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Perhaps she could find a way to convince him that working out here was actually a trial run. That wouldn’t be enough, though. He had to want to stay. Really want it, if he was going to give up the Big Apple.
So how could she make that happen?
Her mind replayed their earlier conversation, before Mia had arrived. Hadn’t he said something about his family and how different their dynamic was from hers? That he hadn’t had the same loving, supportive environment she had growing up? If his coworkers had become his family, then it was no wonder he longed to go back. But what if Del helped him see what more there was to be had in life, what it felt like to be part of a loving family and a close-knit community? Maybe then he would change his mind about going back and be open to the idea of continuing to work remotely while staying here, with her.
It was a longshot and a gamble, but if she didn’t try changing his mind, she’d always sit back and wonder what if. And if her family had taught her anything over the years, it was that life was too damn short for what ifs. Del had spent years doing all she could to help everyone else. Now it was time to fight for whatshewanted.
And what she wanted most right now was to save the bookstore…and for Isaac to stay.
One thing at a time.She bumped her elbow to his. “So are we gonna get this bad boy rolling tonight or what?”
“The website?” Isaac asked. “We can certainly give it a try. It just depends on whether or not Mia brought us everything we need. We’ll have to go back to my place, though. I didn’t bring my laptop with me.”
“Your place?” she echoed. “Hmm, that might work out nicely. Quite nicely indeed.”
“Why’s that?”
Offering him a demure look, she reached over and trailed her fingers delicately up his forearm. “It’s the perfect place to celebrate our success once the website goes live.”
Isaac met her gaze, his darkening with desire. In two forkfuls, he finished his cobbler and jumped to his feet. “Well, we better get over there. Time’s a wasting, after all.”
Del couldn’t agree more.
Chapter Fourteen
Del awoke toher cell phone vibrating on the nightstand. She cracked one eyelid open, realized there was a snoring dog blocking her path, and blew out a sigh. God bless Louie, he wasn’t giving up his place in Isaac’s bed. She slithered past his brawny body as best she could and grabbed her phone, surprised at the time—three a.m. again; her alarm wasn’t due to go off for another three hours—but not nearly as surprised as the incoming message from Margaret.
Our first application came in!
Del smiled at the screen before her. She’d had her doubts these past few weeks, unsure that their talent show idea would ever get off the ground. But Isaac had done an amazing job with their website, and had been entirely optimistic when they launched it last night. He’d gone on and on about SE-something, which he was supposedly a wizard at; Del honestly had cared less in that moment about the magic he’d made on his keyboard and more about the magic they were about to make together in his bed. Now pride swelled in her chest at her man’s skills and what they could mean to the bookstore.
She propped herself up on one elbow and texted back.
Fantastic!
Yes, all we need is another twenty-nine more. Now get your fanny home—it’s late and we have work to do.
Del softly groaned. Margaret frequently forgot that not everyone kept the hours she did.
Sleep first, then work, then our meeting tonight. Bring your ideas and excitement with you.
Spoiled sport.
On a grunt, Del laid back down. Unfortunately, with the realization that this talent show was really going to happen, her mind refused to quiet. She stretched to kiss Isaac on the cheek and whispered, “I’m heading out. Thanks again for last night.”
His arm circled her waist, keeping her from slipping away. “It’s still dark. Stay.”
“Can’t sleep, I should go.”
His eyes found hers in the dark. “Something wrong?”
“Nope, the opposite.” She held up her phone. “Margaret texted—we got our first applicant!”
A sleepy smile stretched across his lip. “I told you SEO was the key.”
“Well, I’m glad one of us is a freaking web design genius.”
Isaac shifted to curl his other arm around her and nuzzled the soft spot beneath her ear. “You know what this calls for?”
