Page 106 of American Beauty

Fear flickers in her face. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled you’ll be in the U.S., but Dallas is so far away. It isn’t any better than Sydney. Not being together… is not being together, no matter where you are.”

I sit up, reaching for her hand, my thumb skimming over her knuckles. “That’s why I want you to come with me.”

“Alex––”

“I’m serious.”

“I just started my business. Leaving for months would be career suicide.”

“I understand, but we’ve lost so much time. Is there not any way you could come?”

She chews her bottom lip as she turns the idea over in her head. I can almost see the wheels turning, the tug-of-war behind her eyes—her need to be responsible battling whatever part of her wants to say yes.

“I could work remote in Dallas during the designing process. But most things require me to be in Charleston––handling permits, site visits.”

“Could you hire an assistant?”

“I could if I had the money, but I don’t.”

I open my mouth, but she cuts me off. “Don’t you dare say you’ll pay for an assistant.”

God, she knows me so well. “All right. Whatever time you’re able to give me, I want it.”

Her features soften. I can see the pull in her—toward me, toward us—but also the weight of everything she’s carrying. The business she’s built. The life she’s fought to create.

“You’ve worked hard to make your own way in the world. I respect that. It’s one of the things I love about you. And while I can predict you won’t, I wish you’d let me make it easier for you.”

Her eyes meet mine, unwavering. “I appreciate that more than you know, but this is something I have to do on my own.”

I nod, understanding, even if I don’t like it.

This quiet, determined strength is so her.

“All right, but will you please allow me one selfishness?”

“Depends on the selfishness.”

“I want to fly you to Dallas to be with me whenever you’re free––weekends, weekdays––I don’t care when. Even if I can only get an hour with you. Just say the word, and I’ll charter a plane to pick you up.”

A smile tugs at her lips, small but sure. “Okay, I’ll allow you that selfishness.”

I shift closer, cupping her face in my hands, brushing my thumb gently along her cheek. “We’re gonna make it work this time, favorite.”

Because I’ll have it no other way.

Chapter 29

Magnolia Steel

The second thedoor closes behind my client, I pump my fist in the air, a victorious little jolt of movement I can’t contain. I let out a quiet squeal, spinning in a small, giddy circle, wrapping my arms around myself.

I landed the job.

Not just any job. A full-scale design project for a luxury spa.

My dream. The kind of project that puts a designer on the map, that turns whispers into buzz, that takes you from scraping by to being in demand. This is it. The break I’ve been fighting for—the one that makes every late night, every rejection, every moment of doubt worth it.

I suck in a breath, trying to slow my racing heart. My hands tremble as I grab my phone, fingers moving on instinct. It rings twice before his deep voice fills the line.

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