“I can see it pays off.”
Noah chuckled. “Thanks.”
“I meant in your career. Shit. Sorry. That came out wrong.”
“I hope not.”
Another moment shared. Carmine blushed even harder this time.
How did this man survive in Los Angeles?
Carmine fired up the laptop.
“I can’t wait to show you these.”
The excitement on his face mainlined straight to Noah’s heart. Here was a man who cared about what he did. Always a turn-on.
“I’ve never done anything like this before so it’s exciting.”
Carmine grinned. “I like a man who enjoys building plans as much as me.”
“Only if they’re mine. Show me what you’ve done.”
They stared at the laptop screen. For the first time, Noah could visualise what a house of his own would look like.
“Here is the front door. I was thinking a little landscaped garden at the back but the main event being at the front.”
Noah took it all in. His body already tingling in anticipation of the day when he would call this home.
“What is this?” Noah asked, pointing to a side room of what he supposed was the lounge.
“A media room,” Carmine explained. “I figured that you spend a lot of time watching football so you should probably have a cosy nook to do it in. It’s not massive but I thought it was cute.”
“I love that idea. Show me more.”
“I’ve still done the den you wanted but made it more of a chill-out area. I think it’s important to get away from work too.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
They spent the next thirty minutes going through Carmine’s designs in detail. He’d done an amazing job overall. Noah made the odd tweak here and there.
“I’d like a covered veranda, if possible,” he said. “I’ve heard it can get warm here but it’s always pissing down.”
Carmine nodded. “That’s a really good idea. What am I thinking? I’m still in California mode.”
“You were right to put somewhere to sit out. That view needs to be seen to be believed.”
“Oh, I know. I bribed my assistant to drive us up there the day after you came to the office. It’s spectacular. You’ve chosen very well.”
Noah enjoyed Carmine’s attention to detail. So much for his photos.
“Will you be adding that to your bill?”
“Absolutely.”
A tingle ran down Noah’s spine.
“I think I’ve got enough to make the changes you need,” Carmine said, shutting his laptop. “I’ll leave you to your afternoon.”
