Page 34

I reach inside my messenger bag and pull out the plans I had already worked on. “Anyway, that’s want I wanted to tell you. I want to wish you luck with the project and give you these. This is what we had already talked about. I made the revisions you mentioned yesterday. You can show them to your next contractor, and they will get a good idea of what you want.”

“Next contractor?”

“I already did some of the research and put in a couple of contracts with the city and can pass on the information and help them with the transition. I can also take a look at what they do if you ever need a second opinion—free of charge, of course.”

She just stares at me and finally asks, “Why are you offering to do that?”

It’s a good question. This is my chance to walk away clean from the situation. “Your employer may already have someone in mind that can do all of this. I want to facilitate the transfer and make it easy for you.”

She tilts her head to the side. “You’re doing it again, Oliver.”

The way she says my name makes my spine stiffen. It’s the way a schoolteacher would say it, something meant to correct you and put you in your place.

But my body doesn’t know it. Instead, my cock stirs in my pants, like she woke him up.

“Doing what again?”

She leans on her elbows. “Assuming and acting like someone else, and not me, has the right to make decisions about my house and workspace. Yesterday, it was Cam. Today, it’s my employer.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do.”

She sighs. “That’s what you did, though.”

Mierda, I can’t win with her anymore. I should just bow out now. I open my mouth, but she beats me to it.

“I don’t have another contractor in mind. Honestly, I was so pissed after our conversation I just wanted it out of my mind for a while. I went for a run instead. I was going to start looking today.”

“I understand. I didn’t feel good about yesterday either.”

“Thank you for being honest and for admitting to your side of this. I should have been more mindful of your time. The truth is, I don’t want to look for another contractor. It’s annoying, and I’m not in the right mindset for it. Besides, you already know what this project needs, and your plans have me so excited. I would love to keep working with you.”

My mind goes blank, and all I can do is stare at her.

“If you’re still interested,” she adds.

I stare at those sexy pink lips and warm eyes. Fuck yes, I’m still interested.

And then it clicks. She’s talking about the project…if I’m still interested in being her contractor.

“Yeah, of course, I would love to stay on the project. I’ve never been fired before.”

She grimaces. “I didn’t like firing you. I felt so bad thinking about Ayla. I don’t want her upset if she found out.”

My little angel is my savior in all aspects of my life.

“Ayla knows I’m the one that messed up. She told me I should apologize, and she chose the peace offering.”

Lux’s pretty mouth falls open. Then, she digs into the bag and pulls out the box. The scripted title on the white box peeks at me, but I’m looking past it to the curving of Lux’s lips. “God, I love her. She’s so smart. Citlali’s Macaroons are a new favorite thing since I moved down here.”

“That’s what A said.”

“Thank you. Tell her I am going to enjoy these so much. And thank you for getting them.” Excitement permeates the air.

I chuckle. “She’s the boss.”

Her smile widens. “The two of you are so cute together.”

I have to look away. “Is Ayla the only reason you’re taking me back? Because I could talk to her.”