“I noticed,” he said, his skepticism finally giving way to something that looked remarkably like approval. “Send over the contracts first thing tomorrow.”
Her expression was coolly professional, but inside, she was doing cartwheels—they’d landed the biggest project of her career. The fact that Max had backed her play so perfectly only added to the victory’s sweetness.
“We will,” they replied at the same time.
Linda beamed at them. “You two are such a cute couple.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Oh, we’re business partners and friends.”
Linda looked between them. “Maybe you should be more.”
Roy harrumphed, standing. “Wait until our house is finished. I don’t want romance drama messing up my place.”
“Our place,” his wife corrected.
“You don’t have to worry. We’re professionals,” Max said.
After the Sterlings left, she turned to Max and asked, “So, tell me, are we too professional to delay their project? Or too professional to mess around with each other while working on their house?”
He stepped closer. Her breath caught as his fingers grazed her cheek, his eyes never leaving hers. “You tell me.”
Chapter Ten
August 19th, 11:05 a.m.
The crowded coffee shop buzzed with the hum of conversation and the hiss of espresso machines, but all Max could focus on was Paloma’s flirtatious question and the desire in her eyes. He leaned closer, instinctive as a river finding its path downstream. He couldn’t seem to move his hand resting on her cheek. Her skin was silk under his fingers, and every nerve ending screamed for him to pull her closer, to finally taste those lips that had been driving him wild.
“Professional,” he murmured, his thumb brushing the corner of her mouth, “is the last thing I want to be right now.”
Someone bumped his back, knocking him forward half a step. “Sorry,” said a woman whose voice was vaguely familiar. He turned to Asher’s neighbor, Lilith.
Her auburn hair swept back in a wide headband, and she wore a light blue sundress. “Oh, Max. Hi.” Her gaze darted around, never settling on his face for more than a second.
The door dinged with a new customer, and Asher called, “Lil, grab the table by the—” he skidded to a stop. He looked from Max to Paloma. Her blue eyes turned artic, and the warmth of their earlier moment evaporated like coffee steam. “Hey, guys. What a . . . surprise,” he finished.
“Yeah, small world,” Asher replied, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
Paloma’s smile was tight. “So, how are you findingoursmall town?” she asked in a way that said Lilith was and would always be an outsider. It also shouted that she wasn’t over Asher. Both reminded Max that all he’d ever be to her was a distraction until she got over or got back the man she really wanted.
“Friendly,” Lilith replied. Then, dropping her gaze, she added, “Mostly.”
“It’s a pretty welcoming place once you get past the small-town bullshit,” Asher said, his tone gentle but firm. He met Paloma’s eyes with quiet challenge. “Lilith’s been a great addition to the neighborhood.” He turned to Max. “Hope tells me you won’t be taking any landscape design projects from our construction company this summer. We’re disappointed. I’d rather have you than our backup designer. They’re decent, but let’s face it, not nearly as talented as you. What gives?”
“We . . . Paloma and I are exploring some new opportunities,” he said, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. “We’re working on a few joint projects together.” Even as he spoke, the weight of his existing clients and projects pressed down on him.
He genuinely enjoyed working with her, their minds often in sync, creating designs that neither could have conceived alone. But witnessing her reaction to Asher now, he wasn’t sure. Had he let his attraction cloud his judgment? Had he been too impulsive? Again.
Asher’s gaze moved between them. A hint of understanding seemed to dawn in his eyes. “I see,” he said slowly. “Well, I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Max’s irritation shifted a little toward his friend. He wanted to explain, to justify his decision. But how could he when he suddenly wasn’t all that sure?
“It’s an exciting venture,” Paloma chimed in, her voice carrying a forced cheerfulness that grated on his nerves. A heavy, awkward silence hummed between them, somehow louder than the noise around them.
“I love what they’ve done with the café. The artwork is lovely,” Lilith chirped, probably hoping to brighten the mood.
“It’s not new,” Paloma said flatly. “It’s been here for years.”
“Right,” Lilith mumbled, her cheeks flushing deeper.
