Page 78 of We Can Do
Breaking apart, I search his eyes. “You could have also said it in person, you know.”
He ducks his face and grins. “I thought putting it in the chapter would make it more romantic.”
“But what if I hadn’t read it?” I chuckle. “I’m not your editor, so technically I don’t have to read what you send me.”
He winces. “Damn. I didn’t think of that.”
My hand finds his. “I’m glad you didn’t, because I did read it, and it was perfect. Romantic, too.”
“Good, because those pages are going in the book. I wrote them for you, but I think they’re actually the best part of the cookbook so far.”
“Noah.” I whisper. “I love that idea.”
“By the way, I haven’t found a new editor, so if you’re interested…” His arm slips around my waist, and he tugs me closer. “No pressure. I just want you to know that you’re the only person I want to edit. You’re my first pick.”
“You haven’t found another editor?” I can’t keep the shock out of my voice. “They must have assigned you someone else by now.”
“Actually, I broke my contract with the publishing house. I’m on my own.”
My jaw drops. “I’m sorry. You… what?”
“I changed my mind about how I want this book done. Why deal with agents and publishers and press teams? I can do it myself and control every aspect.”
“Wow, that’s…new.”
“I already have a following thanks to my YouTube channel. It should be enough to help me kickstart the release.” He laughs. “Even some of the people who just want to bash me will probably buy a copy.”
“True.”
“And, listen. I know asking you to still edit means something completely different now. It won’t lead to you getting a job at a publishing house. I’ve asked my agent to give your info to other publishers and authors, though. Maybe something will come of it.”
“It’s fine.” I mean it one-hundred percent. “I’ve also been thinking about what I want, and I’ll be okay if I don’t find a full-time job right away. I’m kind of digging writing think pieces. I can do more of those so that I can quit food reviewing.”
“Really? You like them? Or are you just?—”
“I like them.” I playfully grab his side. “I mean it.”
His eyes soften. “What else do you like?”
“I like you,” I whisper.
“I more than like you.” His voice cracks and he clears his throat. “I love you, Alexis.”
The emotion that sweeps through me is sudden and all powerful. Tears fill my eyes and my heart feels like it’s pounding out of my chest. Did he really just say that?
“You...you love me?”
“I love you,” he repeats and slips his fingers into my hair, pulling me closer.
I tilt my head back and gaze into his eyes, no longer lost in the depths of our past but pulled in by the momentum of our future.
“I love you, too.”
Noah and I spend the rest of the evening together, eating, cuddling, and just enjoying each other’s company. After being apart, it feels so good to be back together and happy again.Moving forward in our careers and relationship together is exactly where I want to be.
“Do you want to run down to the bakery and grab one of the new cinnamon sugar loafs I made today for dessert?” Noah asks.
I smile. “Yes, that sounds amazing.”
