Page 86 of Strictly Business

I sigh, breathing out a sigh. “I might have. They gave up everything so I could follow my dreams, and I didn’t want them to know that the only job I could land was as an assistant,” I admit, my voice quiet. “But now, I’ll have to tell them the truth.”

“Or…”

“Or?” I repeat, my brows knitting.

He shrugs, leaning back against the plush couch. “Or you could tell them you work as a designer under me, and the news just got it wrong. It’s not technically a lie. You will be a designer in less than two months. What’s the harm?”

I blink at him, surprised. “That’s… not a bad idea.”

“I know. I’m brilliant,” he says, flashing a self-satisfied grin.

I scoff, rolling my eyes. “How are you not nervous? They’re going to scrutinize you to death. My grandma and sister will ask a million questions to figure out if you’re good enough for me,” I warn him. “She hated Liam, didn’t think he was good enough for me.”

Nicholas raises an eyebrow, looking entirely unbothered. “She was right. Besides, I’m ten times better than your ex.”

A laugh bubbles out of me before I can stop it. No argument there.

“What else is worrying you?”

I shrug, trying to brush it off. “I just don’t want her to realize I was lying to her.”

He pins me with a look. “Amara.”

I let out a sigh, closing my eyes briefly. “I didn’t have the perfect childhood,” I start, glancing at him. “My dad left when I was still a toddler. I don’t even remember him. And my mom… died a few weeks after my seventh birthday,” I admit, my chest tight at the reminder. I haven’t thought about that day for so long, and the reminder is as painful as it was back then. “And after my mom died, it was just me, my sister, and my grandma. She’s the one who really raised us.”

Nicholas stays silent, waiting for me to go on.

I feel the lump in my throat as my gaze drops to my lap, my chest tightening. “I guess that’s why I care so much about what they think. I want them to be proud of me.”

Nicholas studies me for a moment, leaning forward to cup my face in his hands. “They will be. They alreadyare. You’re amazing, Amara, and your family knows it.” He shoots me a reassuring smile. “There’s nothing to worry about, honey.” His smile widens into a grin. “I’ll make them love me. So much so that your grandma will be begging me to marry you for real.”

My chest tightens at his words, and I force a smile, trying to push down the chaos swirling inside me. Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself I could keep this professional. That I could sleep next to him, kiss him, and not let it get messy.

But it’s too late. I’ve caught feelings—hook, line, and sinker—and they’re not going anywhere.

The sound of footsteps in the aisle saves me from spiraling any further. I glance up as a flight attendant approaches. For a split second, I tense, expecting Savannah to appear, but instead, it’s a blonde woman with a sleek bob and a warm smile.

“Good morning. I’m Astrid, and I’ll be your flight attendant today. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

My brows knit together, my gaze flickering to Nicholas.Where’s Savannah?

Nicholas nods in acknowledgment, entirely unfazed. “Thank you, Astrid. I’ll have a scotch.”

“Of course.” She turns to me with the same practiced smile. “And for you, Mrs. Blackwood?”

Mrs. Blackwood. The title catches me off guard, making my pulse jump. I recover quickly, pasting on a polite smile. “Just a coffee, please.”

“Certainly. I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.” Astrid leaves, leaving a faint trail of floral perfume.

I turn to Nicholas, narrowing my eyes. “What happened to Savannah?”

He leans back in his seat. “She got reassigned.”

“Reassigned?” My frown deepens. “I thought she was your personal flight attendant.”

“Not anymore.”

“Wait…” I lower my voice, the realization dawning. “Did you…fireher?”

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