Curves Envy 3 - Claimed By An Alpha: BBW Billionaire Romance (2 page)

“Wow. Talk about a timely encounter.”

“More than you can imagine. I’ve never been more grateful to a man’s wealth than I was trembling with fear on my knees in the Fashion Archive room.”

“What do you mean?”

“Stone married big when she tied the knot with Dean Catsimatides.”

“
The
Dean Catsimatides?”

“Yup. The one and only. Stone’s new husband took over the presidency of Motor Oil Matides after his father Yiannis stepped down a few years ago. The company still operates in Greece, but the Catsimatideses hold several US base companies, including a network of gas stations and another very profitable division that sells fuel for airplanes. Apart from petroleum, Dean’s family business has also invested in publishing, television and radio industries in America and in Europe, as well as a ferry company that serves the island of Crete. All these business interests have contributed to making Dean one of the richest men in Greece and in New York with an estimated net worth of thirty million. The downturn in the Greek economy eroded their fortune by seven million dollars and after a few challenging years, the patriarch of the family handed over the reins of his dynasty to his eldest son. Stone doesn’t have to work, but she shows up at the magazine every day before most of us because she loves the fashion world so much.”

“News of the wedding was everywhere in the media, but I didn’t connect your Stone to the one who married Dean because I never imagined the Greek magnate’s new wife would still be a working woman. Frankly, I became quite tired of it. Everything leading up to the big day seemed more like a circus than anything else.” Deidra chugs down the last sip of her drink before smiling warmly at me. “It’s all behind you now,” she says, squeezing my hand in hers. “I hope you’re ready to enjoy three days of sun-filled fun?”

“After the last few stressful days, I’m sure looking forward to enjoying a lot of cocktails by the poolside.”

“I want to give you a fair warning, there will be quite a lot of work, but I think you know by now Max works hard and plays even harder.”

Chapter 2

I slowly open my eyes, blinded by the early-morning sun filling the hotel room. I sit up to see if Deidra is still sleeping, but the rumpled blankets indicate she’s already up and about.

“I haven’t slept this well in two days,” I tell myself aloud. I stretch my arms in the air like Sleeping Beauty awakening from her spell, feeling rejuvenated and excited to take on the day. “I wonder what time it is.” I reach out to the nightstand to grab my iPhone and when I turn on my phone, I gasp.
How can it be eighty-thirty already? Crap. I’m going to be late. I need to skedaddle if I want to make it to the photoshoot by nine o’clock.

I pull the sheets away from my body and jump to my feet, sprinting to the bathroom like an Olympian. I take a two-minute shower, put on a five-minute face, sleek back my hair into a low ponytail, grab the first outfit that catches my attention, slip into a pair of ballerina flat shoes, grab my bag and head for the door. I only allow myself to breathe when the elevator doors close behind me. I’ve been collecting a string of faux-pas like others collect trophies lately and I don’t want to screw up this important day.

When I glance at my reflection in the mirror, I realize my understated look is quite pleasing.
Not bad for a woman who only had twenty minutes to get ready.

When I arrive at the lobby, my phone flashes Deidra’s number and I immediately accept her call. “Good morning, Deidra.”

“Someone sounds quite chipper this morning. You looked like you needed the rest so I didn’t want to wake you up this morning, since I was up before the roosters.”

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your gesture. I needed to sleep off the last few days. I must say, this morning, I feel like a new woman. What time did you get up?”

“I got up at six and I’ve been at the photoshoot since seven. I didn’t think you wanted to wake up as early as I did.”

“Yikes. You’re right. If I had gotten up as early as you did, I most likely would be dozing off underneath a palm tree right now.”

We both laugh.

“I’m going to send a car to pick you up to drive you to the mansion where we’ll spend the majority of the day. We’ve rented an exquisite home and it will be the perfect backdrop for our next swimsuit collection. The chauffeured Benz should be there within fifteen minutes. I hope you don’t mind waiting a bit?”

“The timing couldn’t be better. It will allow me to grab a quick breakfast and a much-needed latte.”

