Curves Envy - Alphas Love Curves: BBW Billionaire Romance (7 page)

“Yeah, but I think the bigwigs at your company must have asked her to back off after your article on Melissa McCarthy exploded on the Internet.”

“You’re right. I can still see the look of disbelief on Jennifer’s face when I told her we had received over seven hundred and sixty-eight thousand views within twenty-four hours of me posting the article. Our Facebook page went crazy and all this buzz caught the attention of her superiors.”

One of the biggest highlights so far in my career has been to predict publically the Hollywood big girl would launch her own fashion line. I forecasted this turn of event in our industry well before it was popular to even put Melissa McCarthy and fashion in the same sentence. When I saw her performance in
Bridesmaids
, I knew she’d be a huge success despite her size and let’s face it, she’s so gorgeous. I don’t kid myself. Men don’t turn their heads when I walk alongside my co-worker from the skinny side of the magazine, but my editing career has taken off like a rocket.

“You should be proud of your achievement. What a scoop.”

I can’t help but beam at his compliment.

“Yeah, Jennifer has no other choice now but to be nicer to me and to give me a little respect. She can no longer treat me like shit like she’s done since the first day she laid her eyes on me.”

“If you’re working from home today, why don’t you finish early and let’s grab a drink.”

“Are you trying to call it truce?”

“I hate when we disagree about your weight, so yeah, I’d love to hang out so I know we’re okay. We can keep on talking about small things for another hour or we can see each other and hug the hell out of each other so I know we’re still good friends.”

“Dev, we’ll always be okay. I love you like a brother even when we don’t see eye to eye. Although I’d love to hang out with you tonight, I can’t. Trish is on her way from LA and she’ll be landing anytime now. We’re meeting for drinks later tonight.”

“Trish? I forgot she was coming today. Wow, you’ve not seen your detestable cousin since your grandmother died.”

“I know. It’s going to be interesting to see her reaction to my weight loss.”

“Yeah, she might not be as annoyed to be around you as she used to when you were coping with the loss of your parents.” Devin spits those words with disdain. He doesn’t like Trish because she’s always had this insidious way of putting me down. She’s the queen of backhanded compliments and going to a restaurant with her when I was at my heaviest was torture because of the side glances she’d shoot my way every time I’d poke my fork in my plate. Even when I ordered salad—which I hate with a passion.

“Let’s hope so. Trish and my aunt are my only last two living relatives. My cousin might not be the most compassionate person on the planet, but she’s still related to me by blood.”

“Whatever. In my world, she’s a royal bitch. We’re more family to you than she’s even been. She hasn’t bothered to come back to visit in eighteen months. Not to mention when she lived in New York, she always went after your boyfriends like a piranha.”

“Don’t remind me, Dev. I know exactly what my cousin is capable of.”

“As long as you know, you won’t be so shocked when she backstabs you again. Is she staying with you?”

“No, she insisted on getting a room. She said she was coming to the city to party and didn’t want to get in my way. As if I don’t know how to party.” Secretly, I know she doesn’t want to be around me more than she has to. She’s always been very embarrassed about my weight.

“Thank God. I much prefer you spend as little time with Trish as possible. In any case, where are you going to meet her?”

“You know how much of a wannabe diva she is. She’s selected an outrageously posh place. We’re meeting at the Brinkley Lounge inside the Bymark Hotel located on 57th Street.”

“Hello! I know exactly where it’s located. Since they’ve made a few recent changes, it’s become the coolest place right now. What are you going to wear?”

I can hear the excitement in Devin’s voice and I know he’s found a new focus, which has temporarily allowed him to forget all about my cousin.

“I wasn’t going to make much of an effort. It’s not as if I have to impress Trish. I don’t know. I was thinking jeans and a sweater. Maybe heels or high boots. I’ve not decided yet. I have plenty of time, I’m meeting her at seven-thirty.” I honestly didn’t plan on spending too much time getting ready to meet my cousin.

