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“Keely,” Jams hisses. “Could you be a little less rude?”
“It’s okay,” he says, stepping past her and closer to me. “I heard about what you two were doing with this place and I wanted to see it for myself. I have to admit, it’s looking great so far.”
“We’re not finished yet,” I say, refusing to budge. “If you want the tour, come back when we’re open. I’ll even give you half off your first donut.”
“Generous.” He tries to look past me, into the kitchen. But I don’t move. “Actually, I thought we’d discuss something else.” He drifts over to the half-built display counter and leans against it. “If you ladies would join me?”
I roll my eyes. “You ladies? Don’t be a weird prick, Nolan. What’s this crap about you owning the building, anyway?”
His smile is bolted onto his face. Jams give me a sharp look. “Stop it,” she whispers, grabbing my arm. “Just come on, okay?”
“I don’t like this,” I whisper back, my cheeks turning red.
But the problem is, I can’t explain why.
There’s something about Nolan showing up, talking about owning this building, talking about buying it right after I told him about my dream of opening a donut shop. The dream he encouraged me to pursue. I’ve been thinking about him ever since we slept together after the ceremony, and if I’m honest with myself, he’s a big reason why I decided to take this plunge.
If I could do all that with a man like Nolan, if I could take a risk on him, sleep with him, enjoy myself in a way I never have before, then I can do even bigger things. Like chase dreams. Like take risks.
Nana’s gone. There’s nobody left telling me I’m worthless.
Jams drags me over to where Nolan’s standing. “Sorry about that, Mr. Crowley. We’re glad you stopped by.”
He grimaces. “Please, call me Nolan.”
“Let’s keep things professional, Mr. Crowley,” I say, smiling sweetly.
His glare brings me great joy. “All right, Ms. Something.” He clears his throat. Jams gives me a weird look, which I ignore. “How have you found this space so far? Everything has been to your liking?”
“Um, it’s all been great,” Jams says. “The neighbors are nice. Nobody complains about the noise during the day.” She glances at me, then at him. Nolan’s not even bothering to look in her direction. “Is this actually about renting this space?” she asks.
“Yes,” I say sharply.
“No, not really,” Nolan admits.
Jamila sighs, rubbing her face. “There’s something weird going on between you two.”
“There’s nothing going on between us,” I say, jaw tightening. “Nolan and I had one very brief interaction at Ash and Carson’s wedding renewal ceremony two months ago, but we haven’t spoken since. That’s everything.”
“That’s something,” Nolan murmurs. At the look I throw his way, he brightens. “Actually, it’s not about our one-night stand, which I assume Jamila here knows about?”
Jams clears her throat. “If I didn’t before, I guess I do now.”
“She knew. I’m not ashamed.” I tilt my chin up. “You got lucky, that’s all.”
“You’re right, I was very lucky that night.” His grin feels like nails down my spine.
“Okay, this flirting has got to stop, okay?” Jams looks between us. “Seriously, Nolan, are you here for business or what?”
“Actually, yes,” he says, looking around at the space. “I told Keely something that night two months ago. Do you remember what I said about business, Ms. Something?”
“Why do you keep calling her that?” Jamila asks, sounding annoyed.
“No, I don’t, and I’m not interested either,” I say, ignoring Jamila. “Whatever your game is right now, Nolan, just quit before you embarrass yourself.”
That doesn’t deter him. “I told you that I get involved with a lot of businesses. I take risks. Some work, some don’t, but I’m always in search of an opportunity. Do you recall that?”
“You said something along those lines,” I says grudgingly. “What’s that got to do with us?”
