He held up a hand. “Kat, I never said you don’t deserve to succeed.”
Her lips trembled. “I hope to work with a university entrepreneur team to build a business plan that involves putting my designs on commercial items like scarves and handbags. The people at the DAM think–”
“Like the seasonal banners. And merchandise.”
She nodded. “Yeah.”
“That’d be a major change.”
She thought a spark of interest flashed in his eyes, but his tone was matter-of-fact and didn’t indicate what he thought of the idea. He resumed cutting his steak.
“It would,” she said softly.
“And a lot of work.”
“I expect so.” She let a hint of challenge slip into her voice. She wasn’t afraid of hard work. Surely, he knew that.
His glance flicked to hers for a moment. “Sounds cool. What about the MoMA?”
“I haven’t decided if I still want to be there.” She watched his face for his reaction.
He set down his utensils. “Kat. That’s a huge decision.”
“I know. But I’ve done a lot of thinking. I feel stuck, and this new prospect is exciting. I think I saw the museum job as a path toward validation and legitimacy, a way to prove value to my family. Years ago, since I was a little girl, I dreamed of designing products. I wanted to be an artist, not a museum curator.”
Nick squeezed her hand. “Babe, I think you should follow your dreams.”
Her heart fluttered. She also dreamed of falling in love with an amazing guy—someone handsome and talented, honest, and trustworthy. Someone who made her heart race. Someone who made her proud. She was in love with Nick Summers. And she wasn’t giving him up.
She leaned in. “Nick, I sure could use someone who knows the ropes of the retail art industry. And who has an interest in art.” Her voice wavered, but she went on. “And who always has my back.”
A slow grin spread across his face. “I’m all yours.”
Almost giddy with relief, Kat let out something between a laugh and a choke. “Do you mean that?”
“Very much.”
That was all she needed to hear. Swiping at sudden tears, Kat glanced around the room. “I… Are you finished?”
The light dancing in Nick’s eyes sent heat rushing over her.
“I am. Let’s get out of here.”
Before she could react, Nick had moved around the table.
As he pulled back her chair, Kat stood on wobbly legs. Not caring that they might cause a scene in the ritzy restaurant, she matched his smile and turned into his arms.
He scooped her up and lifted her off the floor, twirling her. As he set her down again, applause broke out, and Kat caught the look of delight on Nana’s face.
A second later, Nick pressed his lips to hers, and the rest of the world disappeared.
ChapterTwenty-Eight
Kat slipped inside the living room at her parent’s house and found Nick staring at the new wall.
He pushed off from the arm of a chair and moved toward her.
“What are you doing? Admiring your handiwork?”