“Honey, who gives a flying fuck about Trish? You’re meeting her at a place swimming with loads of hot guys. You do realize some of the most eligible men in New York hang out there. Trust me, Brian has played there a few times for private functions and I’ve gone to support him and to soak in the vibe. You cannot walk in wearing jeans and a sweater. You need to walk in styled.”

“Devin, I don’t care about men. Remember, I’m the one who was unwittingly sleeping with a married man.” I roll my eyes, still upset at myself for allowing Vince into my life.

“Exactly. You’ve washed the fake pilot out of your hair and it’s now time to find a real man. If you’re not willing to go back to Vanilla Beans to discover the identity of your mystery admirer, this is the second-best option for you.”

I can’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm.

“Listen, Candy. I’m not saying to run to Saks and buy a brand-new outfit. I know what you look like when you’re trying to hide behind unflattering clothes because you don’t look like Miranda Kerr and I also know how vampy you can look when you channel Christina Hendricks. For tonight, be the vamp I know you can be.”

“Devin, you’re crazy.”

“Do it for me. Find a killer dress, put on those heels you bought a few months ago and shimmy your body into the sexiest lingerie you own. If nothing else, Trish will die of envy when she sees the new you.”

My cousin is family, but her attitude towards me has been quite hurtful. I’ve never wanted to rock the boat, so I’ve always swallowed my emotions instead of being honest about how she’s treated me in the past. I could only dream of having Trish’s slim and lean body. I’m still a big girl, but I’m the healthiest I’ve been in years. Secretly, I’d love to see her jaw dropped and leave her speechless when she sees the new me.

“Vamp it is.”

“That’s my girl. Now, remember, I want you to send me a selfie before you leave so I can give you the thumbs up. I have to go. I love you. Knock ’em dead tonight, sweetie.”

“I love you too, Dev.”

I hang up the phone and look at my cat sprawled luxuriously across my desk.

“Leo, what have I agreed to?”

Chapter 6

I’ve just stepped out of the cab in front of the Bymark Hotel when I realize Trish hasn’t texted me to confirm she’s arrived.

After I hung up with Devin, I ran to my bedroom to plan my reveal. I was so preoccupied with matching the right dress with the right shoes and the right accessories, I lost track of time. I should also confess I spent nearly an hour on my makeup and my hair. I took Devin’s words so much to heart, I completely ignored the fact I haven’t heard from my cousin since she called me before leaving LA early this morning.

Hmmm, I hope everything is okay.
Knowing Trish, she probably got caught up in one of the eligible men Devin was talking about and forgot to text me to let me know she was waiting for me.

When I arrive inside the lobby of the hotel, I make a quick beeline to drop off my coat before hopping into an elevator and heading to the fourteenth floor. I normally prefer to hang out in more casual places with my friends, but Trish believes in order to be seen as the successful Hollywood actress she thinks she is, it’s imperative to select the best venues.

Wow, this lobby is so luxurious.
The recent renovations have truly done this place justice. Bymark hired a very well-known French designer to transform the unremarkable hotel into a premier spot. Pierre-Henry de Papassan was all over the news for months. The media couldn’t get enough of the eccentric designer and by the time the epic renovations were completed, you couldn’t get a table at their restaurant or lounge for months. The waiting list was insane. I’ve never had any interest in coming here, but Lia’s obsession with the story was amusing and she’d gladly provide an update to whoever was willing to listen.

I’m sure the cocktails are going to cost an arm and a leg. I’m also sure when the time comes to pay, Trish will have a convenient excuse to stick me with the bill.

As I get out of the elevator, I decide to text Trish as I make my way to the bar, but a text from Devin pops up on my screen. I read his message with a big smile on my face.

Bad girl, you didn’t send me a selfie.

-----

Shit, I forgot. I followed your advice and spent an insane amount of time in front of the mirror. I think I look good.

-----

I’m sure you look smashing, honey, but I still want to see with my own two eyes.

-----

You’re impossible. I can run to the bathroom before meeting Trish and take a—

-----

“Oh!” I I bump into someone. “Shit. My phone!”

“I’m terribly sorry. Are you okay?” the stranger I bumped into asks as we both bend down to fetch my phone. As he reaches to grab my iPhone, he drops his. We’re both scrambling to pick up our iPhones in the middle of the fourteenth floor of a posh hotel. How embarrassing.

