“I know you’ve been restless ever since the accident, Kate. You’ve been looking for something to pour your heart into. Even before that, it was like there was something missing but you couldn’t figure out what it was.
“This project could be it. Stay here in Copper Creek for the next three months and help me in whatever capacity you want. You tell me what you’re envisioning for each of the rooms. I’ll tell you what is feasible and what isn’t. If in the end it turns out that you get little or no satisfaction from doing this project, then at least you can cross home design off the list of what you’re passionate about.”
Kate’s lips twitch up to one side. “How long have you been rehearsing that speech?”
Troy laughs. “I’m right, though, aren’t I?”
When she doesn’t answer, he powers on. “I’m not saying you have to live here permanently. I’m saying give me three months. We finish this project, have my father come out to see what I’m capable of—whatwe’recapable of—and then you move back to Beverly Hills and you never have to return to Copper Creek again. The house will sell quickly, and you can wipe your hands clean of the town.”
“But what about my friends?”
I can’t be certain, but an emotion like anger or frustration flickers on his face. “Your friends aren’t going anywhere. They’ll still be there when you return.” He rolls his eyes, which Kate misses because she’s busy scanning the kitchen.
It’s my gaze that catches his, and I read his message perfectly clear. He wants me to convince her to stay…because he has the same low opinion of her friends that I have.
And I haven’t even met them.
“But you don’t even have a crew,” she tells him. “How are you planning to renovate this house if you don’t know any tradesmen?”
“I can help there,” I say. “I know skilled tradesmen who come highly recommended. And they’ll know others, too. If you need general laborers, I’m sure you’ll have no problems finding some in the area. I know a few names there as well. Plus, I did some work on construction sites before I ended up in Seattle. If you’re okay with hiring me only part-time, I’d be happy to help out.” And the money would go a long way toward restoring Charlotte’s Thunderbird.
It would be a win-win for us all.
Only Kate doesn’t seem too convinced about that.
18
Kate
Both men waitfor my answer while the theme music toJeopardyplays in my head.
The problem is, I don’t know what I want to do. Troy is right. I have been restless for a while—even since before the accident. But how is being stuck in the middle of nowhere, with no high-end stores in sight, the solution?
I glance between the two men and mentally list the pros and cons of Troy’s plan.
Pros
1. He’s right. I love interior design. I love the thrill of finding the right items that perfectly showcase a room’s theme.
2. He’s also right about the Pinterest boards. Yes, plural. I have one for each room. I’m thinking contemporary western, but with lots of white to contrast with the rustic elements.
But let’s not mention that to Troy for now.
3. It could possibly equate to more sex with Noah. That would be a definite perk.
4. I really do have nothing planned for the next three months (so I’m available to do this).
5. More incredible sex with Noah.
Cons
1. Being stuck in a small town for three months.
2. No shopping on Rodeo Drive the entire time.
3. I’m not around to help Victoria with planning her wedding…which is okay, given that I’m not in the wedding party.
4. Three months of cleaning the stable…unless I can find someone to help me.
