Page 37 of Good Girls Like it Dirty
“Pick me. I’ll do it pro bono.”
Lara unfolded her arms, and he saw the bob in her throat making its way down. “That’s quite generous. I didn’t expect that. What’s the catch?”
He took a sip of red wine. “My brother Zachary Cavanaugh lost his battle with cancer when we were teenagers, and I want a wing named after him in exchange.”
“Ah.” She played with her fork. “I understand. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Maybe you already had something in mind as far as naming the wings, but it’d mean a lot to me and my family. We’d be honored to be able to keep his memory alive,” he said, trying his hardest to keep the emotion out of his voice.
Lara gave him a warm smile, and he squared his shoulders. He certainly didn’t mention his brother to get any pity, but she needed to know his intentions—hell, it was part of his bargain. “By doing pro bono, you ensure the small fortune we would have paid you will benefit other areas. It’ll go toward the children. The board will approve you if I recommend you.”
I know. “Is that a yes?”
“One caveat,” she said, putting her fork to the side and rubbing her hands together. “Ashley has already talked to me, and I’m picking her to be the interior designer. I’ve enjoyed working with her in the past. I can ditch Doug, but I’d love to work with her. Do you have any objections?”
Oh, great.He’d agreed to keep working with Ashley on a few scheduled projects, but this was a monumental workload. After her visit at his house and her toxic friendship with Paula and all the strings attached, he’d prefer to talk to her as little as possible. “If I do?” he asked casually.
She dabbed at her mouth with the linen napkin. “Despite your incredibly generous offer, I’d have to think about it.”
Having to think about it meant she’d go to Doug and ask if he’d work pro bono. Shit, he might do it too, if only because Paula would tell him to. Best to nip it in the bud. “I’m okay with working with her. Ashley’s very talented,” he said, raising his glass.
She raised hers and tinkled it on his. “Perfect.”
For the rest of the lunch, she talked about dates, technicalities, and her team. When they returned to LA, she’d schedule a day to introduce him to the board, after they’d approved him as an architect. But the idea of working with Ashley on such a personal project tempered his excitement.
During the drive back to his hotel where he’d pick up Monique for some more sightseeing, he pondered. Ashley was a consummate professional—hell, she’d always prioritized her career. She excelled at what she did and deserved to get recognition for it.
Maybe she’d compartmentalize their bitter argument when he’d booted her out of his house and deal with it professionally. What if she refused to work with him and made up some stupid reasons? His gut clenched. A possibility, though his offering of pro bono surely had to tip the scale.
