Page 20 of Fitting the Financier
“I’ve lost enough, I can’t lose my heart—” She clamps her mouth shut, backing away from me. “Let’s just focus on the business and the Masquerade ball. Keep our relationship work related.”
I clench my teeth, standing.
“Don’t make me fall for you, Nathan.”
Then she’s gone, and every fiber in my body wants to chase after her. But I don’t.
Not yet.
If Naomi needs convincing that I’m not simply looking to scratch an itch, then so be it. I stare at the empty doorway she retreated through. Her parting words ring in my ears and I smile. I haven't gotten where I am by shying away from a challenge; I embrace them head-on.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
NATHAN
Irub the stiff muscles along my nape as I stare down the flight of stairs leading from the second floor to my living space. Part of me wants to remain upstairs to keep a physical barrier between us. I roll my eyes, knowing damn well that although Nathan hasn’t ventured to the second floor yet, he will if he thinks I’m avoiding him.
I admit to day-dreaming a time or two about seeing him in my bedroom. His hard exterior reclined against my floral sheets.
Even as the thought flutters my stomach, I sense his lack of venturing upstairs has less to do with me and everything to do with his own restraint.
The faint aroma of fresh coffee tickles my nose. Not just any coffee, but a brew from my favorite cafe. Nathan isn’t playing fair. This past week, he’s made me breakfast each morning before we start our day. By early afternoon, Charity and Mason join us for an afternoon into town, followed by dinner.
Deadlines and picky clients I can handle. Seeing, touching, and working with Nathan all day — not so much. Yet, I can’t deny the progress we’ve made in turning my dream into a business with promise. For the first time, I can envision lasting profits.
In a brief period, we put together a permanent team of two seamstresses and Jen, my marketing assistant, hoping to double the dressmakers within the quarter. We hired a photographer to construct an album of my designs to build my website and we secured fabric from ethically sourced factories, which is a major concern for me when I thought about expanding. Nathan listens, then executes my wishes with precision.
Nathan is as strategic as he is determined.
“Good morning,” he says the moment I enter the kitchen.
“Hi.” It’s all I can manage before his arms are on my waist and he’s kissing me on my mouth. A peck that leaves me wanting more. The kiss isn’t long or deep enough to gain my protest. Yet, my body responds to his tenderness and his solid torso molding against me.
“Eat with me.”
There is more behind his simple request. “Is this your way of making sure I eat?” I know he has breakfast with Charity most mornings, too. “I can take care of myself.”
“Surviving isn’t thriving.” He removes an egg and cheese croissant from the paper bag.
He’s right. My hours blend into a string of days, especially when I’m designing. “Thanks for everything.” With Nathan’s help, we got done in a week what would take me months on my own.
“We still need to decide on a location for Cupid.” He turns a set of paperworks towards me and I squeal at seeing the letters ‘LLC’ behind the name.
My heart leaps in my chest. As a sole proprietor, I hadn’t registered Cupid until now. “I’m perfectly happy running the business from home for the time being.” My clients like the cozy atmosphere. But If I’m being honest, paying a large rent scares me.What if Nathan is wrong and I don’t continue gaining clients?
“Main street is prime location, Naomi.”
I bite my lip.
“There’s also enough space for a parlor, dressing rooms, and enough room for your designers.”
“Can I think about it?” Disappointment is evident in Nathan's brief silence. My response is not what he wants to hear. I don’t blame him. I’ve had nearly a week already to consider a location.
“Both Jen and Mason are waiting for an answer by tomorrow, especially Mason, who needs it to review the rental agreement.”
What started as a simple website design project quickly evolved into a complete vision for Cupid, including a carefully curated color palette, furniture selection, and decorative elements. As I marveled at Nathan's effortless management, I failed to recognize his subtle maneuvering of me.
“You can do this. We’re in the home stretch.”
