She seemed to be genuinely excited to meet him.When the young woman shook his hand for the first time, she almost yanked it off.“Nick Zorn.Ah, man, what an honor.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Teagan.”He resisted the impulse to shake out his arm.
“I’m such a fan ofHandymen.You and your brothers have done outstanding work, and Lacey Styles is a fricking genius!She’s one of my heroes.”
Nick smiled.“As it happens, Lacey’s one of my heroes too.Before she got her hands on me, I didn’t know the first thing about being on camera.And now, here we are.”
“I’m totally pumped to start filmingNick of Time.I’ve taken so many notes and have lots of ideas for different segments.I was thinking we could devote a couple of minutes each episode for something I’ve been calling ‘Red Flags.’Based on the theme of the episode, you could offer up some quick advice about things to watch out for in home renovation.You know, quick tips and tricks, that sort of thing.”
“I like that idea.Maybe we could end each episode that way.Some pointers to link it all together.”
“Exactly!”Teagan put up her hand for a high-five.
Nick laughed as he slapped his hand against hers.Her enthusiasm was infectious.
It would be different from working with Lacey, that was for sure.Lacey had sometimes been a bit intense on the set, always a perfectionist, which was great.He didn’t get the sense that Teagan was any less of a stickler, but her style was definitely more laidback.
She certainly wasn’t sending up any red flags for him.
This might actually work.
It was entirely possible thatNick of Timewouldn’t be a massive failure.With a cheerleader like Teagan Shipp on his side, he could possibly succeed.
“I know you’re wrapping up withHandymen, but do you have time to grab a quick coffee with me in the cafeteria?”Teagan asked.“I’d love to tell you more about what I have in mind, and I really want to hear your thoughts too.I’m a big believer in this sort of work being collaborative.”
“Sure.I can grab a coffee.”
“Awesome.This is going to be a big change for both of us, Nick, but I think it’s going to be a good one.”
Nick grinned.
He was starting to think so too.
* * * *
Claire set a lighter on the dining room table, so she could light the candles once Nick had arrived.She then stood back to inspect her handiwork.It might be the height of summer, but something about the occasion called for candlelight.
She’d placed her nicest tablecloth, the one with the shimmery golden threads, on the table.Her best china made up the place settings, and a bottle of chilled white wine stood in the tabletop cooler.
After rummaging in her closet for about half an hour, she’d dug out one of her sundresses.She hadn’t worn it in a couple of years, but the sunflower print was still fresh and bright.After applying a bit of makeup, a tiny spritz of perfume and twisting her hair into a bun, she was ready.
She just needed Nick to walk through the door now.
Tomorrow was the open house at Haven, which would also serve as the big reveal day.Lacey had ordered Claire off the site for the past couple of days, leaving the volunteers to take care of the cats, so that the crew could put all the finishing touches on the sanctuary renovation.It had been nerve-wracking, working from home when everyone else was toiling onsite, but Claire was excited to see the place in its new and improved state.
Even though there would be some celebrating at Haven after the shoot, she wanted to have her own private celebration with Nick first.
After all, if it hadn’t been for him, she wouldn’t be walking around with a foolish grin on her face all the time.Ever since they’d had their discussion that night, during which she’d finally voiced her big fear, it was as if a shadow had been lifted from around Claire’s head.
She was sleeping better nowadays, and she knew much of that was due to her and Nick spending almost every night together.She hadn’t heard Arthur’s voice in a while, a welcome change.Of course, she would have given just about anything to hear his actual voice again, but the one she’d fabricated for him had been false and hurtful.
She would always treasure their memories, but she was ready to create some new ones with Nick.
Nick had doing his share of grinning lately too.The things that had been worrying him lately didn’t seem to bother him as much anymore, which brought her much relief.She hated seeing him stressed.He’d even relaxed a lot more in the bedroom.There had been one other time when he’d had some difficulty with his erection, but they’d approached it the same way as before, with patience and gentleness.And just like the last time, they’d worked through it.
When the familiar knock sounded on the door, a shiver of excitement went down her spine.She got those shivers every time he walked into the room, and she didn’t suppress them anymore.She reveled in them.
She hurried to the door and threw it open.
