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"I've often said that," Naomi's father responded, with a proud glance at his daughter. "It's so cleverly arranged, but Naomi won't take credit for that side of it. Tried to make me think it has to be done that way because of space limitation."
Lucas looked back at Naomi. The grateful, relieved look she was giving him filled him with a deep sense of pleasure. She was glad to be rescued, but it was the truth. Her talent didn't stop at the designs.
The door chimed again and Megan entered the shop carrying a bucket and cleaning equipment. She looked at the three of them with blatant curiosity. Lucas wondered what she'd said to Naomi's dad. That she'd found a burglar who turned out to be a naked male guest in Naomi's bedroom? Whatever it was Mr. Kildare hadn't been fazed by it.
"Are you the creative influence?" Lucas asked Mr. Kildare.
"No, no. That was her Mum. I'm a retired chemistry teacher. I just know a good thing when I see it." The older man beamed.
Lucas nodded. "Naomi told me about your input on her business plans. I was just about to discuss the shop layout angle with Naomi over coffee. Seems like you should be part of the discussion."
"Absolutely, if you think I can help."
Lucas's plans for the morning were slipping back, but he could spare another hour here. Then he caught sight of Naomi's smile, and he didn't have a choice. She was pleased with what had been said. He was fast discovering her happiness meant everything to him and right then – seeing her so pleased – Lucas knew there was nothing he wouldn't do to keep this woman happy and content.
Chapter Three
"So, let me get this straight…" Megan said, and she had a bemused look on her face. "You went to London for a contract to expand the business, and this guy who's head of the company offered you one, and you did a runner?"
Naomi frowned. "It's more complicated than that."
"I get it's complicated, but just for my sake let's keep things simple." Megan gave a side-eye glance that indicated she wasn't simplifying it for her own benefit, but for Naomi's.
Naomi resisted the urge to interrupt.
"And then this guy who's head of his own business and a very busy man drops everything and comes all the way to Edinburgh to talk you round?"
"Yes." Naomi's face heated, and she hated it. Her pale skin blushed so easily, she was like an open book for anyone to read. She needed this chat, but she was mortified by Megan's cross-examination. Megan had every right to quiz her though, especially given the fact she'd assumed Lucas a burglar and had almost called the police on him.
"And then there's the fact he's one serious hottie." Megan fanned herself with both hands. "I don't even need to ask if he's good in bed. A man who oozes that much self confidence and charm has to be. Which makes me wonder…what the hell else did you do over the weekend – win the lottery?"
Naomi sighed, loudly. "All right already. You can make fun of me. It's all true and I deserve it, but it's not as simple and fantastic as it sounds. The reason I did a runner was because I thought he was offering me a contract as some sort of payment because we slept together."
"Well, I'm guessing the fact he chased you all the way up here to Scotland proved you wrong on that point. A man like him doesn't need to travel far to find a lover."
"I suppose so." The doubts still needled away at her brain though.
Lucas wanted her. She had no doubt about that. Was it still a negotiation – the contract in return for more of what he wanted? Would it be so bad if it was? She couldn't shake it – she wanted her work to be given a contract on its own merit, nothing to do with who she was shagging and why.
On the other hand, she couldn't deny the complete joy she'd felt at being reunited with Lucas. Waking up next to him and having him around first thing in the morning was incredibly special to her. When they were intimate, all thoughts of professional behavior and inappropriateness vanished from her mind. Such was the effect he had on her. But when he wasn't around she was torn between complete longing to be with him again – a longing that was like a gnawing all-consuming ache inside – and relief she had the mind space to question what the hell was going on with her life.
Megan wasn't done quizzing her. "And now, this guy, who's like some sort of powerhouse workaholic, as you yourself described him, is camping out in the most expensive hotel on the Royal Mile just so he can see you at the end of your working day?"
Naomi's shoulders dropped. "When you put it like that, it really does make me sound like the most ungrateful spoiled brat there ever was."
Megan laughed and hugged her side. "Oh no, that you're not. Come on, Sweetheart. I get you're confused. I'm only teasing because I can see why. Lucas is amazing."
Naomi gave her friend a grateful smile. "I'm overwhelmed, to be honest."
"Don't fret so." Megan's eyes glazed over while she stared at the doorway to the back of the shop, as if she was picturing him standing there. "Life's short. Never mind the contract, just enjoy the man."
"We need the contract," Naomi replied, stubbornly.
Just then the door chimed and two young women with backpacks entered the shop.
Megan waved in their direction and gave them her most winning smile as she welcomed them. "Please feel free to have a look around. If there's something specific you're looking for just give us a shout."
Naomi glanced their way from under her lashes. Her chest ached with pride when the women pointed at the array of garments on the shelves and cooed and gaped. When customers gave obvious signs of awe and admiration it humbled her. This time it did even more. It anchored her to her work, reminding her of why she'd traipsed to London in the first place. Not to find a lover. Okay, that was a bonus, a big one. But she simply couldn't lose focus on the main goal. She owed it to her mother's memory to make this dream come true. She couldn't lose sight of that while she indulged in an affair, no matter how intense.
