“Would I have asked you on my own? I’m thinking with both of us laying out the truth in the kitchen, we can handle this, too. No. I wouldn’t have asked.”
Ouch. She rubbed her fist over her chest. Damn, that hurt worse than she’d expected.
“Not because you’re not talented. I’ve seen so many examples that you truly are. I think you’re going to kick ass in the design world.”
“But?” She could handle it.Sure you can.
“But I wanted to find someone with a name big enough to draw whatever cachet I couldn’t.”
“That makes sense, I guess. But you want the magazine spread enough to settle for me?”
His eyes went wide and he reached for her hand without a second’s hesitation.
“No. I amnotsettling. If you agree, I’m getting an up-and-coming designer that is going to set the world on fire. I’m getting someone with a unique vision who sees things I don’t, who makes me imagine how something could be and want it.”
Cue heart flutters. “Those are nice things.”
He smiled, squeezing her hand before he let it go. “I’m also getting someone who I can’t stop thinking about. Someone who frustrates me and turns me on in equal measure. Someone who challenges me and makes me laugh. This could make us really good friends or it could tip us over the ledge into enemy territory.”
She thought about that. Working with Noah every single day when just tonight she’d thought staying away from him would solve her problems. Being photographed and written about. It was more than a career stepping-stone. It was a freaking rocket launcher.
“I’m not who you want.” She couldn’t get over that part. Especially since it was the truth both personally and professionally.
“Professionally, you weren’t my first choice. I won’t be disappointed, though. I know I won’t. Personally, you know that’s not true. Truthfully, not going there with me will ensure you won’t be disappointed.” He gave a rough laugh.
Noah looked down a moment, like the answers to life were on her coffee table. Letting out a deep sigh, he brought his gaze back to Grace’s. “I haven’t been fair to you. You have every reason to be wary. The truth is, I’ve never met anyone like you. I’m not great at friendships. I’m shit at relationships. I don’t even bother trying because I know myself too well. But I care about you, Grace. You snuck in when few people do. You’re talented. Really talented. Even though I’ve been a jerk, I haven’t missed that. I trust you. I’m asking you to take this ride with me.”
The ache just below her ribs spread out, overtaking her entire upper body. She wanted those words to be about something else. About life. One they could share together. She’d never met anyone likehim.A man who made her laugh and forget all of the things she’d focused on for so long. He made her feel like she’d finally woken up. Even when he was driving her mad, he was making her think.Which is exactly why you should take this.She could trust in the business side of Noah Jansen. She could not,would not,trust him with her heart.
“I’m honored. Truly.”
“You’ll do it?” He nearly bounced off the couch.
“I’d be an idiot not to. This is an incredible opportunity. I need to know all the details.” She couldn’t possibly work around three jobs, school, and this.
“Josh is working on all the details. He’s having papers drawn up. Emily is coming over tomorrow evening, hoping we’ll have a plan in place at the very least.” Noah grinned the grin that made her feel like she was floating away on balloons.
“What now?”
“We brainstorm, you draw up designs, I get picky and annoy you. We shop, we create. We go all in and make these magazine spreads unlike any they’ve ever seen.”
“I have to walk the dogs at seven. I need some sleep.” Like she’d get any.
“Okay. You can come over to my place later?”
She stood, unable to stay still as she quelled the urge to jump up and down. “I can. I have to ask this straight-out because I have two jobs. It feels a bit awkward but business is business.”
He nodded, like he read her mind. He stood up. “I’ll be paying you very well, Grace. Count on it.”
She frowned. “What you’d pay a designer.” Like he felt about his father’s name, she didn’t want favors.
“Plus ten percent for the last-minute ask and inconvenience of you having to shift your life around.”
She nodded. That was totally fair. She’d give Ellie her notice at the coffee shop. It was going to happen pretty soon anyway. Gears turned faster than normal. Could she use this as her Application of Design final project? It would be ideal if she could. She’d be able to use class time if Mrs. Kern approved it.
“Deal.”
Noah reached out his hand to shake Grace’s. She stood, locked her hand in his. The sparks didn’t disappear, but they were easier to ignore when she knew her dreams were about to come true.
