How to Love Your Neighbour(62)

It didn’t seem real that a photographer for an international magazine was taking pictures of work she’d done.

“You good?” Noah asked.

She wondered if there were stars in her eyes. “It’s surreal.”

He laughed, shook his head like he didn’t get it. He couldn’t. He couldn’t know what this moment meant.

“Let’s go,” she said, nerves starting to swirl, making her feel like she was on one of those giant swing rides at the carnival.

Noah stayed right by her side as they climbed the stairs to the guest room.

“Says here you need to tell us the theme and intention,” John said, tapping the clipboard.

Clasping her hands together, sort of glad this part wasn’t being photographed, she turned to address the small group of their friends.

“Noah and I had previously discussed color themes.” Her gaze automatically sought out his. “This one is ocean blue. My intention was to create an oasis where someone could kick back with a good book or curl up for a wonderful night of sleep or . . .” She grinned, trailing off purposefully.

“Or what?” Morty asked, trying to peer around Tilly’s shoulder.

Grace ignored him and turned the door knob. They all entered the room. She sucked in a breath and held it while they took in the transformation. She couldn’t look at Noah. She was scared to see his initial reaction.

The feature wall was an off-white with painted lines that gave it the illusion of being covered with shiplap. Shane had done an amazing job making it look like actual panels of whitewashed wood were attached to the wall. The wrought-iron bed was covered in a white bedspread, but accented with giant navy blue pillows, and a white-and-blue-striped throw decorated the end of the bed.

The shelving nook beside the closet had been painted a pale blue, the white knickknacks—a cool-looking shell, pieces of worn-looking beach glass, and a tiny replica of a ship—creating a kitschy beachside vibe. An oversize chair sat just under the window. The other walls were painted pale blue, so the dark blue of the chair really pulled everything together. This was her work and it was going to be featured in a magazine. The magazine. She subtly pinched the skin under her arm. Ouch. Yup. Really happening.

She watched Noah move around the space, taking it all in. A purposely weathered dresser, also white, sat against the wall across from the window. The room was clean, comfortable, and striking. She saw a smile tip his lips. When he stopped at the chair, his large hand sweeping over the blanket she’d draped across the back, his gaze found her own. Her heart rattled against her rib cage.

“Not a flamingo in sight,” he said quietly, his eyes wide.

She laughed, but it sounded as nervous as she felt.

Touring the room, he came back to stand in front of her. “Grace. This is stunning. You’re amazing.” His tone was reverent, the words seeping into the cracks of her heart that she’d always covered with bravado.

“Not too bad,” Morty said gruffly, patting Grace’s arm. “Let’s go see how he did.”

“Don’t you know?” Grace sniffled. She would not cry over a design or the look in Noah’s eyes taking it all in. So what if it was the best moment of her professional life? And maybe her personal one.

“Nah. Thought I’d keep myself in suspense.”

The doorbell rang. Morty lengthened his stride. “Damn. Pizza is here. Might need to take an intermission.”

“Oh, stop it. You can wait a few more minutes. Go on, Grace. Take them over, sweetie. I’ll take care of setting up the drinks and food,” Tilly said, squeezing her arm.

She kept shooting glances Noah’s way, and every time she did, he was looking back at her with the kind of awe she wasn’t sure she deserved. He hadn’t really expected flamingos, had he? Curling her fingers into her palms, she fought the overwhelming desire to slip her hand into his as they entered her house.

“Breathe, babe. Your guy may get easily distracted but we’ve got you. You’re going to love it,” Rosie said.

Your guy. Had Noah ever been anyone’s guy? Did he have a bad relationship under his belt? One that had changed him, made him averse to finding forever?

John stopped in front of her closed office door, pushing his shoulders back. He wasn’t using his cane today. Actually, neither was Morty. She was so happy they’d taken part. Merging the two . . . Two what? Families? Groups. She’d go with groups. Bringing them all together was more fun than she’d expected.

“Please state your theme and intentions toward our Gracie,” John said.

Morty’s laugh turned into a cough. “Maybe we ought to ask Grace’s intentions toward Noah.”

“Maybe we should stay on track before I deny you both pizza and beer,” Grace said with a smile.

John cleared his throat, gesturing to Noah. “Go ahead, boy.”

Noah was at least a foot taller than the older man and definitely not a boy, but he stepped forward. As his gaze locked with Grace’s, she noted the way he shoved his hands in his pockets, rocked back on his heels. Noah Jansen was nervous. Rosie nudged her hip, ramping Grace’s excitement up another level.

“I’ll admit that Rosie is the genius behind this vision but we all wanted to create a space for you that was functional and eye-catching. While you’re all standing here, I also want to say thank you for doing this with us. It’s unconventional for sure. It’s . . . special.”