My heart stutters, then damn near stops altogether. I swallow hard, forcing myself to breathe through it, to keep my voice steady.
Because Nolan doesn’t realize this is the biggest job I’ve ever landed.
Sure, I’ve worked big ones before, but on those I was just a cog in a much larger machine. This one? This baby is mine. The decisions, the final say, the vision—mine.
Damn, I needed this break today.
“I promise I won’t let you down. Me and my guys, we’ll get it done exactly the way you want it. When do you want to get started? It’s a quiet time of year for us, so just say the word. We’ll be there.”
My mind reels at a million miles a minute. There’s so much to do. Set up the crew, order supplies, establish the plan.
Fuck, I’m giddy.
“Hang on a moment,” Nolan says, interrupting my reverie. “I have a non-negotiable caveat to this deal.”
Should’ve known there’d be a catch.
Still, I force out a slow breath, determined not to let it rattle me. Maybe it’s something stupid, like he wants us all to wear white on the job site.
Hey, the man may be a film genius, but most of those types are eccentric as hell. I wouldn’t put anything past him.
“Okay… I’m pretty sure I can work with requests, considering you’re footing the bill.”
Nolan chuckles. “I was hoping you’d say that. You told me you worked with a designer on those plans. Kiki Wilder, right? I loved her ideas for the interior.”
My mouth goes dry. Hearing another man say her name—my woman’s name—hits wrong.
Asshole. She’s not your woman anymore. Remember?
“Eddie? Are you still there?”
“Yeah,” I manage, scrubbing a hand over my jaw. “Kiki is an extremely talented designer. She gave me some great ideas for your place.”
“Well, I want her on the job too.”
Say what now?
“Uh, that might be tricky.” I choose each word carefully to buy myself time, like a viable excuse might show up if I stall long enough. “I don’t think she’s available.”
Low laughter emanates from the phone. Seems no isn’t a word Nolan hears often. “Well, damn it, man, is that the issue? An easy fix. Tell her it comes with a twenty-five-thousand-dollar bonus for each of you if she can make herself available. You’re a smart guy. Make it happen. As soon as you’re both ready to roll, the job is yours.”
And I already know the answer before I ask my next question. “If I can’t get her?”
There’s a lengthy pause, which is all the response I need.
Nolan exhales. “No offense, son, but you and Kiki are one hell of a team. That work was flawless—your builds, her designs. I need both of you to bring this vision to life. Make that happen for me, and I’ll make sure you have one hell of a profitable winter.”
With that, the line clicks dead.
I pocket the phone and lean against the exterior brick, exhaling hard as the truth of the situation settles over me.
Goddamn it. What the hell am I supposed to do now?
I don’t want to work with Kiki. Hell, I don’t want to be anywhere near the woman. Because I miss her so much that seeing her every day might actually crack my chest wide open. Even after everything. Even after she ripped my heart to shreds.
How am I supposed to work right next to her and pretend I don’t feel anything? It’s already hell for me and I haven’t seen the woman in weeks.
Maybe it’s not worth it, man.
