Cassie wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’ve had a bad experience with the media. They can be ruthless.”
Noah slid his cell phone into his pocket. “What happened?”
She couldn’t tell Noah about her dad, but she had to say something. “A friend was accused of copying another artist’s work. He had to sell his house and move to another city to get away from the media.”
“What happened to your friend?”
“His life changed, but he’s okay now.” Cassie forced a smile. “Are you ready to have something to eat?”
Noah pointed to the picnic table behind him. “Everything is waiting.”
Gratefully, she sat down. After they left the gas station, they’d found a relatively quiet bakery. They’d bought a little bit of everything before jumping back into Noah’s SUV and heading out of town.
She picked up one of the bacon and cheese rolls. As the peace of the picnic area seeped into her bones, Cassie relaxed and forgot about the media frenzy that had surrounded her dad. Life was too short to dwell on the negative things. And that time in her life was one of the hardest she’d endured.
Noah handed her a water bottle. “Is this better than working in your studio?”
She didn’t have to think too hard about her answer. “Much better. Sam was right. I can finish the necklace tomorrow.”
“What’s it like?”
She closed her eyes and saw the delicate necklace sitting on her workbench. “It’s made from finely spun gold and tiny rubies.” She looked at Noah and smiled. “My dad calls it my bird’s nest creation.”
“What inspired you to make it?”
Cassie grinned. “A bird’s nest. While I was remodeling Acorn Cottage, a bird was nesting in the oak tree. I’m sure it was watching what I was doing. One day, I saw the baby chicks and I knew I had to do something to celebrate their birth. So I sat down that night and sketched the design. Making the necklace is more challenging than I thought it would be, but I’m almost finished.”
“Can I see it when we get back?”
“Wouldn’t you prefer to look at it when it’s finished?”
“I might not be here.”
The thought of Noah leaving Sapphire Bay was a little depressing. “If you don’t mind coming into my messy studio, you’re more than welcome to look at it.” Cassie studied the serious expression on Noah’s face. “Why are you so interested in my jewelry?”
He picked up his water bottle. “What do you mean?”
Her eyes narrowed. Noah knew exactly what she meant. “There are lots of talented jewelers in America. Why are you so interested in my work?”
“Because it’s unique. You create jewelry that complements rather than dominates the person who wears it.”
“How many pieces have you seen?”
Noah pulled out his phone. When he found what he was looking for, he handed it to her. “I’ve only seen four, but I have photos of twenty-five pieces.”
Cassie flicked through the images. All of them were from the collections she’d launched as C.J. Davis. “Have you been stalking me?”
Noah didn’t smile. “I have a proposition for you.”
Cassie’s eyebrows rose. “I’m not coming to New York City for the award ceremony.”
“You might change your mind after you hear what I have to say.”
“I doubt it.”
Noah didn’t let her less-than-enthusiastic comment stop him. “For two years, I want the exclusive rights to sell your jewelry. During that time, Wilson Enterprises will commission three collections from you. We’ll add the collections to our prestige gallery. Only the most wealthy and influential customers can shop with us. In return, we’ll provide brand and PR services free of charge. We’ll handle all sales and distribution of your jewelry and manage your client accounts. You’ll earn more than you ever imagined and have a waiting list of high-profile clients.”
Cassie’s eyes widened. Four years ago, she would have jumped at the chance of working with Noah’s company. She knew how much his offer could change her life, but nothing was worth the pain and humiliation it could cause her father.
