She blinked, surprised by his tone.
He closed his eyes for a beat and sighed, maintaining his forward posture. “Mia, no matter what you call us—spouse, roommate, best friend—you’re one of the most important people in my life. End of story.”
Heat spread up her neck as his blue eyes roamed her face.
“You’re blushing again.”
“Yeah, when did that start?” she said, trying to sound flippant. “I think the ring went to my head.”
He chuckled, and the tension seemed to lighten a fraction. “Thirty bucks well spent.”
“Promise me when you find a real wife, you’ll find a girl who’s okay with me still being in your life. I know it will be different, but I can’t give you up completely.”
“I will if you will.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m never getting married. You know this.”
He cocked a brow and lifted his left hand, the black ring a contrast against his skin.
“You know what I mean,” she said.
He shrugged. “Maybe you’ll change your mind. Think of this like a trial run. I’ll give you a report at the end on what it’s like being your husband. Maybe you’ll realize how ridiculous you’re being.”
“Are we talking about this again?”
“You brought it up.”
Mia kicked his shoe. “You drive me crazy.”
“Same.” Something about the look in his eyes when he said it sent a tingle down her spine.
She dropped her eyes to the table and brushed it off. “So how was work today? Without me?”
“Quiet. And safe.”
Mia laughed. “I should have taught the new girl how to put tape on the bottom of your mouse and remove the handles from your desk drawers.”
“A missed opportunity, for sure.”
“You’re gonna be so bored.”
“Or more productive.”
Another couple passed their table, and Mia briefly broke eye contact. “True. You’ll get that promotion for sure. They’ll be blown away by the work you can get done without me distracting you.” She grinned. “Hey, I feel a little less guilty now.”
Noah frowned a little. “James mentioned the position the other day. He said he’s looking forward to discussing it more after my dad retires.”
“What? Noah, that’s incredible. Why aren’t you more excited?”
“It’s not guaranteed to be mine. David’s gonna go hard for it, too.”
She waved a hand. “You definitely deserve the position over him. You managed twice the number of projects he did last year.” Plus, she’d overheard several of the other architects comment on David’s propensity for laziness and lack of attention to detail.
“He had a few extensive projects that turned out really well.”
“So did you.”
He shrugged and folded his arms across his chest. “So how was class today?”