Rafe shook his head. “Why on earth would I let you pay to redecorate my restaurant?”
“Gee, I don’t know,” she said. “Because I can afford it? Because I make a ton of money and don’t do anything with it, just put it into stocks, investments and charities? Because I’d like to do something nice for you? Because this restaurant means something to me too, since you put your heart and soul into it? Take your pick…”
He rubbed his jaw with his thumb. “You’re not offering out of guilt?”
Okay, yeah. There was that. A little.
She said, “Look, what happened between us is primarily my fault. I’ve always felt bad about that and you know it. But I’m not trying to buy back your respect, Rafe. This is something I can easily do for you, and I want to do it. I mean, do you have any idea how many restaurateurs contact me every day to revamp their business models and interiors, as well as breathe new life into their menus? This is what I do, Rafe. Take advantage of my expertise. Please.”
He hedged.
She confidently told him, “I have statistics to prove that I can make this a warm, inviting restaurant—and I swear to God you’ll see a huge boost in revenue.”
“It’d be a lot of work and money, Jen.”
“Rafe, I have the time. And the money. I don’t own anything!”
It was the first time she’d ever said those words out loud. And not only did they startle her, they also seemed to shock Rafe.
“That’s always been your choice,” he said in a somewhat edgy voice.
Composing herself, Jenna told him, “I haven’t built the kind of life you’ve built for yourself. That’s true. But…this is who I am.”
He opened his mouth to speak. She cut him off.
“I have the means and the resources to assist you. Let me, Rafe. This is what I do for a living and I am damn good at it. Just say yes.”
Another shake of his head. “It’s too much, sweetheart.”
“Really?” she challenged. “Complete strangers email and call me, begging me to save their restaurants or cafes. You and I were married. I would be thrilled to do this for you. And besides, there’s so much to work with here. It’s not going to put me out, Rafe. I have the crew to pull off a makeover in two weeks. Less than that, once I pinpoint the changes necessary.”
His jaw clenched briefly. Then he said, “Feels like I’m using you because we were once involved.”
“I’m the one who made the suggestion, Rafe! You’re not using me. I’m offering. And I really want to do this. Trust me,” she urged. “This is one thing I know how to do well.”
She gazed up at him again, knowing there was a compelling look in her eyes. She might have sucked at being a wife, but reviving a restaurant? She excelled at that.
“Just say yes,” she quietly insisted. “Say. Yes.”
He let out a sexy laugh. “Why can’t I ever refuse you?”
With a smile of relief, she said, “Because you know I have your best interest at heart. This will be great, Rafe. I promise.”
“I don’t doubt it for a second. Just seems like a huge imposition on you. I’d rather you were on vacation, Jen. Not slaving away for me.”
“Slaving away?” She scoffed at him. “I thrive on this. It’s what I know. It’s what I love.”
He scowled. “So I’m perpetuating the workaholic mentality?”
“Oh, stop.” She gave him a playful swat, though in the back of her mind, she noted his dismay. And couldn’t deny a hint of fatigue had crept in on her lately. Still, doing something significant for Rafe would mean the world to her. “I’ll call Tad and let him know we’ve got a new assignment.”
“Fine,” Rafe conceded, though with a hint of reticence. “Since I can’t dissuade you, we may as well go the whole nine yards.”
Jenna beamed. “This’ll be great, Rafe. You have my word.”
“I never doubt you in this capacity, sweetheart. Just…one small glitch,” he said, turning contemplative.
“Yes?”