Page 62 of One Night Stand After Another
He looked at her for a long moment. “I leased it before I showed it to you. I go all-in when I want something. I don’t think that’s something I can change, but I’ve had a lot of time to think about the difference between being supportive and being a dick. I’m sorry I pushed you so hard. I’ve spent the last two months regretting how I handled our last day together and trying to give you some space. I don’t handle failure well.”
“But you’re still here.” She pointed at the sign. “You did that.”
He shrugged. “I had to stop pressuring you, for your sake and mine, but I never stopped believing in us.”
He gave her the devilish grin she’d missed so much. “I’m sorry I rushed you, Clara. I’m sorry I said your life plan sucked and mine was better, and I’m sorry I made you feel like I was motivated by my competitive drive instead of by the fact that you make me happy and you drive me wild in bed. That was my biggest mistake.” His voice grew husky. “Please give me a chance to show you how much I love just being with you.”
“You deserve more than another chance, Zane.” Clara shook her head. “You might have rushed me, but you were right about everything, and I’m so grateful to you for believing in me. I’m sorry it took me so long to get here, but I had a lot of thinking to do, too. A lot of changing. I can’t promise that I have everything figured out, but I do know one thing—you were not a mistake, not ever. In fact, you just might be the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I think I’m falling in love with you.” She meant every word of the stark, unrehearsed confession.
“Thank God. I thought it was just me. Jack said you weren’t an impulsive person, so if you kissed me ten years ago, I had a shot now, but I was starting to get nervous.”
Her gaze narrowed. “Jack?”
Zane shrugged. “We wouldn’t be standing here if he hadn’t invited you to the wedding.” He gestured at the café. “Jack also suggested I call his friend Roman and check out this space. And that I stick around and ask you out on a date like a normal person. Our buddy Jackson Calabrese may have a second career in matchmaking. By the way, I never did take you to my favorite restaurant. Can I buy you dinner tonight?”
“Yes, please.” Joy tapped a happy dance in her heart. “Where are we going?”
“In-N-Out Burger.”
She burst out laughing. “That’s your favorite? A fast food joint?”
“Have you been there yet?”
“No.”
“You’ll understand when you get your burger.” He took her hand and led her deeper into the cafe.
“When do you open?” she asked.
“Soft opening for the café is in three weeks, but I ran into a snag with the crafting room upstairs.”
She looked for a door or a stairway, hoping he’d take her there. “What happened?”
“You said no.” He tugged her into his arms, gazing down at her. “I haven’t touched the second floor. Is it too soon to ask if you’d reconsider going into business with me?”
“Funny you should ask.” She smiled at him, feeling joy bubble up in her chest. “I got Jimmy to check into this listing and see if it was still available, and that’s how I found out you were still here.”
“Jimmy?” Zane asked, a slow smile blooming on his lips. “First name basis, huh? And you said I was right about everything? Tell me more.” He lifted a teasing brow.
“As it turns out, Jimmy Banan is none other than James Buchanan, the Fiber King.”
Zane’s eyes blew wide. “Are you fucking with me?”
She grinned. “I went to my interview, and he basically refused to hire me in anything except a creative position. I talked him into letting me pour my artistry into my store and a few designs for his showroom, while I do a little tax consulting. Full benefits. Weekly paycheck. Company car. Free yarn for life.” She’d hammered out a sweet deal.
“That’s my girl.”
“I’d like to be.” She moved her hand to his chest, gratified to feel his heart was pounding as hard as hers.
His crystal gaze darkened. She knew that look. She’d seen it often enough, and she’d missed it like crazy. He fingered the top button of her sweater, the latest addition to the Ten-Year Reunion Collection, inspired by a very hot dream about Zane.
“This is my favorite one yet, by the way,” he said. “I really thought you’d call me after I read that blog.”
“I almost did,” she admitted. “But I was still afraid. Taking risks is a huge challenge for me. That’s why I’m terrified to truly make my living with art, even though I’ve worked hard to build myself a safety net.” Her cheeks heated. “I think I dated Jack in high school because he was a totally safe option, and I don’t think I ever would have pulled the trigger on using my grant for travel. College was way safer.”
She cupped his cheek. “And you—you make me feel very scary things. I got to California and scored my dream job. Then I sat on the beach with my crochet hooks and a big bag of yarn and was absolutely miserable. It wasn’t my dream anymore. Somehow, my dream turned into anything I share with you.”
He boosted her up onto the counter. “So that’s a yes to the second floor?”