“Can you believe this?” The stranger finally grabs both phones and we stand up.

During this whole exchange I’ve not been able to bring myself to look at him. I feel like a complete idiot for texting while walking. I quickly grab the phone the stranger hands me and when I look up to thank him, my jaw drops.

No way.

There’s so much chaos in my head right now it takes me a few seconds to realize his eyes are fixed on my chest. When I follow his gaze, I realize in horror my turquoise-blue see-through bra is fully exposed.

“Crap.” In all of the kerfuffle, my wrap dress has opened to reveal the Sexy Curves lingerie I selected as a pop of color to the black wrap dress I had slipped on to impress Trish. I knew I should have worn a pin.
What was I thinking? I should know better than to let my big breasts loose like this.
When you sport a pair of double Ds, I’ve learned the hard way the importance of containing these babies because sometimes it’s like they have a life of their own. “Oh, God.” It’s bad enough that I’m standing in the middle of a luxurious hotel half naked, but the sexy stud smiling at me is none other than my secret admirer from last Sunday at Vanilla Beans.

“I think you might want to cover up or else you’ll attract a lot of unwanted attention,” he chuckles, still fixated on my boobs.

I’m mortified and babble something inaudible before covering my exposed chest with both hands and running to the bathroom.

I only allow myself to breathe once I close the door behind me.
Way to go, Candy.
I walk to the large mirror to assess the damage.

“Good Lord,” I let out when I notice how exposed I am. I knew the bra left little to the imagination, but I never expected a complete stranger to be able to peer at my areolas.
Breathe.
It’s not as if it’s the first time he’s ever seen breasts.

I try to regain my composure before fixing my dress and covering up. Once I look decent again, I grab the phone I had dropped on the counter to text back Devin and share this humiliating story.
This is weird. It’s not accepting my fingerprint. What the hell?
I fumble with my phone for a few minutes before realizing the obvious—we swapped phones.
Shit.
I quickly glance at my
reflection in the mirror to make sure I no longer have any body parts hanging out of my dress and grab my handbag to catch the stranger before he leaves the hotel. I swing open the door to the bathroom ready to sprint in my turquoise high heels, but his voice stops me in my tracks.

“You realized it’s not your phone?”

I turn around to face the stranger I’ve now met twice in the same week.

“Yeah. It’s not taking my fingerprint. I’m so very sorry for not being more careful. I shouldn’t walk and text.”

“Don’t worry about it. Here’s your phone,” he says, handing me my device. He takes a step towards me and instinctively I’m compelled to take one back, but it’s as if my legs are made of lead. I’m drawn by his energy and I’m unable to move. “While you were in the bathroom a call came in. It might be important. Or better yet, it might even be your date for the evening confirming he’s arrived,” he adds flirtatiously.

Something about the way he says that immediately causes my cheeks to flame up and I lower my gaze in the hopes he doesn’t notice how much of an effect he has on me.

“Thanks. It’s most likely my cousin. We’re meeting at the bar over there.” I point in the direction of the lounge.

God, did you have to give him all these details? You don’t even know his name, for crying out loud.

“Your cousin? He’s a very lucky man to be seen with you.”

“Oh. I… Well, no…” Fuck, have I lost my powers of speech? “My cousin is a woman.”

“I bet she doesn’t look half as good as you do,” he says, leaning into me. “I’m also pretty sure she’s not wearing the same kind of outrageously sexy lingerie you’ve hidden under your dress.”

The last sentence sends an electric charge travelling at the speed of light from my nipples to my clit. His gaze is fixed on mine and I’m so overwhelmed I can’t find my words.
Jesus.

“Gosh, you’re going to make me blush.”

“I have no doubt you look adorable with rosy cheeks.”

“Oh.”
What a smooth talker.

“Since we’ve bumped into each other twice in the same week, perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Maximiliano. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He takes a long step back to extend his hand because a few seconds ago he was so dangerously close to me the only body part threatening to touch me was his cock.