Page 14 of The Close-Up
I just got my biggest assignment of my career...documenting my dream guy...who I’m struggling not to flirt with in the name of professionalism.
I make a noise that sounds like a cross between a groan and a laugh. Then I swipe my phone from my desk and text Simon.
Free for a chat? I’ve got a proposition for you.
He calls me ten minutes later.
“A proposition, huh?”
The obvious smile in his voice makes me giddy, but I take a moment to swallow it back. Get it together, Naomi.
I briefly explain what I just pitched to Fiona. He’s quiet the whole time, which causes the slightest hint of doubt to gnaw at me.
“I know that sounds a little—”
“Okay. I’m in.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. It sounds like a cool idea.”
“Wow. I thought it would be a harder sell given how hesitant you were when I asked you to do the first interview.”
“You let me tell my story on my terms. I imagine you’ll take the same direction in this series?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then I’m all for it. Also, because of your interview, I’m on track to fill every seminar and counseling session for the next three months. I’d like to keep that momentum going and I think an extended series would do that.”
I have to bite back a squeal. I’ve been wanting a big project like this ever since I started working at Dash and it’s finally happening. “Would it be totally unprofessional to tell you how psyched out of my mind I am? Like, I seriously wanna scream.”
“Then scream.” There’s a playful edge to his voice that makes my mouth go the tiniest bit dry.
“No way. I’m in the office.”
“When you get home, then.”
I chuckle. “If it’s okay with you I want to get started filming right away. Like, later this week, if possible.”
“Shoot, I can’t. I have a two-week couples’ retreat in Lake Tahoe that kicks off this weekend.”
I’m about to tell him that’s all fine, that we can work something out when he gets back. But then the ambitious part of my brain pipes up once more.
“Can I come with you and film part of it for the series?”
Again he pauses before letting out a laugh.
“What?”
“You’re tenacious as hell, you know that?”
I chuckle. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Good. I meant it as one.”
The growl in his voice sends heat across my body. Damn it. I’m gonna need to get that under control.
“I’ll run it by the couples and see if any are on board to be filmed. We’re all staying in the same Airbnb, so if they’re cool with it, then you’re in. And hey, if this ends up working out, you’re cool with sharing a bedroom at the Airbnb we’ll be at, right?”
