That Secret Crush (Getting Lucky #3)(67)

He looks to the side and lets out a heavy sigh. “Not really, but I also get why you’re holding back. My suggestion to you, son, is to tell him sooner rather than later. Prove yourself early on—both of you, prove your investment in this, and then tell him. Because the longer you wait, the worse it could be.”

“I know. We just need a little time. Like you said, prove ourselves and then come out with it. After everything Janelle did to us, after leaving him with our money, I know he’s not going to trust any kind of workplace romance, even if it’s between his best friend and his sister.”

“There’s history there, but if any two people can do it, I know it’s you.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO





EVE


Want to know what’s incredibly sexy?

Watching Reid in his element, speaking with such confidence and conviction. It’s taking every last ounce of strength to not reach out to hold his hand or cup his junk. Yeah, I have an urge to reach out and just cup him through his pants, make my hand a penis hammock. It’s an odd urge, one that I’m not entirely proud of, though it’s there. But in front of Mr. Knightly, Eric, and the architect—my little fantasy is wildly inappropriate.

“So you don’t want to expand into the harbor?” Giselle, the architect, asks as we all study the wall that runs parallel to the water, charted out on the blueprints spread out atop the table we’re hovering around.

“No.” Reid shakes his head. “Not if it’s going to take five months. We can still have an indoor-outdoor space using the square footage we have.” He waves his hand through the air. “We could bring the warehouse wall back six feet, which would give enough room for a small patio. Then line the entire wall with pocket doors so they can slide open on a nice day. Line the ceiling with heaters that point inward for those chilly nights so patrons can still feel like they’re outside but not freeze their asses off. And on the outside, silent fans to deter flies and insects from coming inside the restaurant.”

Huh, who knew fans could do that?

“Good idea,” Eric says, his eyes lighting up. “The safety rail can be glass so when you’re sitting, the view isn’t obstructed, and if people want to take pictures, they can.”

“Exactly. But have all the seats under the roof, nothing actually on the patio.”

Eric nods. “And with the color motif from the Landing as inspiration, it’s going to be perfect.”

Reid came to the meeting with a palette of colors and a layout of all fixtures, floorings, and woodwork he wants to see. How he did it all in one night is beyond me, but then again, he did have the Lobster Landing to model everything after. The goal is to create a sense of cohesion between the two buildings, meaning the walls will be covered in white shiplap with natural wood accents in the tables, flooring, exposed beams, and countertops. The chairs will all be teal with basket-wrapped bottoms for extra texture. Iron details will be worked into the light fixtures, pocket doors, window frames, and fans, as well as in the exposed kitchen. They want it out in the open so patrons can watch their food as it’s made. Red accents will be added with the logo, just like the Lobster Landing, and the plating will be red while the glassware will be tinted teal.

I’m beside myself with excitement. I can see it all: the industrial yet beachy theme, the bright reds, teals, and whites, the enhanced loft where the office will be, the subtle hints of rope, the ironwork, the long wall of pocket sliding doors for the view. It will be absolutely breathtaking.

The boys both pause and turn to Mr. Knightly. His arms are crossed, and one hand cups his chin as he stares down at the plans.

“What do you think, Dad?” Reid asks quietly.

He doesn’t answer right away. Instead he pushes a few visuals from the design board around and then looks up at his son, a tear rolling down his cheek. “It’s absolutely everything I could have dreamed of.” He pulls Reid into a hug. “It’s perfect.”

He did good.

He really did, and all in a short time frame. This is how good Reid is, how amazing his visions can be. He’s spent enough time at the Lobster Landing to know how to bring the atmosphere into a restaurant setting while still embracing the industrial look.

When Mr. Knightly pulls away, Reid says, “And the outside, red corrugated panels, the logo ten by ten and painted directly on the wall with white paint. It will go perfectly with the Landing but also stand out as a separate building.”

“I love it,” Mr. Knightly says, his arm still wrapped around Reid’s shoulders. “I absolutely love it. I couldn’t have thought of anything better. And using the loft space for offices—you’ve really thought of it all.”

“I have to agree,” Eric says, amazement in his eyes. “If I wasn’t a part of this, I would be incredibly jealous because this is everything Port Snow’s been missing. Casual family dining that feels modern but still has a hint of nostalgia. I’m really impressed, Reid.”

The smile—the pride—that crosses over Reid in a matter of seconds almost brings me to my knees. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy, so in his element. It might have taken a lot for him to get to this point, but I can see the life start to spark back in his eyes.

He’s finally found his purpose.

Giselle looks over everything again. “Well, let’s get started, boys. I can have the men start tearing down walls tomorrow and demoing anything that needs to be taken out.” She hands Reid some red tape. “X everything you want gone. And if you want to help to move along the process, please feel free to show up at seven tomorrow morning.”