Page 114 of The Fate Factor

When it’s over, Jamie leads me by the hand to the parking lot. I’m giddy and light on my feet, and I can’t stop smiling.

“There were so many people.” I tip my head to look up at him, eyes wide, and he smiles back at me. When we get to his truck, he pushes me against the door and kisses me like he’s been wanting to do it for hours.

“It’s just the beginning, Noe. People are going to see your work all over this city.”

I want that. I’m not afraid,I say in my head because my mouth is otherwise occupied.

We pull apart before I’m ready, but we have to be at a restaurant further in town. Jamie drives, and I’m still buzzing when we walk in.

Kate and Colin arrive moments later, Cara and Em a bit after that. Then Wes.

He was at the Cara Bean too, in the back, arms crossed looking entirely pissed off. But I know now that he wasn’t. It’s literally just his face. It took me a while to come around, but when I decided to look past our first few interactions, I saw Wes for what hereallywas. Shy in a way I could definitely commiserate with. A fellow wallflower who isn’t quite sure which space belongs to him. And, more importantly, Jamie’s brother who he’s happy to have a better relationship with now that they’re moving forward as independent business owners.

At the restaurant, we eat and drink, and when the waiter has cleared our plates and brought another round, Jamie’s fork clinks against his water glass as he pushes to his feet.

“Let’s have a toast.” His hand cups my elbow, lifting me out of my seat before I can protest, and I bury my face in his shoulder and groan, hiding the red blooming across my cheeks.

Jamie clears his throat, and I hear Kate whoop before I look up at everyone.

“Well, shit. Now that I’ve pulled her up here, I’m afraid I’m going to fuck this up.” There’s a smattering of laughter, and he tugs at his collar before turning his eyes toward me. He’s never been able to hide a thing on that beautiful, expressive face, but still, the emotion there tonight catches my breath and whisks it away.

“Noel, I didn’t think there was anything in this world as beautiful as you until I saw you with a paintbrush. You’re amazingly talented, but you’re also patient, giving, and kind. The rest of the world is about to see your magic, but I promise I’ll always be your biggest fan.”

“I’m yours,” I whisper, and he presses his forehead to mine.

We’re staring into each other’s eyes when Wes shouts, “You have to toast, Jameson.”

“Oh. Right.” Jamie raises his glass, his mouth popping open, then snapping shut. “To…”

He looks helplessly at Kate.

“To destiny!” she calls out, and glasses clink around us.

Jamie dips his head so his lips are at my ear, and touches his glass to mine. “To bravery, baby.”

I forgo the sip of my wine andcheersinstead with a kiss, tipping to my toes to press my smile to his. His lips part and his tongue slips over mine, deepening the kiss in a way that is entirely inappropriate for a crowd. I eat it up like candy. Let them see me want.

After dessert, people shrug on their coats and linger over goodbyes. The waiter brings back Jamie’s credit card slip, and I slide it toward me, filling in the tip for him. He squeezes my thigh under the table in a private thanks, and we head out the door to the street, hand in hand.

“Can we make one more stop before we go home?” he asks.

There’s a glint in his eye, and I match it with a raised brow. “Where?”

“You’ll see.”

The city lights are on, though the sun is still lingering low behind brick buildings and old glass. The cold of early spring sends a shiver through my entire body, and Jamie takes my hand in his, leading me uphill, away from the water. We take a left and walk two more blocks, then head up again, toward Congress St. We pass the museum, and the sidewalks turn from brick tocobblestones. Jamie shifts from holding my hand to holding my elbow so I can balance on them in my heels.

When we get to Monument Square, a light mist rises from the stones around us, making it all feel like a dream world. But it’s definitely a real place because I’ve been here with Jamie once before… but higher.

“What are we—?”

“You’ll see.”

I look up at the brick buildings, side by side and lining the square. He leads me toward a door at the corner of the most familiar of the triplet buildings. We wait maybe four minutes in the cold before a group of college-age kids pushes out, slipping their coats on as they go. Jamie grabs the door and gives them a nod, as if he’s been standing there waiting to greet them. As soon as they stumble off, he tips his head and I reluctantly follow him into the stairwell.

“Jameson.” I’m trying to go with it, follow his lead like I have been for months. But he also hasn’t taken me on any trespassing adventures since the fire escape.

“Trust me, baby.” He gives me the Jamie Smile, and I sigh.

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