the bathroom and get changed. Just like the rest of the house, the bathroom is magnificent. Everything is a bright, elegant tasteful white that screams expensive. There's enough room to comfortably have a toilet, large shower, and a bath.

As I stand in the room, I can't escape the large mirror hanging above the vanity. Just a plain old girl stares me back, dressed in clothes from Target. I bet a single fixture in this room is worth more than my entire closet... I feel so out of place right now.

As I strip out of my clothing, I still see the same girl starting back. Plain Jane from nowhere important.

The dress fits like a glove. I zip it up and move around. For netted material and a slim fitting under slip, it's rather comfortable. I quickly run my fingers through my hair before exiting the room. I walk back down the hallway and into the kitchen.

Kade attention is consumed, so I cough to signal my arrival.

"It looks..." His eyes move from my face and slowly trace their way down my body. "Very beautiful, Lydia. I don't think Alessia could have worn in better." He softly smiles.

His compliment sends my cheeks bright red and my heart racing.

"Thanks." I try to take a deep breath to soothe my nerves, but the gleaming look in his eyes chases away that possibility.

His eyes snap up to my face and a blank expression consumes his face, "Alessia's wardrobe team will be here to help." This is probably some of the best news I could hear today. There's no way I'd have any idea how to do my make-up, especially for something important.

"I also thought we could go over a few things about Alessia before tonight."

Nodding my head in agreement, "That's a good idea."

I was given a very brief outline of Alessia's life to read. They wouldn't give me personal information in fear if it being leaked by a contact they couldn't control. Now that I've signed the contract, I guess I'd be able to know the nitty, gritty details of Alessia Louis.

"I'll let you change. The food is almost ready."

"Okay." I nod.

I quickly walk back to the bedroom and change from the clothing. I put the dress back and re-dress in my yoga pants and flannelette shirt. Once I'm dressed, I splash warm water on my face and return to the kitchen. I take a seat at the bench and stare at Kade.

"You can ask about Alessia, and I'll answer the questions," he offers.

"Sure." I nod. "Tell me about tonight's event."

"Alessia's friend is opening his new club tonight, and we're going to support the opening. Her best friend, Jenna, will be there. She's a short brunette, very outgoing and crazy like Alessia." I'm not a crazy person, but I guess I could learn for the sake of this job! "The rest of her friends are just social climbers."

"Does she drink?"

"She's a vodka kind of person." He laughs.

My body shivers, vodka isn't real alcohol.

Kade adds in a few more spices before turning the pan off and dishing up the food into two different bowls. My stomach happily growls as he slides the dish in front of me.

"I hope you enjoy it," Kade nervously says.

"Thanks, I'm sure I will." There's a perfect blend of flavour in the food - he really can cook, something I never expected from a suit and tie kind of guy.

We eat in silence. I remain seated, whole Kade stands on the opposing side. As I eat, I think of questions to ask, but nothing comes to mind.

I wonder if Alessia would tell Jenna about her little deal. I would seem smart to fill in the best friend so that she could help me.

"The stylist team should be here soon. Nobody except me knows about this arrangement. Alessia is usually pretty quiet when she gets ready," Kade informs me.

"I haven't got any more questions to ask, I figured I'd learn on the job - or at least google desperate answers." I grin.

"That's an interesting concept, Lydia." I like the way he says my name. The masculine sound of his voice, and the way the word rolls off his tongue. I feel myself leaning into the counter, desperately wanting him to say my name again.

"Lydia, are you okay?" he asks.

"Yeah, I'm stellar." I grin madly. "I should also... go do something." Climbing off the stool, I walk towards the bedroom. Ugh, I can't believe I made a fool of myself in front of Kade Taylor, and it's only day one!

***