Reckless Hearts (Oak Harbor #2)(48)

Will gives a strangled laugh. “Oh yeah. My local takeout place has probably posted a missing person report by now.”

Declan laughs. “Hey, I’m glad you made the break. I keep telling all the guys, what’s a six-figure bonus worth when you’re working eighty hours a week? I was afraid you’d drop dead of a heart attack before you turn forty.”

“Not anymore.” Will gives a small smile. “Now the only thing that gets me up in the morning is the sound of the crickets.”

“I should put you in a tourist campaign,” I suggest, teasing. “Start a relocation program for burned-out city execs.”

“Don’t even joke,” Declan says, making a face. “Every time I call to catch up, everyone’s working around the clock on a massive deadline, or scared layoffs are looming, or sleeping at the office. This guy’s got the right idea, leaving it all behind.”

I gaze happily at Will. “Yes, he does.”

“So, where’s this famous furniture?” Declan asks, putting his papers down. “I’m working with a couple of new designers, staging sets for some movies they’ve got shooting near Atlanta and I’d love some new things to show.”

He and Will start towards the back, just as my phone rings. I check. “It’s Ash Callahan,” I tell him, my heart leaping. “You guys go ahead.”

“Good luck,” Will tells me.

“You too,” I whisper back.

I take a deep breath and answer. “Delilah Morgan, real estate solutions,” I say, trying to sound professional. I’ve been researching all week, and everything I’ve learned about the guy tells me that this could be a big deal. A really big deal.

“Hi Delilah, sorry I haven’t been in touch before,” Ash’s voice comes. “Are you still good to get together and go over these Ocean Drive plans?”

“Absolutely, whenever suits.”

“Let’s say next week then. I’ll email over the specs, I’d love to hear what you propose. Like I said, we’re looking for the local touch. We’ve had some of the bigger firms pitch already, but to tell the truth, I haven’t been impressed. I’m looking forward to hearing your take.”

“Yup. Great. See you then!”

I hang up, and grip my phone. No pressure or anything. But this is when I always pull it together, I remind myself firmly. Whether it’s cramming for a mid-term on two hours’ sleep, or pulling off the deal of a lifetime—something special happens when my back’s against the wall. And this is no different.

I think of Marcie, sunning herself on a boat somewhere. She has no idea the lengths I’m going to in order to prove myself to her right now, but in just a few weeks she’ll come back happy and tanned—and ready to sell.

Sail on, Marcie. Sail right on.

I make a few more calls to chase some outstanding offers, then head through to the back delivery dock, where Declan and Will are talking. I don’t want to interrupt anything, this is Will’s big thing, but I’m dying with curiosity at how it’s going. When I see the smile on his face, talking animatedly about one of the chairs, I feel a huge wave of relief.

“Hey.” He looks up and sees me, and beckons me over. “Declan’s going to take everything.”

“And whatever else you can get me,” Declan adds, looking admiringly at the pieces. “I already have a couple of designers in mind, they’re going to flip. Don’t let him out of his workshop,” he says to me, mock-stern. “I want him working around the clock.”

I laugh, sliding an arm around Will’s waist. “What happened to escaping the rat race and taking things easy?” I tease.

Declan snorts. “That was before I had my commission all lined up.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Will rolls his eyes, but I can tell he’s happy. “I’ll see what I can do. Another couple sets of the chairs, and two more tables?”

“Or how about one more set, and you just charge double?” I add sweetly.

They both laugh. “I like her,” Declan says approvingly.

Will squeezes me close. “Best business woman I know,” he says, and kisses my forehead.

“So, are we drinking to celebrate?” I ask. “I want to hear all about Will’s embarrassing past,” I tell Declan. “Drunk escapades, crazy ex-girlfriends, the works.”

I feel Will tense again, then Declan sighs. “Sorry, I just had an appointment come up, I won’t be able to get away, after all.”

“Oh,” I say, disappointed. “Another time then.”

“For sure.” Will quickly shakes Declan’s hand. “It was great seeing you, we’ll catch up properly next time.”

“You can count on it,” he agrees. “Now get to work!”

I wait until Declan is inside again, then throw my arms around Will’s neck. “I told you so,” I tease, kissing him lightly. “I said your designs were amazing.”

He grins back, hands sliding over my hips. He seems more relaxed now, and I guess it’s because he’s not trying to make a sale. “OK, OK . . .” he agrees, “You know everything.”

“Damn straight.” I kiss him again. “Even if Declan can’t come, we should celebrate. I know the perfect spot.”