He leaned forward. “Then what’s the conflict? My firm is being contracted by him, not you. My duty to him is to make sure the plans meet the building code. If Mr. James intends to build it, there’s nothing for you to be concerned about. This whole thing was a special case, initiated by him. The project was a chance for you to practice everything you’ve learned, and it’s quite impressive.”
I smiled weakly and pushed my food away.
“Take my advice and just tell him. Be honest and lay it out there for him. You’ll see. It will all work out.”
I wasn’t so sure about that. “Can I ask you a question?”
He smiled. “Sure.”
“How did you know it was Preston?”
Michael’s face pulled into a smile, and he threw his head back in laughter. “I knew the first time he scowled at me. Every time he looked at the plans, he moved a little closer to you. I doubt if Gloria noticed.”
I groaned and put my face in my hands. “I told him to stop doing that, but he doesn’t listen.”
“I think it’s sweet. And if he makes you that happy, you’ve got to hold on to that.”
I was ready to panic. “Please promise me you won’t say anything?”
“You’ve got my word, Nick. Just tell him.”
He was right. I had to come clean and tell him everything.“You’re right. I’ll do it after the presentation tomorrow.”
One thing I knew for sure was that Preston was going to lose his shit. Every possible explanation had me in the wrong. I was the one holding onto the secret. I just hoped he would give me a chance to explain.
CHAPTER28
PRESTON
Today was the big day.I’d get to see the final plans for the building he’d created for me. It was my own Taj Mahal, but in restaurant form. And with his commitments to school completed, I’d just have to compete with his work schedule at Alejandro’s for his time and attention until he started his internship.
Nick had been nervous for some reason, so I’d fucked him silly until he could relax enough to go to sleep. It worked for a while until he woke up at 4 a.m. and tried to sneak out of my bed.
“Where are you going? It’s still fucking dark out there.” I said, flipping on my bedside lamp.
Nick froze and turned to blink at me. When he just stood there, I got out of bed in all my naked glory and took his hand to lead him back to bed. Once I had him back in my arms, he curled up with his cheek over my heart. He held onto me as if he were afraid I’d disappear while we slept.
“Go back to sleep, love. It’s too early, even for you.”
He nodded and fell back asleep.
When the alarm went off three hours later, we got up and showered separately. I let him have his space to get himself together.
“Baby, why are you so nervous? I’m going to love the plans. I’ve already seen them, remember?”
“Yes,” he sighed. “I know that. But you haven’t seen all the presentations, only the first set of blueprints. And the magazine interview has me on edge.”
“Why?” I asked, pouring him some coffee.
“It just makes me nervous. But when I talk about this design, I can’t seem to shut up. It wasn’t a normal run-of-the-mill project with four walls. It was so much more. I love it so much.”
I pulled him to me for a hug and a kiss. “I’m glad you love it. You’re going to have to look at it the rest of your life.”
Nick didn’t reply, and I chalked it up to his nerves being on edge.
“Go get ready. I’m going to jump in the shower.”
Nick nodded and gave me a smile. It wasn’t the lovesick fool smile I gave him, but I’d take it. It was understandable that he would be reserved. This was his final exam of sorts.
