“Not necessarily. They change their minds constantly, so we never read into any change requests because you’ll only be disappointed. We just need to keep fulfilling their changes to the best of our ability and hope they prefer our drafted design in the end. After they choose, both companies work together on the final design and build.”
“Who gets the profit?” I ask.
“It’s shared between both companies.”
“So, what’s the importance of who the client chooses?”
“Ego.” He shrugs with a shit-eating grin.
I laugh.
“It’s also important to be able to list our winning jobs to future clients. Makes us more appealing, and we can charge a higher amount.”
I nod. “That makes sense.”
“Anyway, let’s make this a little grayer and two centimeters thicker, and see what it looks like.”
“How about we add some blue into the gray? I think it might complement the building,” I suggest. I hope I don’t overstep, but I want to feel like I can contribute even a little bit.
“We can definitely try it. The more options, the better.”
Spinning around, he types away on his computer. After a couple more versions with a few new shades of blue and gray options, he says, “Let’s show Nora and then grab some lunch. I’m starving.”
I smile, thinking I could do with a coffee and some food. We show Nora our new variations, and she has a suggestion that we run back to the office to try to attach them to the new file. And then finally, we hit the deli across the street.
Mason opens the door, and I’m about to step through the doorway when I gasp. I stand toe to toe with Marc, my gaze hitting his solid chest even through his white shirt. I remember the dark hair and tanned muscles that lie underneath. My fingers tingle with the need to touch him again. His chest rising and falling, I tip my head back, and his deep brown eyes stare down at me warmly. We stand in place, holding each other’s gaze, and I can’t speak a word. Totally lost in this moment.
“Gracie,” Marc says deeply, and it trails down my spine.
He can feel the sparks bouncing between us too.
We are so close, and the last time we were was at the bar…
“Marc. How are you, man?” Mason says from behind me.
Marc’s eyes leave mine, and I blink, but I’m unable to tear my gaze from his handsome face. This close up, I can take in his dark lashes and chiseled nose, and moving down, I watch his tempting mouth as he answers Mason, showing peeks of his tongue. I can help but quiver from the memories of it in my mouth, colliding with mine, and between my legs on top of the bar.
I’ve never come as hard as I did that night with him.
“I’m good, Mase,” Marc says, smiling at him. “How are you?”
“Yeah, same, same. Just grabbing some lunch with the new trainee, Gracie.” The moment Mason says my name, Marc’s face moves to me again, and my breath hitches. “You saw her at last week’s meeting.”
“I sure did,” Marc says it with a slight purr, and it’s like he’s whispering it just to me. His voice is so smooth and velvety.
“Ah. Yeah. Hi,” I say breathily. I’m still struggling to take a full, deep breath.
“Nice to meet you,” Marc adds, but his lips perk up with a grin. As if knowing he’s affecting me.
I clear my throat, trying to sound the opposite. “You too.”
“You want to join us for lunch?” Mason asks, and my eyes widen. I turn my head to look at him, and then back at Marc, who flicks his gaze from Mason to me.
“I’d love to.” His grin spreads across his face, and I want to point out that he already got his lunch, since he’s holding a takeout bag. But instead, I stay silent.
“Come, let’s catch up,” Mason says.
I have so many questions, but I can’t ask any with Mason around.