Adam laughed. “I’d love to see them whenever you care to share.” He reached out a hand, palm up waiting for her to take it. “We don’t know what the future holds, Dakota. Let’s agree to be friends and not overthink everything we say. Life’s too short to second-guess every sentence.”
“Agreed.” She squeezed his hand, liking his honesty and trying not to fall for his easy charm. Last thing she needed was to be hurt again. She had the feeling that he wasn’t the callous type. But she’d been wrong before.
“Have you given any thought to the future, Adam?”
He dabbed at his lips with his napkin. “I have actually. A couple of networks have offered me contracts to host sports broadcasts. I’m interested because it would mean I can travel back and forth and still live most of the week in my own house during soccer season. Not sure if I’ll get sick of the travel but it’s like having the best of both worlds if and when I decide to retire.”
“It must be nice to have such great options.”
“It is and I’m very grateful for what I have. Just not ready to make that decision yet.”
They lingered over dessert savoring the chocolate delights the restaurant was known for. Adam insisted on seeing her work when he dropped her off, brushing aside her protests that anytime would suit her. “It’s not that late and I’d love to have a look. Besides, I see one very excited little dog that wants some attention. How about you go and get a few pieces and I’ll take her outside for a walk so she can, ah, do her business?”
“That’s very kind of you.” She slid the key in the door and Tiny came running out, jumping around their feet. When Adam stepped down onto the pathway whistling, she followed him eagerly while Dakota walked inside, dropped the keys on the entrance table and headed to her workroom. She chose the first two ornaments she saw: an icicle with a mother of pearl ball on the top and a fragile glass ball wrapped in a net of the finest copper thread. Both objects showed off different skills and styles of her new line.
When she walked out, Adam was inside and seated by the fireplace with Tiny on his knee lapping up the attention.
“You are such a softie. If you let her dictate to you, she’ll think you’re here for her benefit.” She stepped over to the couch and sat down leaving space between them.
“I don’t mind, she’s pretty cute.” As if she knew what they were saying, Tiny closed her eyes and gave the impression of a smile.
Dakota put the baubles on the coffee table in front of him, unwrapped them one at a time and placed them on the tissue paper she kept them in. “These are two of the latest ones I’ve done.”
Adam reached past Tiny and picked up the icicle, turning it in his hands, his mouth hanging open as if he couldn’t believe her work. She held her breath.
“This is fantastic.”
“Really, you like them?” Why she was so keen for his approval, she didn’t know. When she figured it out, it was doubtful she would be swayed by it.
“How could I not? These are incredible, fragile and so very pretty. Anyone would love to own one of these pieces. I gather they are all one of a kind like your jewelry line?”
“Yes, they are. And they all come with the Glitterz stamp and a certificate of authenticity as well. I want people to keep these and hand them down to future generations, much like the family silver.” It didn’t seem too much to strive for. The fire crackled and sparks flew up the chimney and the smell of wood smoke hung in the air.
“How much are you selling them for? I want these two for my mother. She’d love them.”
“Accept them as my gift to you since you wouldn’t let me pay for my dinner.” She was prepared to go Dutch and it looked as if this would be a good way to get even.
He backed off horrified. “No, I couldn’t take them. They must be worth a fortune.”
“What’s money between friends? Honestly, I want you to have them, Adam. It would make me happy.” More than he could possibly know.
“Only if you’re sure. I really don’t mind paying for them and as for dinner – I invited you out.”
Dakota wanted to reach out and kiss him. The look of wonder on his face warmed her heart as he stared at her work.
“Have you thought about putting them in the gift shop in town? I’m sure Rachel would love to stock them.”
“Rachel?”
“Sorry, I forgot you don’t really know everyone yet. Rachel Smyth owns the gift shop in town. I’ll have to introduce you before I go back to Seattle. We were at school together.” He put the icicle down and picked up the ball, running his fingers carefully over the wire strands. It’d taken her hours to weave the copper threads to cradle the fragile glass but it had been worth it. “This is incredible work and I can imagine her reaction when she sees them. Your family really doesn’t need to worry about you. Your future is secure looking at these little beauties.”
A wave of pleasure rose in her chest. Recognition from someone other than her family was
