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“I got five commission pieces to do!” I did a little jig and clapped my heels together as I jumped.
His eyes widened in shock as he stood from his desk. “Holy shit, that’s amazing!”
“I know. I mean, I just put up my website, and I hardly promote it on social media. So I’m just blown away that it’s even happening.”
“You’re amazing. It’s not shocking that people are taking note of it.”
I felt my cheeks heat a little as they always did whenever Damian paid me a compliment. “I know it’s not a lot. I mean, people probably get a lot more projects than that and—”
“No.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, no?”
“I mean, no, we aren’t going to do this.”
“Do what?”
“Diminish your excitement about how big of an accomplishment this is.” He walked around his desk, then he sat on the edge of it and crossed his arms as he looked at me. “We should celebrate tonight. Let me take you out to dinner.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “It’s not that big of a deal. Plus, I heard you talking on the phone about how much work you must complete. Sorry, I shouldn’t have even crashed into your office, knowing your work schedule has been crazy.”
“Yes, it has. And yes, I’m busy, but never too busy for you. And yes, I’m taking you out to dinner tonight.”
I smiled. “You really don’t have to, Damian. Sorry. My excitement got the best of me.”
He eyed me up and down, and a tiny smile found his lips before he looked down at his wooden floors and then walked over to me. He rubbed his hands up and down my arms. “Be ready at eight. I’ll make reservations.”
“Damian—”
“I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Six words.
Six heart skips.
Six seconds before my eyes filled with tears.
I couldn’t remember the last time a man said he was proud of me, outside of Kevin.
“Thank you,” I choked out.
“Always,” he replied.
I turned to let him get back to his work, but he called after me. “Stella, wait.”
“Yes?”
He brushed his thumb against his nose and leaned back in his chair. His lips curved up into the smile I was falling in love with, and he said, “Hi there.”
Butterflies. So many butterflies as I bashfully replied, “Hello.”
27
Damian
December wasthe month of discovering happiness, and January was the month of lovemaking.
That was it.
