by Clare London
The sudden cry from Addam startled Joel out of his reverie. “Oh my God, but yes! I see what you’re getting at!”
Matt was pointing at a basic shape Addam had drawn earlier. “We’ve been too constrained, too respectful. This project isn’t for a formal state crown. This prince will never have to wear one of those. We’re working on personal gifts that will be mementos of a love match.”
“I see. The design can be much simpler, yet more stylish.” Addam nodded.
“Nothing too abstract, of course, because the public has an expectation of tradition too,” Matt added. “Look at how royal brides still wear the jewelry of previous generations. So, it should still be recognizable as royal. A crown. It’s a good place to start.” His hand traced the shape, his voice tight with excitement. “But we should use contemporary styling to reflect a special, twenty-first-century marriage.”
Joel held his breath, listening to them create magic. He moved over to the table, quietly, not wanting to interrupt.
“You mean….” Addam’s nodding was so enthusiastic now that he had to push hair off his forehead as it fell from its sculpted style. “A simple coronet shape with modern, clean lines rather than all the pomp of velvet and religious crosses. Three spokes, perhaps, like the spires of a cathedral. Some of the buildings in Milan are an example—”
“Norwich Cathedral,” Matt said gruffly, “has a great spire.”
Addam just smiled and nodded.
“And to reflect the fact it’s two men marrying.” Matt grabbed the pencil from Addam’s hand without so much as a by your leave and started shading the edges of the original sketch. “Bed the coronet on a twist of golden leaves, reflecting the laurel wreath from ancient Roman emperors—”
“As a nod to Mr. Astra’s heritage as well as that of our own Royal Family? Something old, something new. Yes, of course, I love it.” Addam sounded gleeful. “Boss, what do you think?”
Joel gazed at the rough but elegant sketches of the coronet that Matt had produced. “You’re using perspective to make the spokes of the coronet appear to rise from the wreath.” He nodded approval. “If we place the jewels in the right place, the crown will capture the light from all angles. The gold will draw the eye, the gems will hold it. Matt, it’s beautiful.”
Matt shook his head momentarily, maybe clearing a thought, maybe dismissing the praise. “As a motif, it’ll work on anything. They must be diamonds. They represent loyalty and love.”
“Faith and endurance too,” Joel added. Matt looked up and caught Joel’s eye. For the briefest moment, a grudging smile flitted across his mouth, and he nodded agreement.
Addam started barking instructions to his junior, who scribbled away in his notebook. All the room was gathered around the table by now, rapt by Addam and Matt’s discussion. “Get me a list of our most reliable and discreet gemstone suppliers. Contact the goldsmith’s too. I need them to be ready to start production on samples as soon as possible.”
“Two single gems, paired, for the two single men,” Matt said firmly. “On the rings, as well. Equal sizes, equal men in their love, in their marriage, both touched with royal privilege, with….”
“Beauty,” Joel said softly. He wasn’t speaking directly to Matt, though Matt tensed up. “Striking and special, yet on a timeless theme. Unmistakably unique. Unmistakably theirs.”
Freddie gave a small hiccup—it might have been a sob of happiness.
The high emotion in the room had affected Joel too, though in a different way. He had corporate issues to consider. “I don’t have to stress to you all how confidential this project is, do I? It’s not common knowledge until the end of this week.” He looked around the room, meeting a selection of eager eyes. “Addam, you and your team will deal only with me from this point on. Rafe, you too. Lily and Freddie, we haven’t passed any of these designs through palace protocol yet. In fact, we won’t need marketing involved until then. Matt, Addam, and I will let you know when we’re ready to prepare promotional releases.”
Lily’s eyes widened and pink spots appeared on her cheeks. “Of course we understand, like totally, we—”
“—won’t let you down, boss!” Freddie fired back.
The door opened on Teresa, backing her way into the room with a full tray.
“Let me help!” Lily cried, darting across the room. “I believe that’s—”
“—more sandwiches!” Freddie finished gleefully, overtaking her as if on the last bend of the 100m sprint relay. And everyone laughed.
Chapter Six
THE afternoon sped by. Not only was everyone excited by Project Palace, they were energized by Matt’s inclusion and his new ideas.
For Joel, it was a revelation to watch Matt Barth work. All the rumors had implied he was a maverick, a lone wolf, with barely developed social skills. Yet even if that hadn’t conflicted with Joel’s first meeting with him in the bar at Claridge’s, it was still obvious from Matt’s working practice that he could be a collaborative team member. He mainly worked with Addam, the two talented men bouncing ideas off each other, both of them sketching as they chatted, sharing the papers, scribbling over aborted designs with a laugh or a grimace, the assistants in a frenzy of research on high-end gifts, gemstone settings, and gold moldings.
Maybe it was because the project had genuinely captured Matt’s enthusiasm.
Maybe it’s because he’s on a mission to infiltrate Starsmith.
No. Joel didn’t want to believe that. He knew his heart was reluctant to cast Matt as a potential saboteur. It wasn’t just pride, although Joel had always thought he was a good judge of character, and in their short time together that evening at Claridge’s, he’d been impressed with Matt’s honesty. No, it was more than that.