“If I were you, I’d keep it to the coffee only. As delicious as the food is at our boutique hotel, the spread here on location is outrageous. I’ve been stuffing my face since we got here and I can’t stop.”

“Oh, I’m really excited now. I’m starved. The last time we ate was when you and I snuck out of the hotel in search of local Miami delicacies.”

“You’re right. Even more reason for you to hold off until you get here. I can’t promise the same exotic experience as last night, but the food here is simply sinful.”

Deidra made reservations before leaving New York and she couldn’t wait to whisk me to one of her favorite spots. CVI.CHE 105 serves the most exquisite traditional Peruvian dishes in a modern presentation. I loved everything about this Miami eatery, from the pleasant environment to the friendly staff, the excellent food and the kill-me-with-decadence desserts.

I’m usually not very adventurous when it comes to international foods, but something about Deidra gave me the confidence to dive into uncharted culinary territory. It was my first time trying ceviche, but to my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed the fish marinated in fresh lime juice, mixed with onions and a dash of cilantro, as an appetizer. We both opted for the
arroz con pollo
—an iconic Peruvian dish consisting of rice with chicken fragrant with touches of fresh coriander. If I could have licked my plate clean, I would have.

I was going to pass on dessert, but Deidra insisted on ordering the
lúcuma
cheesecake. She said it was an experience not to be missed and she was right. Deidra had to enlighten me on her selection because I had never heard of this exotic fruit before. It turns out the
lúcuma
is a Peruvian fruit. Although it’s prevalent in Peru, only a handful of people grow it in California and in Hawaii. It was hard for me to pinpoint the taste, but I’d say it’s a bit like caramel custard. The only thing I know is I could live off of this sweet creation.

The pastry chef at CVI.CHE 105 integrated the exotic fruit in a classic cheesecake over a base of chocolate cookies and with a fudge topping. I gripped the table when the first bite melted in my mouth—it was truly worthy of being featured on my list of food-porn faves.

“Since we finished dinner at nine o’clock last night, I’ve been fasting for the past twelve hours, but you’ve convinced me to be a little bit more patient.” I laugh.

“Did you get Max’s text messages?” Her question puts a dead stop to my giggling.

Shit.
I was so preoccupied with not being late, I didn’t even take the time to check my messages. “Shoot. I only got up thirty minutes ago and I was rushing to make it to the photoshoot on time. I didn’t have the good sense to check and see if Max had been in touch.”

“I most likely won’t have an opportunity to speak openly to you because the set will be swarming with people and it will be nearly impossible to keep this conversation private.”

My stomach churns. “Should I be worried?”

“Nah. Max came by our room last night. He wanted you to go up to his suite, but you were sleeping so soundly neither of us had the heart to wake you. He’s not going to be at the photoshoot today, Candy. He has a full day of important back-to-back meetings with the top retailers in the city and with our local PR company. Since I’m here manning the fort at the photoshoot, his cousin Luana Monterroso, who manages our swimwear production in Brazil, will spend the day by his side. Chances are he’s not going to reemerge until the party later tonight. I wanted to warn you in advance.”

A flood of relief washes over me. I thought I was going to have to handle yet another crisis, but this I can accept. It will be excruciating to spend a whole day without seeing Max, but knowing he came looking for me last night makes me giddy.
This might turn out to be the longest day in history, but at least I’ll see him later.

“Thanks so much for the heads-up, Deidra. I guess I won’t have to worry as to when he’ll show up.”

“You’ll be so busy soaking up this new adventure, you won’t even have time to miss him.”

I know she’s trying to make it easier for me to swallow this bitter pill, but I already know every minute away from him today will be agonizing.

* * *

When the driver slows down in front of the biggest house I’ve ever laid eyes on, I pull out my phone to double-check the address to make sure I’m at the right location.
Holy shit. Who the hell lives here?
Lady Gaga?

Once I double-check the chauffeur didn’t make a mistake, I step out of the chic Mercedes Benz car. Although it’s only ten in the morning by the time I arrive, the bombastic beat of an expert DJ fills the mansion. I immediately recognize one of my favorite songs from Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 album. God, I love
Pusher Love Girl.

