The guys laugh as they exchange high fives. They know what a break this is for us, and our wallets.
I pull a hand through my hair and pivot to see Kiki regarding me with a wide smile. “What?”
“Your pep talk. It’s just like with Theo. No wonder they love you so much.”
“I don’t know about all that, but mutual respect goes a hell of a lot further than micromanaging. At least in my experience.”
Kiki skews her mouth to the side, and it’s a tell I know well. Before our breakup, it usually ended with her grabbing me into a fierce kiss that led to hours of playtime.
Since I know that won’t be happening now, I’m not entirely sure what’s going through her brain.
Or if I want to know.
She steps in front of me and rests a palm on my chest. With a measured sigh, she raises her gaze to meet mine. “Here’syourpep talk. You, Eddie Landry, are the most talented craftsman I know. It’s almost as if you can speak to these old homes and hear their secrets.” She glances around at the dilapidated remains of the dining hall, and nods. “I’ll bet this house is so very happy you’re here. I know I am. Thank you.”
“For what?” Those two words are all I can manage. Her off-the-cuff speech has left me a bit tongue-tied.
But Kiki doesn’t get a chance to answer as a flurry of people descends on us.
I’m not entirely sure who the hell they all are—bodyguards, assistants, coordinators, stunt doubles, whatever other titles they go by on the Left Coast—but I recognize Nolan Montague immediately, even though we’ve never met in person.
Glancing at Kiki, I notice the ghost of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she locks eyes with the director.
I don’t miss what that appreciative gaze means.
So this is her type. That tracks. A rich powerful guy who also happens to be my boss.
Fucking wonderful.
Mr. Montague strolls straight toward Kiki, his hand extended. “You must be Kiki Wilder. I’ve been looking forwardto meeting you. Your designs are spectacular. You’ve brought this house to life, and the job hasn’t even begun yet.”
It’s as though a switch flips inside her, as Kiki straightens her shoulders and meets his compliments head-on. “Mr. Montague, it’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
It’s uncanny. The same voice that was hesitant and small with me only moments ago is suddenly confident and strong, and she’s having zero issue navigating in those ridiculous heels.
One hell of a mask, sweetheart.
“I really appreciate you entrusting me with this project,” Kiki continues, motioning toward me. “But Eddie’s the real miracle worker here. I’m just along for the ride.”
“Is that so?” Mr. Montague’s gaze shifts to me. “How are you doing, Eddie?”
His grip is firm, strong. But so is mine. “Good, Nolan. How are you?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Kiki’s surprised look at my use of Nolan’s given name, but hell, that’s what the man told me to call him.
Seems I made the right choice as Nolan grins, shooting a finger gun at me. “Good man. You remember.”
I shrug. “I have a good memory.”
“A memory like a damn elephant,” one of my guys calls out, earning a round of laughter across the room.
“Always a good thing,” Nolan concurs. “Well, since I’m always traveling, my assistant has offered to stay here in town. She’ll keep me abreast of everything, hopefully not get in your way, and maybe even raise some spirits on sight. Par for the course, isn’t it, Romy?”
A tall blonde at the edge of the entourage slips her phone into her bag, flashing Nolan a quick wink before heading ourway.
Sothisis his assistant? She’s a sun-kissed, gorgeous California type, probably not a day over twenty-five.
Yeah. My guys are going to have a field day flirting with this one.
