Chapter 31 #3
“Will you be all right?” Naomi asks. “You’ll still have a job?”
I look at Myles. His expression is unreadable.
“Ava will always be all right,” he says.
And I believe him. For the first time ever, I feel like I will be.
My heart is breaking over Dandy and over the fact that Myles and Liam are about to lose big time on this deal, but the sun will still rise and life will still go on.
“Thank you anyway,” I say. “For coming here and listening.”
“I just wish there was something else I could do,” Naomi says. “If only there was a way to divide Dandy into two.”
And that’s when an idea hits me like a bolt of pure lightening. I frown, because it can’t be that easy, can it? I let the idea percolate in my mind for a minute as we all sit in silence ruminating.
Then I look at Elizabeth. “Is there a non-compete clause in Naomi’s new contract?”
She shakes her head. “You know I’d never let them put one in. But if you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, we’ve signed away the next five Dandy books. There’s no way you could have him for at least five years.”
“That’s not what I’m thinking.” My voice turns excited. Myles looks at me curiously. Liam is just frowning. And Naomi is looking hopeful because I know she wants a happy ending as much as I do.
“How about we work together on a completely different project?” I ask, glancing over at Myles and Liam. Myles leans forward, looking interested. Liam looks at Myles.
“What kind of project?” Elizabeth asks warily.
“A brand new character,” I tell them. “One with the goodness of Dandy but maybe with a little more edge.” I don’t look at Myles but I’m certain he’s smiling.
“Dandy’s wonderful but he doesn’t always take a risk.
He doesn’t always put himself first. And though it’s great to be self-sacrificing, we want to teach kids that it’s also okay to stand up for yourself.
That there’s a balance to be found. And I know you’d create the perfect character to do it. ”
“A brand new character,” Naomi says, twisting her fingers together. “That sounds interesting.”
“I’d work with you every step of the way,” I tell her. “Remember when Julia Donaldson wrote The Gruffalo? And everybody thought she was a one-trick author? But then she came out with No Room on the Broom and showed them all how stupid they were.”
“Maybe a girl character,” Naomi says. “Or we could have two. A brother and sister.”
“This already sounds wonderful.” I grin as excitement shoots through me. “I love the idea of siblings.” I look at Myles and Liam who are staring at me with wide eyes. “Do you think that would work for the business?”
Liam looks at Myles who nods. “Yeah,” he says, his voice low. “I really think that could work.”
For the first time there’s hope in their eyes. And I can’t keep the excitement down. Working with Naomi on Dandy has been amazing. But a chance to bring a whole new series and character to life? That’s out of this world.
“It’s a risk,” I say, because I want to downplay expectations, especially my own. “But a calculated one. You’re a name that sells books.”
Naomi beams. “I’m excited.” She looks at Elizabeth. “We can make this happen, right?”
“There’s no legal reason why we can’t,” Elizabeth says. “We’d have to discuss terms, of course.”
“Absolutely,” Myles says. “We’re more than happy to do that.”
Naomi looks at me. “I’m so happy we can work together again. I hated knowing I was causing problems.”
“I’m happy, too. This could turn out to be the best thing that’s happened to all of us.”
“And on that note, we should call your driver,” Elizabeth says to Naomi. “I promised I’d get you home by tonight.”
“That would be wonderful. It’s always exhilarating to come to New York, but it takes me weeks to recover afterward.” Naomi shakes her head. “And now I’ve got some new characters to think about.”
We all stand and Myles, Liam, and I walk around the table. I hug Naomi while Myles talks quietly to Elizabeth. Then they leave and the door swings behind them and I collapse heavily into the nearest chair.
“I’m sorry,” I tell them. “I know it’s not what you wanted, but it was the best idea I had.”
“You don’t need to be sorry,” Myles says. “You were amazing.”
Liam nods. “Yep. I’m pretty sure I can keep our investors happy once we’ve signed on for the newest creation by Naomi Acres.” He leans forward to kiss my cheek. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“You don’t have to give me this job,” I tell them. “I spoke out of turn saying I could work with her. I’m sure she’d understand if…”
I’m silenced by the press of warm lips against mine. Myles pulls me out of my chair and kisses me until I’m dizzy. I curl my arms around his neck to steady myself before I’m kissing him back, our lips moving, our hands stroking, as though we can’t get enough of each other.
“I’m still here,” Liam reminds us.
Myles pulls away, leaving me hot and breathless. I feel myself blushing while he doesn’t look flustered at all.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I just needed to—”
“Shut me up,” I finish for him.
His smile is disarming. “No, I meant I just needed you to know how fantastic you are. And of course we want you working for us. We want you to be the chief editor. I’ll run the business side of things and Liam will be the silent partner.”
“Is he ever silent?”
Myles shakes his head. “No.”
Liam rolls his eyes. “I’m going to make some calls,” he says. “And then I’m going to the nearest bar to drink so much whiskey my body won’t know what to do with it.” He winks at me. “Have a good evening, kids.”
“Thank you,” Myles says. The two of them share a look. “I’ll call you later.”
“Don’t bother, I’ll be busy,” Liam says. “Just send greasy food over tomorrow. I’ll need it.” He lifts his hand in farewell and walks out, heading, I assume, to his office.
Leaving the two of us alone.
I look up at him, taking in his beautiful, beloved face. He’s staring back at me with such passion that I can’t believe he is capable of hurting me.
He’s too lovely. Too caring. Too kind for that.
“Unless you want another five hour car ride, I suggest you stay here overnight and we’ll get you back to Charleston tomorrow.”
“That would be good.” I nod. “Thank you.”
“I can get you booked into a hotel. Or…” He takes a deep breath. “You can come to my place. There doesn’t have to be any funny business. I have a spare room that you can have.”
Tears prick my eyes because it’s been a long day. I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”
He nods. “Fair enough. Let me get Liam’s assistant to make you a hotel reservation. Anywhere in particular you’d like?”
“No, I mean I don’t want to sleep in your spare room. I want to sleep in your room.” He looks confused so I try to simplify it. “With you.”
“I have no idea how big your apartment is,” I continue.
“But I want to use every inch. I want you to take me in the shower, in the kitchen, on your sofa. I want you to bury yourself inside of me until we’re so breathless we can’t form any words.
I want to be in your arms because that’s the only place I feel safe and tonight I really, really want to feel safe. ”
His jaw tics. “Fuck, Ava.”
“Exactly,” I tell him. “Exactly that.”
He smiles and I remember just how glorious a happy Myles Salinger is. He reaches for my waist, pulling me into his arms and I immediately relax against him. When he kisses me this time, it’s slow and deliberate and it sends electric tingles to the tips of my toes.
“I’m sorry I hurt you,” he tells me when we break apart. He still has his arms wrapped around my waist. “I should have told you what was happening.”
“You should have.” I nodded. “I could have helped. But I should have trusted you, too. I thought the worst and that was wrong.”
His gaze softens. “I’ll never give you a reason not to trust me,” he promises. “And I’ll try to tone down the protective part.”
I smile. “And sometimes I’ll let you protect me for the hell of it.”
“That sounds good.”
I nod. “If we’re agreed on that, can you take me home?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”