Page 161 of Beauty
“I told you this would work,” I say, excitement making me loopy. “Let’s give it a couple of weeks, then I’ll bring you tofamily dinner at Beckett’s. We’ll thank him for setting us up and give him all the credit, thenboom, we’re good.” I spin around and press a kiss to his lips.
“You sure you’re ready for that?” He angles back, holding his breath like he’s concerned about how I’ll answer.
I give him another peck, grinning. There’s no thought needed. I love this man. I want a future with him. “I’m beyond ready.”
After a weekend spent in bed, making love and making plans for the future, I head into work Monday morning, on cloud nine.
It’s almost time to fill my brothers in on what I’m going to do about my career. With any luck, my last act as CEO of the Bolts will be signing off on the deal that will keep Noah on the team for another few years.
From there, I’ll begin my next chapter.
I couldn’t be more ready.
I know what I want, and as exciting as Cat’s offer was, I’m not quite ready to hang up my designing hat.
Seeing my sisters-in-law in my designs this weekend cemented it for me. The way their faces lit up as they tried on pieces that made them feel both beautiful and authentic fulfilled me in ways I’ve never experienced.
That solidified my decision not to open another design house. I want to do what I did for them for my customers. Custom gowns and custom designs for people of all shapes and sizes. I want to work with individuals, taking into account their preferences, their comfort levels, and their figures, and findstyles that will make them feel good not only in my designs but in their own skin.
Something Beckett said weeks ago resonated with me. He wants his wife to see herself the way he sees her.
And I want that for all my clients.
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. There is beauty in everyone, and I want to accentuate that.
Yes, my best friend will be disappointed when I break the news, but Cat will find another stellar candidate for the role. And if I know her, she’ll be the biggest supporter of my new plans. I’m lucky like that. Lucky to be surrounded by a family so caring that they interfere in my life constantly. Lucky to have friends who love me and respect me enough to offer me incredible experiences and career options.
And I’m lucky I have a man who loves me and supports me and will be proud no matter what I choose to do with my life.
I’m waiting for my inbox to update when there’s a quick knock on the door and Ezra appears, a smirk on his face. “You get my email?”
His expression gives me pause, and the almost giddy tone of his voice makes anxiety zip down my spine. What the hell is this man up to now?
I arch a brow and look back at my computer. “Checking my inbox now. How about we set up a meeting to discuss the topic this afternoon? That will give me time to read it first.”
In other words,go the fuck away.
Rather than take the hint, he saunters in and sits across from me.
There is nothing I despise more than men who think they can control my time, but rather than fight with him, I give in.
“Nah, we can go over it now.” He nods at my screen. “Why don’t you open it up?”
I push away from my desk and cross my arms. Two can play at this stupid game. “Actually, since you’re here, why don’t you just tell me?”
The man smirks. “Harrison’s agent is asking for ten million and a guaranteed five seasons.”
I keep my expression neutral, but even I know that’s a big ask. Noah is the best winger in the league. He’s also thirty-five. It’s hard to believe he’ll play five more seasons.
“So we ask for three seasons instead.”
That’s probably what Noah is hoping for anyway.
Ezra scoffs. “Why would we pay him ten million a year when we could bring in Huey Davis for pennies on the dollar?”
I blink slowly. “Because Huey Davis isn’t Noah Harrison.”
“So we move Hall back up to the first line.” He lifts a shoulder lazily. “He’s got chemistry with War and Aiden. Snow’s a good backup, and we can bring on a whole handful of rookies for what it would cost to keep Harrison. Hell, I could get two hall-of-famers for the same price.”
