Vic leaned in and studied every line she pointed out, even the notes to herself she had scribbled on her pictures. He asked questions, not to challenge her, but for him to understand. Each question allowed her to showcase her expertise.
“I remember when I first saw the renderings. Bill and I were both excited for this. It’s bold. It’s modern, and it would be even a tourist attraction because of the artistic element. It’s you.”
“Me?” She blinked.
He smiled faintly at her blank stare. Her stomach did another somersault at the warmth appearing in his eyes.
“Yes, Ms. Winston. This is exactly what I expected from you. You are creative and daring, and I trust your judgement. As long as the budget allows it, I’m behind you.”
“We are coming under the budget that was originally discussed.” She bit her lip.
His gaze dropped down to her mouth. His eyes darkened, and immediately she was thrown back to Sunday morning.
Two days ago.
Her mouth had slipped up and down his thick cock, licking and sucking it.
She blinked. That was not what she was supposed to be thinking about, and when she looked back at Vic, he must have been thinking the same thing. He cleared his throat and turned around. Bill was speaking with Tom a few feet away from them.
“Then I’m definitely behind you,” Vic said when he turned back to her. He tipped his head toward Tom. “I like how you didn’t back down from him.”
“You think this is the first time I’ve encountered someone who didn’t think I knew what I was doing?” She brought her items back together so she could close her binder. A small smile played on her lips as she picked it up and held it to her chest. Vic’s approval wasn’t just professional, it was him. “I can take care of myself.”
“Clearly, but if I overstepped any boundaries, just say the word.”
“Oh, I will.” There was a playful tension in the air; it was subtle but electric. Tachina cleared her throat andmotioned to the building. “Would you like to walk through the main foyer of the living residences?”
“Yes, show me.”
The way his eyes lit up almost had her forgetting how many people were around them. She led him toward the under-construction main hall. Before going inside, they had to put on hard hats. They entered the building which was in a state of chaos as it was in the beginning stages of demolition.
Tachina explained how the atrium would interact with the sunlight during the different times of the day. Vic listened and asked a few questions. Sometimes he’d lean so close that she could feel the warmth radiating off him. They were carefully maintaining a professional distance, but there were moments such as a brush of his hand against hers as he gestured, that reminded her of this past weekend.
Vic stopped and glanced around at the older building. In a few days it would be completely hollowed out, walls demolished, ceilings removed, steel beams added…in a year, her dream would be reality. He understood her vision.
“You’ve thought of everything, Ms. Winston.” He slid his hands into his pants pockets and turned back to her.
They were slightly ahead of Bill and Tom. Some of the construction crew eyed them as they passed by.
“From the flow to materials, to the experiences of anyone walking through these doors. You’re not justdesigning a building—you are creating an experience for the residents to the people coming to shop and dine.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted to achieve.” She couldn’t help the grin that appeared on her lips. She was damn proud of all the hard work she had put into this project so far. She couldn’t wait to walk through the finished building and see all of its glory. She paused and glanced over at Vic. Now that she was brought up to speed that it was his company developing her baby, she hadn’t thought about the fundraising function that was coming up. “Are you coming to the gala this weekend?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” He blew out a deep breath. He ran a hand over his face and eyed her. “Considering the amount of money that is being invested, I’ll have to show my face.”
The name of this project would be revealed there. Tachina was a bundle of nerves at the thought of having to rub elbows with the rich and elite. She would prefer to be hidden away in her studio designing or walking through construction zones.
But it was something that was necessary as part of the business.
Addison had talked her into securing a date for the event so she wouldn’t have to show up alone. He was a friend of a friend who wouldn’t have any issues with mingling with the society. She glanced at Vic and wondered if he was taking anyone.
Should she ask?
No. If he wanted her to know, she was sure he would share with her. Plus, if he was then that was his right.
“Well, then I guess I will be seeing you this weekend.” She smiled. She moved closer to him and lowered her voice. “You’re still good for Wednesday with Kian?”
“Of course. I’ve already told my mother to expect us for dinner.”