Page 59 of Designs on You

“Yup.”

He walked around to see the place tastefully decorated. Not his style, but he could imagine the clients being extremely happy. It was colorful but not garishly so, with pale lavender colors and bold grays.

Natalie definitely had an eye for design. There were shelveswith plants and knickknacks, but not so many that it was overloaded. More conversation pieces and things that added texture to the place.

The art was outstanding.

“How do you choose the art?” he asked after he hung a beautiful modern oil with mixed colors in the entryway.

She studied the picture, and he didn’t know if she thought it was crooked or if she just liked the art. “I have long conversations with the clients before the project starts. We go over their likes and dislikes. Some people dislike art entirely and only want family portraits adorning their walls. Others like bare walls.”

“Ugh. That’s kind of sterile.”

“Right? Anyway, Paula and Fred love colorful art, something that tells a story that every viewer can interpret on their own. So no people or faces or objects, just impressions.”

He looked at the myriad of colors and shapes in the art in the foyer. “You have a good eye. This is some cool shit.”

She laughed. “Thank you. Though the homeowners already had some fantastic art pieces. I just picked up a few more.”

He turned to face her. “You’re gonna do the same with my house, right?”

“You want art?”

“Well, yeah.”

“So, no framed pieces of your video games?”

He snorted out a laugh. “Maybe in the game room. Nowhere else.”

She nodded. “We’ll discuss what you like. We can go shoppingat some of the art shops so you can peruse in person. Or, you can do that on your own and tell me what you like.”

“I’d rather we do that together. If you want to.”

With every step in their conversation, she felt that icy resolve melting, and she didn’t want it to. So, instead, she lifted a shoulder. “You’re the client. Whatever your preference.”

“Natalie.” He moved in closer. “Can we take a minute and talk?”

She didn’t want to talk. She was still angry. And hurt. But she’d told him they could have a conversation, and he had worked his ass off all day.

“Fine. We’ll take a short break.” She turned and walked into the kitchen, reached into the cooler she’d brought and pulled out two bottles of cold water, handing one to him. They took seats at the kitchen table.

Eugene scooted the chair within an inch of hers, their knees touching. Just the simple touch of his knees to hers sent a jolt through her.

Ridiculous.

“Natalie. I am so sorry about what happened. I could make excuses and tell you that when something goes wrong with game design everything other than fixing it gets pushed to the side, but that’s no excuse. It was a terrible thing to do to you and I know it must have hurt you to think that I blew you off.”

“I was worried about you. I know I have no right—”

“You have every right. We had plans and I didn’t show up. And when you texted and called, I didn’t respond. If our situations had been reversed, I’d have panicked. I’m so sorry I put you throughthat, and I don’t blame you for being angry. I know you don’t trust me, but believe me when I tell you this has been a wake-up call. It won’t happen again.”

She blew out a breath. “I appreciate the apology.”

He picked up her hand, reading her hesitation. “But?”

“But…I don’t know. I’ve already had years of not being a priority in someone’s life. I’m not fond of repeating that.”

“Give me a chance to show you that you are important to me. Let me make up for this.”

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