Chapter Twenty-Three #2
Then he turned to Aaron, and the look that passed between them reminded her of Reaves and Ollie—they had a whole conversation without saying a single word. It only lasted a few moments. Then Caleb tapped the folder, squared it, and set it down.
"We want House of St. James for Provenance," he said.
"The branding launches it. The delivery schedule—" he tapped the folder again "—I'll take apart tonight.
And if it holds, and I think it will, we sign next week.
" He looked at Reaves. "You were right, by the way.
Your ability to deliver was the only question.
I'm glad you didn't waste my time pretending it wasn't."
"I wouldn't waste your time or mine," Reaves said.
"Good."
Alara was still trying to take it all in as they moved back toward the elevator.
Aaron shook everyone's hands, joking with Delaney about a bidding war he was glad he wasn't in.
And then they were back in the elevator, the doors closing, the four of them standing in silence as they started to descend.
She was still trying to let it sink in when Delaney let out a whoop that had them all laughing. Ollie punched Reaves's shoulder. Delaney punched the air. And Alara stood there smiling, until Reaves came to wrap his arm around her shoulders and press a kiss to her temple.
"We did it," he told her.
"You did it," she said, resting her hand in the middle of his chest. "Reaves, you were amazing. I'm so proud of you."
"You guys," said Delaney. "I want to say get a room—you're so stinking cute together, it's not even funny. But before I start teasing, I want to land one serious note. You impressed me in there, Reaves."
He shrugged. "You all know I was nervous about taking over the business. But when I sat down and thought about it, there’s no reason I can’t do it; everything I told Caleb is true."
Ollie grinned. "You've got the skills."
"Yeah. And great partners, too." He looked around at them. "Thank you, guys."
~ ~ ~
The mood in Ollie's Cullinan on the way back to the estate was buoyant. Reaves held Alara's hand on top of his thigh and listened to Ollie and Delaney talking in the front.
"You two are quiet back there," said Delaney. "Everything okay? I'm not going to look over my shoulder, in case I catch you making out." She grinned. "Though I wouldn't blame you, we should be celebrating."
Reaves felt Alara go still beside him, and he scowled at Delaney in the rearview mirror.
"Leave them alone," said Ollie.
"Yeah. Sorry, guys." Delaney actually sounded it. "Sometimes my humor goes in the wrong direction. I don't know why I thought that would be funny."
"I do," said Ollie.
"Okay, smartass. Enlighten me."
"If you ask me, I think you've got romance on your own mind."
Alara raised her eyebrows at him, but Reaves just smiled. He knew exactly where Ollie was going.
"What do you mean?" asked Delaney.
"You know damn well what I mean. But don't think you'll string Elliott along. He's as much of a flirt as you are."
"I'm not trying to string him along." She paused. "You're talking about Friday night, right? We did shots. Or, more to the point—a shot. And then I left."
"Fair enough," said Ollie. "Whatever you say."
They pulled up to the gate, and it swung open in front of them.
By the time they'd all climbed out at the estate, the mood had come back around, and Delaney went straight to Alara and pulled her into a hug.
"You know I'd never want to upset you," she said, letting her go. "Especially now that your work here's done—I need to stay on your good side if I'm going to snap you up to work for me."
Reaves straightened. He caught Ollie glancing at him and knew that he, too, was waiting to see what Alara would say.
She didn't hesitate, not even for a moment. "Thanks, Delaney. But my answer's no."
Delaney grinned. "I figured it would be.
But I had to ask." She tilted her head. "What you said on Friday night—about the meaning of the work being what matters most to you?
That really landed for me. And you're right.
" She smiled around at them. "And it sounds like you'll have plenty of meaningful work anyway.
Flowers for the girls' weddings, for a start. "
Alara shot Reaves a quick smile. "We'll see what comes of those. But in the meantime, Charles has given me another job. One I'm really enjoying."
"What's that?" Delaney asked.
"The old house. The one he used to rent out. I'm fixing it up for him."
"That's awesome. You have to let me see what you do with it—you're so multitalented. I can't wait to see what you do with interior design."
"And you know she paints, too, right?" Reaves said. He couldn't help himself. He was so damn proud of her.
"Painting?" asked Ollie. He knew about the house, but Reaves hadn't mentioned the painting.
The smile on Alara's face said it all. "I'm painting the view from here for Charles.
And I'm going to do another one—the view of this place from the original house.
" She warmed to it. "Well, two of those, actually.
One of the land here before anything was built.
And one of the castle." She caught herself.
"The house, I mean. His dream, fulfilled. "
"Damn, girlfriend. That's an amazing concept."
"It is," said Ollie, looking thoughtful. "Any chance you'd show us the paintings?"
"I'd love to see them," Delaney said, nodding eagerly.
Alara looked to him, and Reaves wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "If you don't mind showing them, we've got plenty of time."
"Yeah—but shouldn't we go and see your dad first? Let him know the good news."
Reaves chuckled. "Who do you think I was texting the second we got out of there?"
Her eyebrows shot up. "But he doesn't text."
"No. But I left Zia in charge of the phone, and Faye in charge of Zia, so I could let them know the moment we did."
"Aw, Reaves."
Delaney chuckled. "Damn. It's not just the two of you that are cute, is it? You've got the whole thing. The doting grandpa. The smart little kid. And a castle to live in."
~ ~ ~