Page 134 of Flare

“For what?” His cool breath puffed between us. “Making sure you don’t freeze to death?”

“No.” I pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “For being you. For being here. For supporting me when I know all of this fashion stuff isn’t really your thing.”

Jack snorted. “Likereallynot his thing.”

Beck pulled me around and touched a finger to my lips. “Shush.Youare my thing. And therefore, everything youdois my thing. I don’t have to understand it in order to love what you do with it.” He brushed his lips over mine until a loud cough startled us apart.

“Jeez.” Jack leaned against the tiled wall with his arms folded. “I swear you guys are getting worse and you’ve only been living together a week.”

“We’re not living—” We both started, then stopped and stared at each other.

I frowned and stepped back. “It’s, um, it’s just until the flat’s ready. Then I’ll be moving back.”

Beck continued to stare.

“Right?” I held his gaze and watched a slow smile spread over his face.

“That’s up to you. I’m game. In fact I’d love it.” He cradled my face and tiny wings beat in my stomach.

“Oh, for Pete’s sake. I’ll meet you two at the car.” Jack pushed off the wall and Beck held out his keys.

When Jack was gone, Beck pulled me closer, kissing my nose, my eyes, my cheeks, and finally my lips. “Too soon?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” I searched but found no disappointment in his eyes. “Can I get a rain check on this conversation.”

“You can have anything you want,” he answered. “I’ll be here waiting when you’re ready.”

I was almost on my toes to kiss him soundly when—

“Hey, I’m glad I caught you.” Alec ran over, then flushed when he saw our lips almost touching. “Oops, sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I sighed and settled for a brief peck. “What’s up?”

“I just wanted to thank you again for taking a chance on me. I had three agency scouts approach me tonight with contract offers. One was Cage Talent.”

My mouth dropped open. “Holy shit, Alec. That’s amazing. Get in with them and there’ll be no stopping.”

He was almost bouncing on his toes. “I can’t believe it. But anyway, thanks. And I’m really sorry about the fire.”

I shrugged. “Repairs start next week, and Kip says the orders are already starting to roll in from tonight. I had some great feedback.”

“He’s being modest,” Beck chimed in. “The show was a knockout. He’s spent the last hour being badgered about where his inspiration came from.”

And I was still trying to get my head around it. “I’m just relieved the whole Gloria saga didn’t blow up in my face.”

Beck shrugged. “A few sour looks from the old guard, but most people wished you well and showed their support. I even overheard a few comments about making examples of these bigger labels who think they can get away with anything.”

“Now I just have to hope the reviews are positive.” I winced.

“Well, Aaron Carmichael’s already tweeted how much he loved it.” Alec pulled out his phone. “To quote, ‘the freshest collection I’ve seen in a long time.’ So, I think you’re okay on that score.” Alec handed his phone over for me to see.

I read aloud, “‘Innovative and original, sexy and cast in beautiful fabrics...’ blah, blah, blah, and—” I stopped talking and gasped before continuing, “‘The most exciting new designer I’ve seen in a decade.’ Yes!”

Beck pointed to the screen. “Is that him?”

I nodded and Beck grinned. “He was sitting next to Jack. Asked if you were the one Gloria shafted, although not in so many words. He’s a big deal, then?”

I grinned like an idiot. “Huge. Used to design for Yves St Laurent but had some health issue and now puts out Fashion Books and does critical reviews. This is big, Beck.” I caught his eye. “Aaron Carmichael likesmydesigns. Holy fucking shit. I think Flare might just be okay after all.”

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