That night, I’d probably have asked him for a date. He’d been about to, if Matt hadn’t rushed off.
Matt laughed suddenly at something, his head thrown back, his expression relaxed with pleasure, his body language broadcasting his comfort with his companions, with a job he obviously knew and loved well. Joel remembered Matt saying he’d missed his work in design.
Christ, but he’s gorgeous.
That night, Joel thought, he’d definitely have asked for a date.
I still want to.
AT the end of the day, Joel sent everyone home on time. The breakthrough was thrilling, but there were many more days of hard work ahead, and he didn’t want resources used up too soon. However, he felt strangely reluctant to set off for home and his elegant, yet silent apartment in Kensington. He found himself left with Matt, who still lingered at the table, Addam’s pencil behind his left ear. Joel went to stand beside him. Did Matt shiver as Joel came close, or was that Joel’s imagination?
“The design ideas are marvelous, everything you’ve been working on today—you and Addam, that is,” Joel added quickly, seeing Matt’s eyes darken. The guy didn’t like singular attention, it seemed.
Matt ran his hand back through his unruly hair, and his smile was wary.
“It’s been a hell of a day. For us all.”
“Yes, I appreciate that. But what we have been missing is that spark of originality, something truly special that reflects our clients’ needs.”
Matt looked uncomfortable with the praise, or was that just because it came from Joel? “I can’t make you out.”
“Me?”
Matt’s shrug was awkward. “All this excitement around you. All this barely controlled chaos. Not that a design office isn’t always like this. But you…. You’re always as cool as a bloody cucumber.”
It startled Joel to be described through others’ eyes. “I have to be. I’m in charge. I have to manage everything.” He didn’t always like that role, but he knew what it entailed, and he’d do it to the best of his ability. “You’re very talented, very passionate about what you do, Matt. In fact, about everything. However, I can’t always afford to be so….” He couldn’t think of the right word. Dammit, the only one that sprang to mind was free.
/> “Why the hell not?” Matt was back in challenge mode. “You have everything here. Great job, a huge salary, I suspect. Everyone seems to like and admire you. This project is going to make your name in the annals of jewelry history.”
How did Matt manage to make all that sound so hollow? “It’ll be good for your career too,” Joel said tightly. “Like I said, you’re very talented. Everyone here is enjoying working with you.”
Matt reached for his jacket off the back of a chair. “That’s not important. I’m not looking for that anymore.”
“Because…?” The subject couldn’t be avoided. “Because you no longer have a family business?”
Matt opened his mouth quickly as if to argue, but then he sighed and seemed to take a slower breath. “No, not just that. I was tired of the commercial side of things long before Starsmith pounced on us.”
Pounced? Joel would let that pass. “What is your interest now, then? When we first met….” He felt he was stepping on broken eggshells here. “You had plenty to say about treasure. I can’t believe you’ve lost the joy of the industry completely.”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s too late in the day for chat,” Matt said, his voice flat.
Joel didn’t want to push. No, he did want to push, but he didn’t dare. Matt was already making a positive impact on the project but had barely got his feet under the table. Joel didn’t dare alienate him afresh. “I assume you’ll be traveling back to Norfolk at the weekend. Do you have other family there, as well as your father?”
“Yeah. Dad has a cottage in a village near Diss, and my cousin and his wife own a farm nearby. When I’m not at the cottage, I stay with Gary’s family at the farm.”
“You enjoy farming?”
Matt’s jaw set more mulishly. “And why not?”
“No, wait, I didn’t mean—” Joel had just meant to keep the conversation going.
But Matt chuckled, a surprisingly warm, genuine sound. “It’s okay, I know I don’t come across as much of a farmer. And to be honest, I don’t have much time for sheep and pigs, though I’ll help out where I can, when it’s needed. But Gary’s also very keen on archaeology and has a small dig in progress.”
Now that was fascinating. Joel leaned forward, closer to Matt. “Tell me about it?”
“Norfolk is one of the best places in the country for treasure hunters—not many people know that. More treasure has been found by amateur hunters in Norfolk in the last three years than in a host of other counties combined. Plenty of people have settled there over the ages, but unlike the English industrial cities, the land hasn’t been as heavily disturbed by building projects. A lot of it remains in farming. Seems like every time Gary takes out his plowing equipment, there’s the chance of turning up something that’s been hidden for centuries.”
Matt had relaxed as he talked about the farm and the dig. Was this where his heart really lay? Maybe he’d given up his design work not because of issues with commercialism but to spend time in another occupation. Though Joel couldn’t imagine there were any salaried job prospects in amateur archaeology.
Money isn’t everything. Joel knew that as a valid concept. But for him, it always had been.
“Have you discovered any treasure?” he asked.
Matt rolled his eyes with impatience. “Everyone asks that.”
“Everyone’s probably interested!”
Matt’s smile broadened. There was a flicker of bright excitement in his eyes, like the reflection from a flame. “Yes, you’re right. And we recently found evidence of an old Roman site. Gary’s moved the pigpens so we can work on the plot of land that looks most promising.”
“The pigs didn’t mind?”
