Chapter 38: Chapter 37

NOAH

He watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead without disturbing her slumber.

He’d never done that before, but with her, he found himself wanting to do it again. They were at his place, their unofficial sanctuary on her days off. On her workdays, they stayed at her place, a setup that was mostly for her convenience, but he didn’t mind.

Three months had flown by, and his business was on the brink of opening. The two extra floors he didn’t need were now rented out, providing a much-needed financial cushion.

Lillian hadn’t officially joined his team, but she was instrumental in handling the paperwork, accelerating the process.

She stirred, turning toward him, and he welcomed her into his arms. It was a comforting routine he was growing fond of.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

“I’m thinking.”

“About the grand opening?”

“Yes. Do you think people will show up?”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” she replied, her eyes still closed. “But remember, it’s going to take time and a lot of advertising to get this off the ground.”

“I know.” He sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“Don’t stress too much. It won’t change anything.”

“That’s easier said than done,” he retorted.

“Just as easy as turning into a nervous wreck before the event,” she shot back.

She was right, but his anxiety was hard to quell. This was his first solo venture. He wanted it to succeed, not just for his pride, but for his financial stability.

If he failed, he’d be ruined, drowning in debt. How could he possibly stay calm?

He felt her hand sneak between his legs, and he caught it, more out of surprise than anything else.

“Stop,” he said, his brow furrowing, his mind still preoccupied.

“I will if you won’t,” she smirked.

He chuckled, releasing her hand. He wasn’t about to turn down sex.

“Good,” she purred. “Lie on your back.”

He complied quickly, watching as she pushed the covers away and positioned herself between his legs. She began a slow trail of kisses from his chest, moving downward at a torturously slow pace.

“Are you planning on torturing me?” he groaned.

“I plan to make you forget your worries,” she murmured, her lips closing around him gently.

He hissed at the sensation, his head falling back onto the pillow.

Forget his worries. That was exactly what he needed, and he didn’t utter another word in protest.

***

He waited.

The first day of business came and went without a single customer.

The second day was no different.

The rest of the week followed suit.

No bookings were made through the website.

He did notice curious glances from passersby, but that didn’t translate into any profit. Lillian dropped by a few times, encouraging him not to lose hope.

“By the end of the month, you’ll have your first trip,” she assured him.

“You can’t know that for sure.”

“Ever heard of positive thinking?” She raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you need.”

“I need income.”

“You have the rent from the other two floors,” she reminded him.

“That barely covers the company’s expenses,” he countered. “I need more advertising.”

“Or you need to be a better landlord,” she suggested with a smirk.

“I think I’m doing a decent job. No one’s complained about the rent. I’ve been reasonable, considering both businesses are small.”

“That’s true,” she agreed. “But you could improve your relationship with your tenants and profit from it.”

He leaned back in his chair, intrigued.

“What do you suggest? Offering them cake?” he joked.

“That might work if they have a sweet tooth. It’s not a bad idea.”

“I was kidding, Lillian,” he said, deadpan.

“Do you think I don’t know your crappy sense of humor by now?” she laughed. “I’m serious, though.”

“About the cake?”

“About a potential collaboration, Noah. Both businesses are small, but they already have clients—something you’re lacking. They also have employees—which you don’t. Do you see where I’m going with this?”

“I do, but begging isn’t my style.”

“Who said anything about begging?” She rolled her eyes. “I’m talking about smart negotiation. You could offer them travel packages for their clients and employees in exchange for a rent discount.”

“But that won’t bring in any money.”

“Think about it. You’ll attract clients, which means more money. Plus, it’s the best kind of advertising for your business. Word of mouth is powerful. Heck, even my parents love to travel!”

He straightened in his seat. “You’re right,” he said, his tone serious.

A newfound optimism and energy surged through him. “Exactly. And if you make this a good deal, no one will accuse you of begging. Once your business is up and running, you can return the favor by promoting their businesses, too.”

“Come work with me, Lillian.”

“Are you ever going to stop asking me that?”

“We’re a damn good team, Lillian. You clear my head like no one else can.”

“If you’re resorting to flattery, you must be really desperate,” she retorted.

He sighed, shaking his head. He was many things—disheartened, worried, anxious, and yes, even a bit desperate—but none of those feelings were the reason he wanted her by his side.

He’d tried to explain it to her countless times, but she was stubborn.

“I trust you.”

“I know you do, but I’d rather advise you than be on your payroll.”

“Because you prefer the tea shop?”

He tried to keep the sarcasm out of his voice, but her expression told him he’d failed.

“I do prefer the tea shop. We’ve had this conversation too many times.”

“That’s not a good enough reason. You don’t belong there.”

“I don’t belong here either,” she said flatly. “This is your dream, and while I want to help you succeed, I don’t want to get too involved.”

He looked at her, intrigued. “Do you know what you want to do?”

“No, but I’ll figure it out.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

She just shrugged.

***

“Should we keep going or make a run for it?” he asked her, trying to sound casual.

“It’s too late to run. She’s seen us.”

“In that case, we march on,” he said, taking her hand.

He turned to face Tamara, who was glaring at them. It was to be expected, he thought. After all, Asher had finally let her go just a week ago. According to his brother, she’d made quite a scene, even after he’d assured her that she’d get glowing recommendations to help her find another job.

Lillian had been right all along. Tamara was a nightmare. He’d known it, but he’d tolerated her.

Now, he couldn’t stand her. She was the definition of toxic.

“Just my luck running into you two,” Tamara sneered.

At least she’d dropped the fake niceties.

“We were thinking the same thing,” Lillian replied sweetly.

“Which means we can all go our separate ways without any further conversation,” he interjected. “Goodbye, Tamara.”

“You knew your brother fired me, didn’t you?” she demanded.

“Yes, and I also know he gave you glowing recommendations that you didn’t deserve and a generous severance package.”

“He’s the one who broke my contract. It was the least he could do.”

“Considering I know what your contract entailed, I’d say he paid you more than he had to, especially given your behavior over the past year.”

He didn’t bother saying goodbye again. He simply took Lillian’s hand and walked away.

“She’s got some nerve,” Lillian commented once they were out of earshot. “Trying to blame Asher for firing her.”

“She’s not worth talking about,” he said flatly.

“And to think you used to sleep with her.” She smirked.

“And now I’m sleeping with you.”

“We do more than just sleep together,” she reminded him.

“True. And I was thinking—I wouldn’t mind accompanying you on your next trip home.”

“Is this your way of saying you’re ready to meet my parents?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Or that I want to sleep with you again at the villa,” he said with a wink.

“That I can believe, although I’m not sure you can afford it this time.”

“Damn, you’re right. Where the hell am I going to stay?”

“You really want to come with me?”

“I wouldn’t mind meeting your parents, I guess. But I don’t want to have to live up to their expectations.”

She laughed.

“I’ll make sure they don’t expect much,” she said, winking at him.