“Montague,” I repeat, the name ticking at something in my brain. “Why does that name sound familiar?”
“Because he’s Nolan Montague, the Hollywood director.”
Damn, Eddie wasn’t joking when he said he was a hot shot. “The Oscar winner?”
Eddie nods, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. “So I’ve heard. He’s been on fire with his last few movies. Has more money than God, which he’ll need for that house.”
Reaching over, I give his thigh a gentle squeeze. “You’re going to get this job, Eddie Landry, and you’re going to make that place shine.”
“There are some really big names in the running, but I’mhopeful. Besides, I think those mock-ups you made put me a few paces ahead. Mr. Montague commented on them the last time we spoke.”
His words send a quiet thrill through me. “I’m always happy to help you.”
“Who knows,” he replies, his words edged with warmth. “It might wind up being a job for you, too. I’ll handle the contracting end and you handle the design.”
Wouldn’t that be a dream? Hell, landing a job of that caliber would be a new beginning.
I know Eddie’s just talking, and I’ll likely never get a call about the house. But I sure hopehedoes.
Still, a woman can dream a little, right?
I settle back and flip on my heated seat, earning one of Eddie’s infamous smirks. He never uses the damn things, but I love nothing more than a toasty bum.
Fine, I love Eddie more than that, but… there’s that word again.
“Can you imagine us working together on that gig? It would be fabulous, because there’s a never-ending to-do list at the cabin and despite the fact that the guy I’m seeing is really affordable in his rates, it’s hardly fair to let him continually work for free.”
Eddie’s brow lifts. “I’m not working for free.”
“Oh no? Should I expect a bill in the mail?”
Eddie glances in the rearview at Theo, headphones on as he stares, totally absorbed, at the tablet in his hands.
Then he reaches over, dragging a hand up my thigh as his fingers deliver the most delicious tickle. “How about a trade? You repay me with sexual favors of my choosing.”
The best part? His sexual favors usually involve pleasuring me, which I amallfor.
I stretch across the interior of the truck, nuzzling his neck and delivering a quick peck to his cheek. “Oh sir, that I can most definitely do.”
Dinner with Ash, Ori, and little Iris is chaotic in the best way.
They live in the recently renovated carriage house of the Dean Estate, personally restored by none other than Eddie, the end result a perfect blend of warmth and craftsmanship.
Doesn’t hurt that there’s a whole lot of love within these walls, either, because Ash and Ori, despite having an infant, can’t seem to keep their hands off one another.
Might have something to do with Ori’s cooking. The woman created a feast fit for a king, consisting of far more calories than I dare count. All I know is if I continue eating like this, my curves are going to be really stacked—not that Eddie seems to mind.
I lean back in my chair with a sated groan. “I’m going to be full for weeks. You are a hell of a cook, Ori.”
“Lucky for me, I enjoy cooking, and it’s cheaper than therapy,” Ori replies with a grin, as Iris’s fussing crackles over the baby monitor. “I’ll be back. Time to see what our little lady wants.”
Ash tracks Ori the entire way into the nursery, but that’s hardly a surprise. The man is always watching her, as if some part of him still can’t believe she’s real, which is especially endearing since Ash used to go through women like most people go through underwear.
Now, he can barely stand being away from her for thirty seconds.
Theo pats Eddie’s hand. “Can I see Iris, Dad?”
Eddie nods, pushing back from the table. “Come on. We’ll both go.”