Matt laughed easily now. “They don’t mind where the hell they are, as long as they’re fed regularly. And now we can explore the land whenever we get free time. It’s not like we can work on it every day, especially now I’m working down here. But at least things stay in place, in between times.”
It was fascinating information about the dig, but also another window into Matt’s passion.
“I’d like to see that sometime. You could show me around.” Joel deliberately ignored Matt’s raised eyebrows. “And while you’re staying in London, I could show you around.”
Matt had tensed again. “Want to keep an eye on me? I’ve been to London before. I’m not a country bumpkin.”
For God’s sake. Joel’s next words escaped him before he could censor them. “You’re bloody impossible, that’s what you are!”
They glared at each other for a second. Then Matt’s eyes crinkled at the corners, and the genuine grin returned. “Yeah. You’re damn right about that.”
“I am?” Joel’s grin followed swiftly. Matt’s sudden good humor was infectious. His heart seemed to beat harder and louder, and he turned his attention to the designs still out on the table, to hide his reaction.
Behind him, Matt spoke gruffly. “I’d like that.”
“Sorry?”
“To be shown around. If the offer’s still open.”
Joel compared the unnerving, back-and-forth effect of being with Matt Barth to a roller-coaster ride, not that he’d ever been on one. “Yes, of course. I thought you might like to see the Starsmith showrooms, behind the scenes as well as the areas open to clients. The goldsmith workshops too.”
The bright flame of interest flickered again in Matt’s eyes. “Yes, I would. As long as we have time in the work schedule. I can’t be burning the candle at both ends.”
“Burning…?”
“You never heard that expression? It’s one of Dad’s favorites.” For a moment, Matt’s eyes softened. “Means I need to develop a better work-life balance.”
Joel spoke without thinking. “You and me both.”
Matt looked up, startled, halfway through pulling on his jacket.
Joel didn’t want to be drawn on his own life, or lack of it outside work. He swiftly stacked the day’s papers into a neat pile on the boardroom table. “I need to lock all this away before we leave.”
“This room can be locked up?”
“Yes, and only Teresa and I have keys. But I don’t like to rely solely on that. I have a safe in my office along the corridor.” He tucked them all in a file and went to switch off the lights.
Matt didn’t move.
“Are you coming?” Joel asked.
“Wasn’t sure you’d want me with you when you do all your secret squirrel stuff.”
Dear God. Did Matt think Joel didn’t trust him? Then again, did Joel trust him? The stories of Matthew Barth’s meddlesome ways were still lodged in the back of his mind. “There’s no problem.” He hoped his sudden pause hadn’t been too obvious.
They both left the room, and as Joel locked it behind them, there came a call from along the darkened corridor.
“Joel?” It was Teresa, hurrying toward him, her expression unusually excited.
“What is it?” Joel asked. “Is there a problem?”
“No, not at all. In fact, the opposite! The palace has sent an invitation to a reception. They insist it’s informal, just a small dinner party, nothing to make a fuss about.” Her cheeks were pink with excitement, regardless. “And if you just so happened to have some early designs, they’d love to see them.”
Joel’s gut lurched with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. “But the public announcement isn’t until next Monday. And we weren’t expecting to present anything until several weeks after that.”
“Just informal,” Teresa repeated. It didn’t sound any less like a royal summons the second time around. “Um… except the grooms would like to set aside a few minutes to catch up with you. Personally!”
“Don’t they have private secretaries or equerries or something, to do all that on their behalf?” Matt asked.
“Sounds like the young men are rather impatient,” Teresa said with a grin. “Like any imminent wedding partners, I’d say. It’s on Saturday—”
“This Saturday?” Joel almost snor
ted with shock. “We’ve only just decided on the design—we won’t have everything in place by then!”
He didn’t notice Matt’s hand on him until the other man squeezed his arm. “We’ll have enough by then.”
Joel spun around to stare at him. “We will? I mean, you will?”
“We’ll make sure we do,” Matt said, his firm voice surprisingly reassuring.
“Good,” Teresa announced gleefully at him. “Because they’ve invited the chief designers too, that’ll be you and Addam.”
Joel had never actually seen someone’s jaw drop open until that moment. He was torn between teasing Matt and snapping at Teresa for dropping the bombshell on them both.
“I’m out of here,” Matt said sharply. “I’m tired, it’s been a hard day, and it looks like the rest of this week is gonna be more of the same.”
“Yes. Of course—”
But all Joel could do was watch Matt’s back retreating with speed away from him.
Chapter Seven
“IT’S bloody ridiculous.” Matt scowled at himself in the mirror on the back of his cousin’s bedroom door.
Caro slapped him on the calf, none too gently. She was on her knees, carefully pinning up his suit trousers. “Of course it’s not! It’s really exciting! If you’d just stand still….”
“You’re fussing like I’m one of your prize pigs.”
“Can’t say I remember seeing one of my pigs in a tailored suit,” Gary snorted. He was sitting on the bed, sorting through a messy pile of feed supplier invoices while he watched Matt’s private dressing with unfettered amusement.
“And what are you grinning at?” Matt snapped at his cousin. “Caro, what’s the matter with just wearing my work suit?”