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And help her realize she was being ridiculous.
It was new. That was all.
“Hey.”
She slid her gaze his direction. He had turned his head to see her, eyes open and alert.
“You have the most important project of your life coming up,” he said calmly. “I will do everything I can to help you achieve it.”
“Should we wait to do this dating thing until our lives calm down?” she asked, hating every word as it came out of her mouth.
But it was like she had to suggest it so that she could hear it and then dismiss it.
André chuckled. It rippled through her and soothed her budding anxiety.
“No.”
“No?” she asked around a surprised laugh. “Just no, huh?”
But the truth was, his quiet laugh and simple answer was exactly what she needed.
He sat up, tossed the pillow back where it went, and coaxed her to her feet.
His eyes danced over her face as a soft smile played on his lips. He took both of her hands in his and brought them up to his mouth where he kissed the back of her knuckles. First one hand, then the other.
“I have to wonder if we’re just asking for trouble,” she whispered and watched him for his response. Looking for any indication that he agreed with her fears.
“Dual dreams,” he murmured running a thumb over her lower lip.
She tilted her head in question and his smile turned soft. “Neither one of our dreams takes precedence. We’re both able to chase our ambitions as we see fit because it’s what we want. And we chase each other—” He made another swipe of her lower lip and watched its movement, then came back to her eyes. “Because that’s also what we want.”
“I like that idea.” She pushed his dark hair off his forehead. God, he was gorgeous.
“I enjoy what I do,” he went on. “And I will continue on the path I’ve set because the work makes me happy and feel accomplished.” He took a deep breath and his gaze turned ever so tender as he cradled her cheek. “But you, Nik, you’re my heart. And when you’re doing what you love, what makes you come alive, that brings me joy.”
Tears burned her eyes in a good way and she pushed up on her toes to kiss him.
And what a kiss.
Long, slow, deep.
Pulling her heart into an embrace safer than she’d ever known.
* * *
They made it two days without seeing each other before she felt like she was dying.
Okay, that was a bit dramatic.
But working all day in the gorgeous space he’d created for her as she got ready for Zara Lorna’s arrival had her thinking about him constantly.
She could see the care he’d put into every design he’d chosen. Could feel his dedication in the energy surrounding her.
Maybe that had been his goal the entire time. Maybe he knew that by creating such beauty in her workspace, she’d have no choice but to think of him.
Occasionally she’d drift off in thought, picture his hands sanding, and painting, and crafting. Then she’d inevitably picture his hands on her.
Whatever his goal had been when he’d designed her office, it had worked.
