“Ourhandiwork.”
Her painting hung in the place of honor above Nick’s fireplace mantel. And looked amazing.
He pulled her close. “Wasn’t sure I’d ever be back in this room.”
“Never thought I’d be living in this house again.”
“Never say never.” Nick chuckled. “It looks great. I’m glad the painting found a permanent home here.”
“Yes, it can stay forever as long asI’m only a temporary resident.”
Nick pressed a kiss to her hair. “We’ll find something.”
Unfortunately, her parents had begun the process of getting Nana’s house up for sale, so Kat was staying at their house to save money on rent. Her cash flow dried up when she left the MoMA. At the same time, Nick’s cash flow had taken a significant jump, and they’d begun looking for a place in the Colorado Springs area that would work for them both.
“You know, I fell in love with you a little bit in this room.”
She raised her eyes to his. “Really?”
“That first day when you saved me from freezing in my broken-down car.”
She smiled softly and twined her arms around his neck. “I was pretty smitten, too. You were so cute. Sitting out there trying to figure out which was worse— freezing or facing my mother.”
He nipped at her lip. “Pretty sure you were laughing at me.”
“Not at all. I was being sensible.”
“And nice.” He squeezed her against his chest and nuzzled into her hair. “So nice,” he murmured before lowering his lips to hers.
Long moments later, she pulled back. “As much as I love where I’m at, it’s almost time for that show.”
Nick gave an exaggerated sigh. “I suppose we should give it a look.”
Grinning, Kat took his hand and led him from the room. “I, for one, am not about to miss it.”
With remote in hand, Kat settled into the sofa beside Nick, nervous excitement coursing through her. His HomeBuilders TV debut was only minutes away. Kat’s parents were conveniently out of town, and Nana had declined Kat’s offer to pick her up for the viewing. Nick’s parents were watching from their home, leaving Kat to share the big event alone with Nick.
Almost alone. His phone had dinged all day. She knew the crew in New York was standing by to see rating and social media response. Some of the people associated with the All Things Beautiful Shop had tossed around the idea of renting a room for a watch party, but Nick gave that an unequivocal thumbs down.
She glanced sideways. “You good?”
He blew out a laugh and squeezed her hand. “Ready to get this done.”
The narrator drew their attention to the television. Kat leaned forward, waiting, anticipating… “Oh, come on already,” she groaned as the announcer introduced the homeowners and contractor along with a tour of the home’s work in progress. Finally, the camera cut to the woodshop.
In recorded spontaneity, Nick looked up from his table saw. The rolled-up sleeves of his work shirt exposed muscular arms. He raised the goggles to reveal his warm green eyes then flashed his slow, thousand-watt smile.
Kat melted against him. “Oh, my gosh. You look amazing.” She could practically hear women across the country gasp. She imagined heads turning, people stopping mid-task to stare at the television.
His rich voice filled the air, and then both their phones began a cacophony of pings.
During a commercial break, she checked her messages and couldn’t contain her grin or the rush of pride that enveloped her. Texts from Mia and Nana sang Nick’s praises.
She nudged him. “What’s the word?”
“My mom likes it.”
Kat punched his arm. “Shocking.” His mother was probably beside herself with pride. “Come on, what’s the team saying?”
