“Although,” I add, cooing as Ash passes Iris to me, “you will need to write a manual on how to turn a legendary player into a father figure.”
Ash bites back a grin. “You know that could be taken in a whole lot of ways.”
“Exactly her point.” Ori smacks his ass, squealing as he scoops her into his arms.
Damn, but these two look good in love.
It’s bittersweet when you look back on your relationships and realize that compared to these two crazy kids, nothing has ever come close.
Not even Drake.
Who am I kidding? Drake was a good provider, and for a few years, I believed we were kismet. But then the mask slipped, and I saw the monster wearing my husband’s face.
But even during those early days, we were never this free and openly affectionate. Drake was always reserved, and now I realize that he was hiding more than a fear of public displays.
Iris wiggles in my arms, and I settle her against my shoulder,my heart damn near bursting as she wraps her fingers around my pinky. “Hello, gorgeous.”
Every parent claims their child is the most precious gift in the world, and in this case, they’re not far off. Their little cherub is not only adorable, but the few times I’ve visited, she’s been such a well-behaved baby.
Even now, she’s content in my arms, dozing dreamily with nary a thought to the wild world beyond the office door.
Which makes the baby fever curling around the edges of my psyche burn brighter and more insistent.
Shoving that wish into my mental ‘never going to happen’ file, I nudge my briefcase with my foot, careful not to disturb the napping princess in my arms. “I need a book showcasing interior design styles of the turn of the century. Preferably something that leans hard into Georgian Revival outdoor entertaining spaces.”
Ori arches a manicured brow as she flips open her laptop and starts her search. “Sounds like someone landed a big job. Congratulations.”
“Oh, it’s not for me. It’s for… Eddie.” I trail off, biting my lip. “He’s bidding on this massive house restoration, and it could be the biggest job of his career. The client is some Hollywood big-shot, and he has very specific tastes. Eddie is charming him like he does everyone, but the client is hung up on full-scope visuals. So I thought, why not sweeten the pot and give the man some more mockups? Really show him what Eddie can do.”
Ash runs a hand along his bearded jaw. “Ori’s brother is a master of restoration. Hell, our carriage house is a testament to his talent.”
“Exactly. I want to help him land the gig. He deserves it. Plus, I’m used to buttering up Hollywood types. I’m happy to help.”
Ori leans forward, staring at me above the rim of her glasses. “Wait a second. Are you doing this for free?”
I shift my weight, unsure which makes me more uncomfortable—the questions or the dual stares aimed at me from across the desk. “Eddie has done so much for me these last several weeks. It’s my way of repaying him.”
Ori and Ash exchange a glance, as matching smirks cross their faces.
“Knew it,” Ori murmurs.
“Knew what?” I ask, determined to maintain a neutral expression. “Eddie and I have worked together before, remember? This isn’t news, folks.”
Ash sits back in his chair, kicking his booted feet up on Ori’s desk. “You two are more than work buddies. Don’t bother denying it.”
“It’s not—” I stumble over my words. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends. Besides, I think Theo likes me way more than Eddie does, anyway.”
“Isn’t Theo the best?” Ori beams at a framed photo of her half-brother and nephew hanging on the wall. “I can’t believe I missed the first five years with him, but I’m making up for lost time now. Wait, I have thebestidea. You three need to come over for dinner. I’ll prepare a whole feast.”
“Absolutely. Can I just say I love this for you, Kiki?” Another shit-eating grin graces Ash’s face. The man is enjoying every second of my squirming.
I hand Iris back to her dad before fixing the man with a stern gaze. “Eddie and I are nottogether,and if you invite us to dinner as a couple, he’s likely never going to speak to me again.”
“Doubtful,” Ori chimes in, rising from the desk and leading me from the office into the store. “Okay, let’s see. I have a few books that should work and I can order in more if you need them.”
She passes me a few titles and I flip through the pages. “Perfect selection, as always. Thank you. I’ll pay for them up front and let you get back to Iris.”
Ori waves me off. “Just take them. Bring them back when you’re done.”
