Page 34 of Tempting Me

“That was like fifteen years ago.”

He shrugs. “Ever since you said it, I thought it would be cool.”

He holds his phone up as if he’s scared I might bite.

I take it and have to contain my glee as my eyes take in the photo. The arch is beautiful with built-in shelves on each side that are filled with different flowers and plants, giving it a slight greenhouse vibe.

“I even thought I could add the shelves if you like that look. The big windows would be perfect for it. It would have an earthy feel that I think would be great for when people come in off the water after a day in the sun. They still get that outdoorsy feeling, but the air conditioner would be highly enjoyable.”

He lets out a laugh as he takes his phone back.

The look on my face makes his grin drop.

“Or you know, we could stick to the original plan. It’s perfect for this place, too.”

He turns to walk away, which is good because tears threaten my eyes.

Ever since I came back to Lovers, I wanted someone, anyone, to talk about The Marina the way I do. To see it the way I do. To love it the way I do, and just now, Luca did that.

I could see in the way he looked around the room as he spoke that he could see it. Heck, I could hear it in his voice.

I clear my throat.

“I want three shelves on each side instead of two,” I say without looking at him.

Then I swipe away a tear that escapes.

Luca Asher, my number one enemy, just filled my heart with hope.

CHAPTER EIGHT

LUCA

It’s almost been a week of me showing up at The Marina to work at night. I’m not convinced that this town hasn’t caught on by now, but at the same time, not a single person has said a word to me, so maybe we’re pulling this off after all.

What I’m not pulling off, however, is good sleep.

This new schedule has completely thrown me, and I need to find a new way to balance it out.

Soon.

Until then, just a little extra coffee, maybe a little extra protein as soon as I wake up, and I should be good as new.

I quickly get ready and head to work. A few hours in and I know that if I’m gonna struggle for the rest of the day, I need some comfort food, and that means a large ass coffee from B’s Bakery and maybe even two sandwiches from Hudson’s to keep on hand for when I’m hungry.

I park in front of the bakery and spot the line as soon as I reach the door.

Dammit. This is definitely a con of living in a small town.

As soon as I walk through the door, I spot Sadie as the second person from the cash register. So I shoot her a quick text with my order and then I take a seat at the table where her laptop is already set up.

Do I wish people knew I was helping at The Marina? Sure, yeah, but mainly because, even though I have a handful of projects happening right now, I just want to be at The Marina. If I could work there all day for eight hours instead of three stolen ones at night, I’d be so much further along and Shay could finally see some progress.

I can see in her eyes that she wants things to move faster, and I don’t blame her. It’s been a long process.

But we can’t rush it if we want it done right.

I chuckle.

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