“Yeah.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “You’ll be paying rent three months without making any revenue.”
“Logan, stop. I’m aware of all that, but I don’t have another option. I’ll suck it up and work.”
“I probably already know the answer to this, but would you let me pay the crew? I’d be investing in your talent.”
I put my hands on my hips. “You want to be an investor? Why?”
“I saw your designs. They’re brilliant.”
“Yeah, but that would be a conflict of interest.”
“How so?”
“We’re dating. I can’t accept it.” Even though I can see in his eyes that his offer is honest, the term “sugar daddy” rings in my mind. I don’t want to depend on anyone except myself to see this all the way to the end.
“I thought you might say that. I’ll help you with the renovations then. On weekends.”
I was expecting a lot of things from Logan, but not this. Ava told me how hard he works, and that he saves his precious spare time for his family. Now he wants to give that up for me. I recognize this for the significant commitment it is. Who is this man, and why didn’t I meet him at a more appropriate moment in my life? Say, one year from now, when I’ll have all my affairs in order?
“It’s very sweet of you, but you don’t have to do this, Logan.”
He smiles. “I know. I want to.” He closes the distance between us with a few strides. When he’s close enough to me that I can smell the woodsy scent of his cologne, he adds, “You said ‘we’re dating’ like it’s a regular thing.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “That’s a big statement for you, considering I nearly had to blackmail you to earn a second date.”
“Well... ” My voice fades as Logan’s eyes turn darker, zeroing in on my lips.
“I made an impression last time, didn’t I?” His voice is low and breathy. My body immediately responds to it, desire billowing in my center, coiling through my veins.
“You’re a good kisser,” I say matter-of-factly.
“Good? I never settle for good, Nadine.”
“I might consider upgrading that to excellent,” I tease. “Depends on you.”
“I do love your challenges. Now, back to helping you renovate. I want one thing in return.”
“What’s that?” I already know I’ll agree to anything he says. It’s the side effect of inhaling his intoxicating scent. It must contain pheromones; I’m sure of it.
“The promised second date. Tonight.”
“You’re playing dirty.”
“I’ve been accused of doing that to get my way.”
“You always get your way, don’t you?”
Leaning in to me, he whispers, “Yes.”
“Okay, but we’ll have to go somewhere that a dress code isn’t required.” I point to my jeans and black cotton T-shirt. I have rags I plan to use for the renovation work in the back, but nothing else. “If we go to my apartment to change, it’ll take forever.”
“Fine by me.”
After I grab my purse, we step outside and I lock the door to the shop.
“I can’t believe I found a space on this street. The location is perfect.”
I glance around the area with a huge smile. “Perfect” doesn’t begin to cover it. This is a posh shopping area. A designer shoes and bag store is next door, and a high-end restaurant across the street. I’ve researched statistics, and there is plenty of foot traffic here. Parking opportunities aren’t as good as I’d hoped, but they’ll do.