Page 39 of Crossing Lines

“Thrift stores,” I say, grinning when Zeki shudders. “Don’t look so grossed out.”

“I say this with love, but why the hell would you want to buy some used-up junk and put it inthishome?”

Evren snaps at Zeki in Turkish and Zeki says, “It’s a fair question.”

“Is it?” I ask. “Because your privilege is showing.”

“I’m sorry,” Zeki says. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Nina’s talented,” Evren says. “And Stella would be lucky to have everything custom made by her.”

I glance at Evren, surprised at the sincerity in his voice. A part of me wondered if he really liked my designs or if he liked the idea that I could make him some easy money with the jacket. But the way he says it, like he actually admires my work, is shocking, to say the least.

“Do you need me to take you to another city to do your thrift-shopping thing?” Zeki asks. “Because we need a table here ASAP.”

“If Nina needs to go to another city…” Evren glares at Zeki. “I’llbe the one taking her.”

“No one will be taking me,” I cut in, “because I don’t need to go to another city. I’ll find something here, eventually.”

“Or,” Zeki says, “we could buy something new now while we wait for you to find what you like.”

The thing is, I don’t know what I want. I just know I want it to be a showstopper. Something more than just a boring wooden or glass one. Maybe what I want isn’t possible, because I don’t know how to do it. I have some skills, sure, but I’m not a furniture maker by any means.

“I don’t know,” I say quietly, lost in thought. “Maybe.”

“Or,” Evren says, “I could take you to an acquaintance of mine. He might be able to either make what you’re looking for or help you find it.”

There he goes again, making plans with me, as if he has time. It’s so out of character that I need to test him, to see if he really is serious or not. “Sure,” I say, “and Zeki can come along with us.”

Evren frowns at that and Zeki laughs and throws an arm around my shoulders. “See? I knew you liked me.”

“Whatever you say, lover boy.”

Chapter 10

Evren

Why the hell did I have to open my mouth and make such an offer? The person I know who makes tables is in Memphis and far more than an acquaintance. He’s a family friend. Altan has a successful furniture shop in Istanbul and helped decorate our home there. But he moved to Memphis to be closer to his daughter five years ago. Altan regularly talks to my mom, and if I bring Nina to visit him, he’ll tell her. Mom will then come for a visit to meet Nina and my life will become more complicated than it already is.

Shit, I most definitely didn’t think this through, but Nina looked troubled when Zeki offered to buy something temporary while we wait for her to thrift something she likes. Nina clearly didn’t believe I was serious, but following through when it comes to her is important.

I have the impression that she doesn’t expect anyoneto make time for her, and that makes me want to prove her wrong. Even though I was planning to go to the office tomorrow, on a Monday, the official day off for my organization, I call Altan and organize my jet to take us to him.

When Nina comes into the kitchen, she’s wearing neon-orange wide-leg pants and a hot-pink floral shirt. It’s bright and so completely her that it makes me want to smile. Nina isn’t one to hide or stay in the background, unlike me, who prefers to go unnoticed. I’m a little envious about her confidence in herself.

“Here’s some coffee.” I hold out a travel mug for her to take. “Come, the car is waiting for us.”

“Is Zeki coming too?” she asks once we enter the black SUV with Nate and another bodyguard in the front. It’s annoying that he’s on her mind. I want her attention on me, and that’s a problem.

“I told him what time to meet us,” I say, “but since he’s not a morning person, I don’t expect he’ll make it.”

“And let me guess, you made sure to make it early to deter him from coming.”

I snort. “Do I look like someone who would play those kinds of games?”

“Yes, yes you do.”

I’m not sure what she means by that. I’m normally not fun or carefree, and yet, when I’m around her, I feel different. Like how I used to be before work took over everything, before the weight of providing for my family fell to my shoulders.

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