Page 24 of Lovers at Seaside
He unrolled the new designs over the old. “I thought they went perfectly, too. Although”—he cocked a brow—“it’s not like you not to ask for a dozen changes.”
“I haven’t looked at themthatclosely yet.”
His arms circled her waist. “Whydoyou always insist on making so many changes?”
“I don’t know,” she fibbed. “I guess I tweak them until they feel right.”Or until I got to read so many of your emails I felt sated.
His eyes narrowed. “And here I was hoping you’d say you were doing it so we had more time to interact.”
“You were not.” Her confession was on the tip of her tongue, but she worried he wouldn’t believe it after he’d nailed her so perfectly.
“I’d hoped.” Before she could respond, he said, “I had many long, lonely hours last night to think about you.”
“Same.” Her cheeks flamed with the memory of fantasizing about him this morning. “You definitely fulfilled your promise.”
He leaned in for another kiss. “Wonder what tonight’s promise will be?”
She could think of about a dozen promises she’d like to hear—all involving nakedness.
“Better get that look off your face before someone snaps a photo and posts it with a caption that says, ‘Sexy Actress Drools Over Hot Artist.’”
“That’s why I like you. You’re so modest.”
“It’s embarrassing sometimes,” he said seriously. “How much you gawk at me.”
She swatted him, earning a deep, sexy laugh.
He pointed to the designs. “Focus.” Eyeing her with a heated look, he mumbled, “Man.You’re killing me.”
“Sorry. Wait.Youkissed me.”
“Right. Sorry.” He ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath.
She loved seeing her in-control man flustered, the way he continually flustered her.
“I was thinking about our talk last night.”
“And you decided a woman stuck between two worlds isn’t really what you were looking for?” She said it lightly, though the worry was real.
“Not even close.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I realized you need roots. Thick, stable, unbreakable roots.” He turned to the designs, tracing the lines as he spoke. “I’m thinking about tree trunks, like these, as balusters, with roots curling under the edge of each riser. See the twisted limbs winding up the staircase? We’d use those as railings, with thinner branches, a few leaves, and if you want, a bird or two thrown in for Christmas between the risers and the railings. It would be free-form, not uniform.”
Roots.He’d really heard everything she’d said last night, and she was deeply touched that he’d thought of her boy when he was designing such a focal point of the house.
“I really love this idea.”
“I thought you might.” He pointed to the drawings again. “I thought you could carry the same theme along the railing that spans the walkway overlooking the living room. I envision a mix of metals, with roots hanging over the edge of the wood, and maybe we create one large tree between each span, framed with decorative wooden posts to match the floors upstairs. We might have to get my buddy Blue to handle the woodwork; he’s an excellent craftsman. Or you can keep the traditional railings you have upstairs, of course.”
“No, this is so much better and more meaningful.”
“You sure? I know you’ll have plenty of changes, and that’s okay.”
“This house feels lonely inside. I hoped that would change when the foundation took over and kids started using it. But now I can see what’s missing. It was built with all the highest-quality products, but it wasn’t built withheart. It’s not a home. It’s a house. How did I miss that?”
“You were thinking of giving the kids the best.”
“But this…” Her eyes moved over the gorgeous drawings. “Thisis the best. These designs are perfect just as you’ve drawn them. With a bird or two for Christmas.”
“Ah, a tweak.” He leaned in for another kiss. “I’m glad you love them, but I’ve been working with you for long enough to know that tomorrow you’ll change your mind. So why don’t we set them aside for a day or two and then revisit them?”
