“Wow. Things are moving fast. How do you keep everyone on track?” I asked, because Cutler was such an impressive man. He could charm just about anyone, and he always appeared really laid back, but when it came to work—he was all business.
“You know, I watched my pops do this my entire life, so it’s not new to me. I think most people are surprised how many moving parts are happening at once in this business. So if you want to be efficient, you have to think three steps ahead at all times. Otherwise, you’re going to drop a ball, and it’ll be adomino effect. If you’re staying on top of all the balls, even if one drops, you’ve got six others in the air.”
Like I said. He was an impressive man.
“That’s why I really want to start my own business someday, because it’s all how you choose to run things, you know?” I shrugged as we paused to look out at the the large French doors that had just been installed a few days ago. The house had gorgeous views of both Blue Sky Lake and the mountains. The scene looked like a painting. “I think in design, it’s similar with all the moving parts. And you need to involve your clients and capture their vision, and bring it to life as seamlessly as possible.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “There are different ways to get there, and when you own your own business, you can choose how you want things to run. My goal is to make it as smooth and efficient as I can. Time is money, and delays are where you run into issues and displeased customers. Sometimes you can’t avoid it, but I make damn sure that if it can be avoided, it will be.” He turned to look at me. “You’ve got what it takes to own a business. You know that, right? You’ve got the design eye, which makes you an amazing designer. But you’re also a brilliant businesswoman.”
I chuckled. This man had a way of pumping me up when I needed it most. “And how do you know that? I’ve never run a business.”
“Well, for starters, you’re organized and smart as hell. And I know you, Jeege,” he said, leaning in close to me, his gaze locked with mine, and there was no humor in his voice. “I’d bet the farm on you. Well, if I had a farm.”
And now we were both laughing, just as Calvin came strolling through the door.
“Hey, Cutler. Hey, Gracie. Nice to see you again.” He extended his arm to each of us.
I shook his hand. “Thanks for coming out on the weekend.”
“Not a problem. I’m anxious to walk things one last time with you before we start delivering the cabinets for all the rooms starting next week. I think all of your specific direction has made this much easier.” He chuckled. “I usually get notes that aren’t very clear. Yours were extremely detailed, and with the notes you gave regarding my drawings, you made things very simple for me.”
“Thank you,” I said as we walked from room to room. He’d be building custom cabinets for the kitchen, the pantry, and the laundry room. He was building built-ins for the family room and the theater room, and he’d designed all the vanities for every bathroom.
Cutler joined us, which was also impressive, because he wanted to be involved in every area of his business. Normally I did this on my own with the cabinet company, but Cutler didn’t pass things off—he hired people who were experts in their fields, and then he observed and learned as much as he could about each facet of the business.
We spent the next two hours discussing the details of each room, the hardware, and the glass cabinets we’d added to bring in some character, until we all felt like we were on the same page and ready to go.
It was a good meeting, and I was feeling much better as far as my hangover went.
Cutler and I ran a bunch of errands and then made our way back to his house. He’d insisted on ordering us some sandwiches that we were going to take out on his boat. I hadn’t been out on the water since I’d arrived in Blue Sky Bay, and I was looking forward to it.
“All right, I’ve got the food and drinks all loaded. I just need my girl, and we’re good to go,” he called out, just as I pulled my jean shorts on over my bikini bottoms.
A little sunshine, a good meal, and a dip in the lake was the perfect way to end the day.
“I’m ready.” I jogged down the hall and found him in the kitchen wearing nothing but a pair of navy board shorts that hung low on his hips. His muscled back was so defined it made me want to trace every muscle with the tip of my finger.
“All right, let’s get out there. It’ll be busy on the water since it’s the weekend, but I’ve got a little secret cove where we can park, and no one seems to know about it yet.”
“You always know of secret spots,” I said, bumping my shoulder against his as we walked through the green grass down toward his dock.
His boat was white and black. It was a gift from his godfathers when he’d built this home a few years back, so I laughed every time I saw the name scrolled down the side.
Beefcake.
He hopped on the boat and turned to face me. “You ready to ride theBeefcake?”
My eyes widened at his words, and he laughed loudly. “The boat, Jeege.”
“Yes, I know. I’m just moving slow today.” I bit my bottom lip. “I haven’t been on theBeefcakein a while.”
“Yeah, how about we make a pact that we never go that many months apart again, all right?”
“That’s a deal.” I nodded as he extended his hand to help me aboard, just as the boat swayed a little to the side and I lost my footing. I fell forward, slamming into his hard chest. His hand found my waist, steadying me, as he glanced down at me with that wicked grin of his.
Why am I suddenly breathless?
“You okay?” he asked, concern lacing his dark gaze.
