Part of her was proud of them for putting it all out there like adults. Yeah, so they wanted each other. They weren’t going to act on it. Life was full of wants and disappointments and she’d rather face that than pretend.
“I could come back tomorrow. Maybe we should talk then.”
Nope. Not ending the night like this, still shaky from equal parts desire and embarrassment.
“Come and sit down. Tell me what you’re talking about.”
They moved into the living room. By unspoken agreement, they sat opposite each other, him on the couch, her in the chair across from it. She tucked her feet up under her, pulled the draped blanket over her body. Shivers traveled across her skin. From cold. Not mortification. Or rejection.
When she stifled a yawn, Noah leaned forward, forearms resting on his knees. “The woman you saw at my house? Her name is Emily Swanson. She’s a writer for Home and Heart magazine.”
Grace sucked in a breath. “You’re being featured in there? That’s amazing.” To be showcased as a designer, homeowner, or renovator in that publication was beyond imagination. It was one of the elite but had a down-home feel, making it one of the most popular magazines around. Grace particularly loved their “Quick Trick Design Hacks.”
“Thanks. I shouldn’t be surprised you’ve heard of it. Emily wants to make editor in chief. She wants to feature my house, my renovations.” He paused, inching forward on the couch. “My designer.”
Grace’s pulse tripled. What she wouldn’t give. She held his gaze, doing her best not to let her jealousy show.
“That’s really fantastic, Noah.” She meant it. She could be green with envy and still be really happy and proud of him.
“Grace, there’s more.”
She leaned forward, unsure why he looked so worried.
“Emily thought there was chemistry between us. Intense chemistry.”
A cross between a laugh and a snort erupted. “Too bad she wasn’t here ten minutes ago to see how right she is.”
“She wants it on the page. She wants you to be my designer. She thinks it’ll have some reality TV feel on the page and videos they upload of us working together. Emily says the dynamic between us is exactly the unique twist she’s looking for.”
Had she hit her head? Inhaled too much stain? Too much Noah? She pushed her feet off the chair, touched them to the floor just to feel it beneath her.
“Grace?” He leaned forward, making the couch dip.
“What are you saying?” She needed words. Recorded preferably. That way she could listen over and over again and be sure what he was asking was what he was asking.
“I want this for so many reasons,” he said, resting his elbows on his knees, letting his hands drop between his legs. “In New York, I was at the top of my game. The only thing holding me back was my father. When I came here, I thought it’d be an easy transition professionally. I don’t want to cash in on my father’s name. I want to pave my own way but every step of the way here has been higher, harder. I don’t mind hard work but I feel like I’ve fallen into one of two zones with my deals—those that want the illusion of my father’s reputation and those that want nothing to do with me because of it.”
“You work hard, Noah. You’re making your way. It just doesn’t happen overnight.”
He shook his head, gave her a wry smile. “I know. I’m not trying to play the ‘poor me’ card. But this opportunity would be as big for me as any other person. It’s a privilege I feel like I’ve earned. I want it. She wants you. For the deal to work, it has to include you.”
She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “That’s the only reason you’re asking?” She did her best to keep emotion—hurt—out of her voice.
“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 am not settling. 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 like him. 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 favo
rs.
“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.
“Good night. See you tomorrow.”
She walked him to the door, sank against it after he left. She was a designer. She’d hurdled about twenty milestones on her professional journey. It couldn’t be real. She had to be dreaming. Looking down at her bedraggled outfit, she snorted with laughter. If she was dreaming, she should have at least dressed herself up.
Punch-drunk with excitement and exhaustion, Grace dragged herself up to bed. Surprisingly, she nodded off without too much tossing and turning. The few times she woke, she was pretty sure she did it with a smile on her face.
21
Mrs. Kern had been cautiously excited for Grace when she shared the news. She also recognized Noah’s and Emily’s names. She put Grace in contact with a contract lawyer she knew through the university. Grace didn’t know how to broach that with Noah, but since he lived and breathed business, it shouldn’t surprise him that she wanted her own eyes on the deal. Grace also needed to figure out how to ask if Noah would give a talk to her class, but that hadn’t stopped her from telling her favorite teacher she’d check.
Showing up at his house later filled her with foreign butterflies. The kind that tumbled and danced with the excitement of the trusted unknown. This was a “win-win” for her; she’d do the spreads, become a famous designer to the stars, or she’d do the spreads, no stars would beat down her door but she’d have transformed Noah’s four-bedroom house into a luxury home. She was going to graduate with the kind of professional experience she’d only ever dreamed of having.
Noah pulled the door open. He was dressed in his usual jeans and a T-shirt, and she wondered, not for the first time, if the way her heart bounced in his presence would impact her work. You won’t let it.
“Come on in. Emily can’t wait to meet you,” Noah said, gesturing his hand toward the kitchen.
She felt more than heard him following behind her as she traveled toward the voices. In the kitchen, Josh and Emily looked over magazines, their heads bent close. Josh and Rosie had been out once, and her friend was more than a little smitten.
Josh looked up. “Awesome. You’re here. Grace, this is Emily Swanson. Emily, this is Grace Travis, Noah’s designer.”
Emily was the kind of polished that made her a perfect candidate to be on the glossy pages of a magazine: flawless makeup but a genuine smile that reached her eyes. She extended her perfectly manicured hand, shaking Grace’s hand with obvious enthusiasm.
“I am so excited about this. Noah told me this is your first big job.”
Grace sucked in a breath, put her customer-service smile on, and nodded. “It is. I’m incredibly honored for the opportunity to work with you and your magazine.”
Emily clasped her hands together. A quick scan told Grace that this woman was more in Noah’s social group than her own. Noah might dress casually but there was something about people with money—they exuded a kind of confidence that people scraping to make ends meet didn’t have.
