Chapter 9
As his words echoed through my mind, I wondered for a moment if I’d heard him right. Did he just call me perfect? I stared at him for a second, then smiled as I met his eyes.
“So you think I’m perfect?”
“Uh.” His cheeks grew even pinker. “Actually, I meant that the decor in here is perfectly you. I mean, you walk in here and you know who lives here. Not like my place, which is—well, you’ve been there.”
My heart sank a tiny bit. For a second there I thought he had sent me a clear message that he might be interested. But instead it was just a mix-up of words.
“Yes, I have.” I raised an eyebrow. “You have a very minimalist style.”
“It’s called empty walls and a lamp that my mother bought me.” He grinned. “So I guess that could be minimalist.”
“Seriously, your mother bought you that lamp? Every time I’m there I try to figure you out based on that lamp.” I laughed.
“When you do, let me know, alright? I’m pretty sure that lamp represents a lot of my wayward youth.”
“By wayward you mean the time you skipped school to go to some kind of techie convention?”
“Ouch.” He stared at me intently. “There’s more to me than just tech, you know.”
“I suspect there is. So why isn’t the rest of you displayed on your walls?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I guess when I try to figure out what would represent me, I have a hard time pinning anything down. I’m sure you’ve never had that problem.”
“Honestly, no. But I know a lot of people that do—at least until I get a hold of them.”
“Maybe you need to get a hold of me?” He leaned a little closer and offered his hand. “Guide me, O wise one, O bearer of decor.”
“Is that a genuine request?” I took his hand in mine and fought off the shivers it caused. “Because I’d be glad to help.”
“Absolutely. If you’re willing, I’d be honored to experience your touch.” He cleared his throat. “On my walls. I mean—decoration-wise.”
“Right.” I looked into his eyes. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or playing with my head. “Let’s plan on doing that then.”
“Great. Now, come a little closer.” He grabbed the seat of my chair and slid it right next to him.
I gasped at the sudden movement.
He put his hand on my shoulder to steady me. “I want you to show me what you designed yesterday. Let’s make it happen together.”
“Oh, I don’t know. It was probably a little too flashy.” I shrugged.
“There’s nothing wrong with flashy. It’ll attract the clients that you’re hoping for.”
We spent most of the morning and well into the afternoon recreating the changes I’d made the day before. I noticed, as he instructed me through every change, that he seemed just as enthusiastic as I was. I’d always taken his comments about enjoying his time with me as just his way of ensuring I remained his customer, but as he threw his head back and laughed at a joke I made, I realized that maybe he really did enjoy our time together.
“Thank you, Trent.” I smiled at him during a brief quiet moment.
“For what?” He looked over at me.
With our chairs so close, I could breathe the scent of him. I didn’t care what it was, I liked it.
“You could have ridiculed me, or been angry about what happened. Instead, you’ve been nothing but supportive and helpful. I really appreciate how much of an effort you make. I’m sure not all of your clients make these mistakes.”
“No, but most of them are boring. Not like you.” He looked into my eyes. “I’ve really enjoyed this today. I feel like you’re you again. Honestly, I was a little worried about your getting so serious about things.”
“I know when it comes to the business I try to stay organized. I want to make it a success and that takes work, not just fun.”
“True.” He trailed his fingertips along the keyboard. “But if you’re passionate about your work, it doesn’t really feel like work. At least if you just let it flow.”
“I am passionate about it.” I shared with him the experience of taking Melanie to the store. “When I’m with my clients, it’s just so amazing. But when it comes to the business end of things—the finances, the technical aspects—I feel like if I relax for a moment, it’s all going to collapse.”
“It won’t.” He took my hand.
I started to pull back, but it was so warm and so soft that I couldn’t resist.
“What you do is an incredible gift. I hate to think of any woman feeling bad about herself, but I know it’s quite common. You shouldn’t worry so much about becoming a success. You already are one, Zoe.”
“Now, you sound like my friend Sammy.” I laughed as I rolled my eyes.
“Sammy?” His eyes widened.
“Yes, she writes these inspirational books and she has this fun website called Single Wide Female. I’m always feeling so pumped up when I’m around her.”
“Do you mean Samantha Bradford, the author?”
“Yes.” I stared at him. “Do you know her?”
“No. I mean, I don’t know her personally. But I’ve read her books.” He grimaced. “Truth be told, I’m a bit of a fan.”
“Wow, what a small world.” I grinned. “Next time she comes to town, I’ll make sure you have a chance to meet her. She’s even more inspiring in person.”
“I’d like that.”
Only then did I realize that Trent was still holding my hand.
In that same moment, he must have realized it too, because he drew his back.
“Well, this is all set now.” He nodded to the computer. “What do you say we go out and have an early dinner?”
“Oh, sorry, I can’t. I have plans.” I glanced at my phone as it buzzed. Several texts flooded in from Ben with the details of our dinner date. “I guess you’ll have to miss my company tonight.” I grinned. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”
“Sure.” He nodded with a broad smile. “You have a date tonight?”
“Yes. Ben. He seems nice.”
Trent stood up from the chair. “I guess I should get going then. If anything comes up on the site, let me know.”
“Oh, and next meeting at your place?” I walked him to the door. “So I can splash you all over the walls?”
“Sure, if you want.” He waved to me as he walked out the door. “Have fun!”