Page 75 of Strictly Business

The elevator doors open and Nicholas guides me inside. “Is it always like this for you?” I ask, glancing at him. “People fawning over you everywhere you go?”

He shrugs, adjusting his cufflinks. “You get used to it.”

I don’t push him further, but I can’t imagine ever getting used tothis.

The elevator dings, and we step into a private hallway. Nicholas swipes his key card, the door opening with a soft click.

The first thing that hits me is the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the far wall, framing a breathtaking shot of Los Angeles at sunset, the city sprawling beneath us.

The suite itself is out of this world. Sleek, traditional, and so luxurious I feel like I’ve stepped into someone else’s life. The living room is bathed in muted tones, featuring a velvet couch and a glass coffee table. Off to the side is a small bar stocked withbottles of liquor I can’t even name, and a dining table that could host a dinner party for ten.

Nicholas pushes open the door to the bedroom, and my eyes go straight to the king-size bed in the middle, piled high with what looks like a million cushions.

“Wow,” I breathe, stepping further into the room, taking it all in.

Nicholas stops by the door and glances at me. “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful,” I reply, letting my eyes wander around.

His brow lifts, watching me carefully. “But…”

I turn to face him, catching the knowing look on his face, and hesitate for a moment, chewing on my lip. “The rug,” I say slowly. “It doesn’t match the vibe. It’s too busy. And the lighting in the bathroom… it’s too harsh for the marble. It needs something warmer to balance it out. Oh, and that table?” I point toward the dining area. “It’s stunning, but it feels too light for the space. A dark wooden table would have made it much more inviting.”

I trail off, suddenly aware of how much I’ve said. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“Don’t apologize,” Nicholas interrupts. “You’re right.”

I blink, caught off guard. “What?”

“You’re right,” he repeats, stepping closer. “The rug, the lighting, the dining table… You nailed it. You have an incredible eye for this, Amara.”

Heat rises to my cheeks. “Thank you. It’s always been what I wanted to do.”

“I know. And you’re going to be amazing at it.”

His words hang in the air, and for a moment, the raw honesty of them settles something deep in my chest. I’ve spent so long wondering if I’m good enough for this, if I’m just fooling myself into thinking it’s something I can actually do. And the fact thathe believes in me—really believes in me—in a way I’ve never let myself believe, makes my chest flutter with hope.

Before I can process, he steps closer, his hand brushing my cheek. My breath catches as his lips find mine. It’s a kiss that feels a little too real, and when he pulls back, I’m dizzy, my head spinning.

I turn toward the window, needing a moment to steady myself. “The view’s amazing,” I say. “But… I think I prefer the view back home.”

Nicholas moves behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist as he places the softest of kisses against my neck. “I prefer the view wherever you are.”

My heart stumbles in my chest, and I force out a laugh. “You’re laying it on thick, don’t you think? No one’s around to hear you.”

“You are. I don’t need anyone but you to hear it.”

“Okay,” I laugh, spinning to face him. “Are you done?”

“Not quite.” He smirks, reaching into his pocket.

Nicholas pulls out a sleek black card and hands it to me. I frown, staring at it in confusion when I see my name printed on the front. “Nicholas… What is this?”

“We have the opening,” he explains, leaning in to place a soft kiss on the corner of my mouth. “Go buy something nice to wear. Something expensive.”

I shake my head, almost immediately. He’s already covered the dress, the flight, the hotel. And now this… I open my mouth, but he stops me.

“Don’t argue,” he interrupts, as he steps closer. His tall frame towers over me, and that familiar flutter stirs in my stomach. “You need a dress for tonight, and I know you love to shop. Trust me, I want to see you in a new dress. Preferably one you can’t wear panties with.”

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