“It’s a dream opportunity for all of us. You get your big break, I’m going to make editor in chief, and Noah is finally going to show his tycoon father that he inherited more than his good looks.”
“Ew,” Noah said, joining them at the counter. “No more comments on my father’s looks or my likeness.” He pointed at Josh. “Put that in the contract.”
Grace smiled at him, thinking that their parents were something else they had in common.
“Let’s get this done so we can get started,” Noah said.
Emily slid the contracts toward Grace. Neither she nor Noah showed any concern when Grace expressed that she planned to run them by her own lawyer. As they went through pages of legalese and expectations, it all began to sink in.
It was a three-issue piece; a story that would include both Grace and Noah’s backgrounds, what they brought to the table, and their intentions. There’d be photos galore plus video footage. Grace made a note to have it added to the contract that she could approve content. The last thing she wanted was to make a fool of herself and have it posted online.
They talked about working around camera crews, and about the magazine paying for part of the remodel, which seemed like a major bonus but was news Noah barely blinked at. He was likely used to perks. Grace would have her own in that she’d be paid by both the magazine and Noah. This is going to set me up for my future. She’d be able to redecorate her own place and afford some of the remodeling she’d planned on putting off.
Noah tipped his head back, laughing at something Emily said. He had such a great laugh. It made her heart squeeze in delight. You’re not here for your heart. She’d spent her life choosing practical over whimsy. What she felt for Noah was just some pent-up attraction. This magazine opportunity was the real thing. The impact on her life could outlast any feelings she had about her neighbor.
“I want to ask some preliminary questions. My intention, when I take over the magazine, is to make it more connectable to the everyday consumer. They buy it for the chance to see inside stars’ homes, maybe do a little DIY that allows them to feel closer to the people they admire. I want our readers to know you two. Know your stories. I want them to take this journey with you, which is why I’ll be fast-tracking the information I get from you both tonight. We’ve got a teaser page set aside for next month’s issue. But promos will go on our website by the end of the week to get people excited. They’ll highlight what we’re doing here.”
“It’s definitely got a reality show vibe,” Josh said. “But in print.”
They stood around the island, lukewarm coffee in their cups, agreeing. Noah’s brows scrunched together. “My brother got caught up in a reality-show-type thing. It’s how he ended up with Everly.”
Grace’s eyes felt like they popped out of her head, cartoon-style. “Why didn’t I piece that together? Oh my goodness. She was the producer that ended up dating listeners. I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection. It was so sweet that they fell for each other.”
“I love that,” Emily said, her voice pitching to a croon level.
Josh’s smile was almost shy. “Glad it worked out for them but I much prefer the classic boy walks into a bar, meets his dream girl, and they live happily ever after.”
Grace smirked, running her finger over the edge of her cup. “Really? I thought you were a fan of next-door neighbor shows up with best friend and charming assistant makes off with said friend leaving me to paint with this guy.” She hooked her thumb at Noah. Emily’s head swiveled between them as Josh’s cheeks turned the color of crisp red apples.
“This,” Emily said, pointing at Grace. “You say what’s on your mind. It’s part of what is going to make this dynamic so fun.”
Grace sent a look of triumph Noah’s way. Their gazes held too long. Josh cleared his throat.
“Speaking of your best friend, Rosie and I have a date tonight so I’m going to head out. Good luck, you two. Try to keep the fighting and flirting to a minimum.”
It was Grace’s turn to blush.
“Please don’t,” Emily said.
“Be good to my girl. I truly don’t want to have to hurt you,” Grace said.
Josh laughed, squeezing her shoulder on his way by. “Promise I won’t make you need to.”
How could he promise that after no time at all? She always wondered about people who seemed so sure. So certain. Maybe she was missing that
piece. The chip that made her one hundred percent positive she could trust her feelings.
After he left, Emily, Noah, and Grace settled on folding chairs in the wide-open living space.
“I really love that window seat,” Emily said, pulling a notebook from her bag.
Grace glanced at Noah, startled that he was already staring at her.
“That was Grace’s idea. She’s got a great way of mixing comfort with class.”
“Oh, I like that. Thanks for the opening line,” Emily said, her smile widening.
When Noah’s gaze met Grace’s, he looked away, crossed one ankle over his knee, tapping his calf.
Emily looked back and forth between them. “Okay. I have ten questions; I’ll jot down both of your answers. Say the first thing that comes to mind. We want to give readers an impression of who you two are, how this is different from what we’ve done before.”
“Sounds easy enough,” Noah said, clearly not picking up on Grace’s nerves. Maybe it was easy for someone who was in the society pages, but all of this was new to her. If she focused too much on the fact that she’d be under the microscope for her very first job, she might hyperventilate.
“Hope so,” Grace said quietly.
“Taking on a project like this is like entering any other kind of a relationship. There are risks and rewards for both parties. Name one risk, one reward you think you’ll get out of this,” Emily said, her gaze locking on Grace.
Twisting her fingers in her lap, Grace sucked in a breath. Wow. Be yourself. Just answer the questions. Go with your gut. Risk? My heart. Could they hear it stomping around in her chest like an angry toddler? “The risk is misreading Noah’s tastes and style. Creating a look he isn’t happy with. The reward is the opportunity to do this project at all.”
Emily’s hand flew across the page. “Excellent. Noah?”
She felt his gaze but didn’t look up. Which didn’t matter when his voice slid over her like a caress. “You know my tastes well. That won’t be a problem. I think my risk and reward are two sides of the same coin. I want to be more involved but I don’t have the same know-how as people I hire. It’s one thing to know all the right people to make it look like you want it to. Quite another to have a hand in the final result.”
How to Love Your Neighbor Page 14
