“Are we keeping the lamp?” he asked finally, conceding the argument. “It doesn’t look like it would fit with what you’ve been getting for Theresa.”
“No and it doesn’t really fit with what we have here, either, but the price was too good to pass up.”
“Maybe that’s because some of the glass is missing.”
For a man who’d bought a run-down building and envisioned these wonderful apartments, he was amazingly short-sighted about potential when it came to her finds. “Obviously,” she agreed. “But last week I found a woman who does work with stained glass. I think she’ll give me a deal on fixing it. I’m taking it over tomorrow.”
“And then what?”
“And then I’ll have it in case I ever need it.”
Paul grinned. “Need it for what?”
She splashed water at him with her foot. “Stop pushing. I haven’t decided yet about the business.”
“Haven’t you?”
“Paul, there might never be another soul who wants to hire someone just to shop the secondhand stores for them.”
“I have a customer now who’s interested,” he said nonchalantly, gazing up at the pattern of lights on the ceiling as if her response weren’t of the slightest interest to him. It was one of his more infuriating methods for manipulating her.
“If you’re not too busy,” he added. “I’ve told him you’re pretty booked.”
Her curiosity was instantly aroused, just as he’d known it would be. She deliberately ran her foot down his chest to get his attention.
“Okay, don’t stop now, you rat. Who is it? What is the place like? What kind of look is he after? What sort of budget does he have?”
He met her gaze with feigned surprise. “I take it you’re interested after all.”
“Don’t smirk. I’ll talk to him.”
“Not just him, Gaby. Don’t you think it’s time you named this business and printed up cards? I’ll bet those stores you’ve been patronizing would even hand them out for you.”
She considered the possibility thoughtfully. The idea was beginning to intrigue her more than she’d been willing to admit. “They might,” she conceded.
“Then why are you hesitating? Are you afraid of failing? You have a sound business mind. You must see that the opportunity is there, if you want it. You’d be offering a unique service. I’m sure Theresa will spread the word and I have plenty of customers who’ll jump at the chance to have someone decorate for them at a reasonable cost.”
“I suppose you’re right, but what if I get bored with this, the way I did with Wall Street? So far it’s been fun, but I’ve only done our place and Theresa’s.”
Paul captured her foot and kissed her toes. His fingers massaged away the last of the soreness and the kisses sent waves of heat spiraling through her. It was a fantastic distraction.
“Then you’ll do something else,” he said when she’d almost forgotten the question. “It’s not as if this will require a major capital investment that will be at risk. How much can business cards cost? You don’t have to worry about inventory or the overhead of office space. You don’t even have to buy a fancy wardrobe. Your expenses will be at a minimum.”
“My parents—”
“Have nothing to do with this decision,” he said firmly. “Besides, don’t they want you to be happy? They’ll probably be thrilled to hear that you’ve started your own business.”
Gabrielle had her doubts about that. They might approve of her operating a discreet, exclusive antique store in the center of old Charleston. But they would die of shame if they ever saw the rundown places she visited to find her bargains. They’d also probably hire a bodyguard to trail around after her.
But she could not live her life for her parents. She’d known that when she’d left South Carolina and it was no less true now. She finally gave free rein to the excitement that had been building inside her ever since they’d first discussed the idea. She grinned at Paul. “Let’s go for it.”
“I assume you’re referring to the business,” he said as his fingers trailed a blazing path up her leg. Her breath caught in her throat.
“That, too,” she said in a voice suddenly slowed by desire.
“Want to talk about the details?” he inquired as he did something particularly magical to the back of her knee.
“Later,” she murmured weakly.
“Smart woman. It’s nice to know that your priorities remain in order now that you’re a career woman again,” he said as he lifted her from the tub and carried her down the hall. She was too busy running her tongue along the rivulets of water on his neck to reply.
* * *
Second Chances, despite certain personal distractions that occasionally took precedence, turned into a flourishing business. Paul and Gabrielle had more work than they could handle. The commissions weren’t huge, but the satisfaction was tremendous and working with Paul gave her new respect for his talent at renovation. He did caring, conscientious work and his customers appreciated it.
On a personal level, their lives had meshed so completely that she couldn’t imagine a future without Paul. She’d found her ideal mate, a man who was strong and supportive and caring, in the most unlikely place of all. She was still in his arms early one morning when she received a frantic phone call from Ted.
“What on earth is wrong?” she asked at once. “You’re babbling. Slow down. Is it Kathy?”
“No. It’s you. You’re going to kill me.”
The genuine panic in his voice made her very nervous. Ted was the calmest man she’d ever met. “Would you please just tell me what’s wrong?”
“It’s your parents.”
Oh, hell. “What about my parents?”
“They’re here.”
Shock and dismay swept through her. “Here? In New York?”
“Yes, in New York.” He took a deep breath, while Gabrielle’s breath stopped. “Actually they’re in this office. I got in a few