I make my way to the garden where the photoshoot is to take place while still bobbing my head to the sultry vibe. The backyard is already packed with models, photographers, makeup artists, hairdressers and a series of people fretting as if we’re on the set of a Hollywood movie.
Wow.
They spared no expense for this swimsuit collection.

Deidra waves at me from the other side of the pool as she sashays towards me.
She’s thin and tall enough to be a top model and her gorgeous features don’t hurt a bit.

“You made it. You look fabulous in that adorable red dress with white polka dots. If you keep this up, we might have to include you as part of the lineup of models.” She winks at me before hugging me.

Although it’s warm, I draped myself in a matching red cardigan to hide my upper arms. If this heat keeps up, I’ll have to ditch the cotton sweater in a few hours.

“There’s no way I would allow anyone to take photos of me in a bathing suit.” It would be easy to blame my flaming cheeks on the warm weather, but I know I’m beet red from embarrassment at the idea I could prance around in a skimpy little two-piece suit allowing the world to ogle all my lumps and bumps.
Yeah. It’s not going to happen.

“You, my dear, underestimate what you’ve got going on.”

“You sound exactly like Max.” It’s hard to believe somebody as slim as Deidra could make this comment about my body. She’s rail-thin.
She doesn’t have an ounce of fat, how can she possibly understand?

“I have a feeling by the end of the day you’ll see yourself very differently. After watching our dangerously sexy plus-size models make love to the camera, I’m sure you’ll have no choice but to face reality—you’re as beautiful as all of the women we hired for today’s shoot.”

“Now you’re really going to make me blush,” I say, biting my lower lip as I drop my gaze to my shoes.

“Come on, I want to introduce you to a few of our models and I also want to introduce you to the photographer. I think if you spend a few minutes with them, you’ll be able to find interesting angles you can inject in the articles.” Before I can answer, Deidra grabs my hand and forces me to follow her. God, even in these heels she’s walking fast. “Not that I’m one to start rumors, but word has it we might get a surprise visit from a reporter from CNN today. It seems plus-size model Tess Holliday’s primetime appearance not long ago has the worldwide channel very interested in curvy women.”

“Are you serious?” I speak so loudly I surprise myself.

“I’m not promising anything. I’m just saying there’s a possibility we might have a very interesting guest on site today.” She flashes me a mischievous smile.
I wonder if she knows more than she’s letting on?

“I hope the possibility turns out to be a reality. I would be beside myself to meet a reporter from CNN in the flesh.”

“I wouldn’t worry about reporters from prime-time channels for now. I promised you a spread fit for royalty and I believe we should start the day off on the right foot by indulging in delectable food before anything else. Once you’re fully satiated, I’ll introduce you to key people.” Deidra’s eyes are gleaming with excitement and she pulls me towards the kitchen by the hand.

I doubt very much I’ll ever be able to forget this day.

* * *

I think I need to pinch myself.
I can’t believe I spent most of the morning interviewing some of the top models in the plus-size industry.

Since this is a rare opportunity to interview someone face to face as opposed to an email interview, a Skype interview or even a phone interview, I went to town. I quizzed these beauties on their beauty regimes, their makeup tips, their hair secrets and flattering wardrobe selections for plus-size figures.

Most of the models are sweethearts. I got along famously with nearly all of them, but I must say there was something slightly off-putting about Bruna Alvares.
Who cares if she was voted plus-size model of the year when she has such a snooty attitude?
I know she’s an international model and she’s graced the cover of
Sassy
magazine and of a number of other publications dedicated to plus-size women, but there’s no reason to look down on me the way she does. I could easily chalk it up to our height difference, since the Brazilian model stands five-eleven before she slips into her five-inch heels and my flat ballerina shoes don’t do much to enhance my petite five-four figure, but I’d be ignoring the obvious negative vibes she’s been sending my way since we first met. I know I seem plain next to her glamorous goddess-like self, but if she clicks her tongue while rolling her eyes before answering another one of my questions, I’ll scream.
Biatch.