her eyes, and she shook her head.
“I can imagine.” Kai reached for her hand, his throat tight and scratchy.
What she went through on a day-to-day basis blew his mind. And he hadn’t even gotten a close-up view of it.
“You’re very strong,” he said.
She blinked back tears. “People do things because they have to. Not because of any innate strength they have that others don’t, but thank you.”
He nodded once. He didn’t know what the right words were, but at least he could listen and be there for Diane. Maybe, if they were lucky, that would help at least a little.
“Ah.” She blinked away the last of her tears. “I definitely did not mean to get emotional there.”
“You opened yourself up to me.” He waited until their gazes locked to continue. “There’s nothing to apologize for.”
Her beautiful smile returned. “Okay. Let’s move on to some happier subjects, shall we?”
Over their meal, they talked art and movies. Diane educated him on the best vintage shops in the city, and he told her about his favorite places to go camping across the country. The whole time, though, what she’d revealed about her mother rested heavy on his mind.
He wanted to help in any way he could. The most sensible way was through money. With several billion to his name, he had plenty of it while possessing no qualms about handing chunks over to people in need.
Though he couldn’t stop the disease that ate away Diane’s mother’s memory, he could buy them a full-time caregiver. At least that would alleviate some stress.
But he didn’t get the sense that Diane would accept a gift of so much. No matter that it would be chump change to him.
He’d have to come up with another plan.
By the time dinner wound down, he’d come up with an idea. How she would take it, he had no clue.
“Do you remember my kitchen?” he asked.
She twisted her lips. “Um, yes.”
“If you have time, I would love to hire you to paint a mural on the wall. The one that you see when you come in from the front.”
“Oh, I’d love to!”
“Great.” Since they were all done at the restaurant, he stood and offered his arm.
“But…I think you’ll need to take me back there to see it,” she said. “You know, so I can get the creative juices flowing.”
“No problem there,” he said, chuckling. “How about now?”
“Right now is perfect.”
At his building, he parked in the underground lot. Taking Diane’s hand in his, they entered the elevator and rode to his floor. There, he let them into the dark apartment.
“This wall?” She entered the kitchen and gestured at it.
“Exactly.” Coming up behind her, Kai wrapped his arms around her waist. She responded by resting her hands on his.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
“Something nature-themed. That’s as far as I’ve gotten.”
With a giggle, she turned to face him. Their hands fell down, fingers linked together.
“Kai! You haven’t thought about this more? Are you sure you want a mural here?”
“Yes, and I’m also sure that I want you to paint what you envision. You’re the artist. I love what you’re doing at the office, and I trust you.”
She faked an expression of suspicion, but her eyes said she was happy.
“And I’ll pay you the same amount you’re getting for the one at the office.”
Her jaw dropped. “Um, what?”
“Is that fair?”
Suddenly, her hands weren’t in his anymore. She took a step back, that mock suspicion replaced with the real variety.
“Your kitchen wall is only about a quarter the size of the wall at your office.” Her lashes fluttered. “You know that’s not a fair price. You should be giving me a lot less.”
He shrugged. “I disagree. You’re a talented artist, and I think you deserve every penny.”
There was a long silence. She was waiting for him to hand over more info.
Finally, Kai sighed and ran his palm over his mouth. “Okay. My thought is that if you have some extra money, you’ll be able to hire more help for your mom. Lighten the load a little.”
Still, she said nothing. She only stood there, looking at him like she was trying to comprehend.
Shoot.
“I’m sorry,” he sighed. “I know it’s not my place, but—”
She cut him off with a kiss to the lips. “Thank you,” she whispered against his chin.
“You’re not angry?”
“No.” She shook her head a little. Considered. “But don’t feel obligated to do this.”
“Why would I feel obligated?”
“Okay. I guess you wouldn’t.”
“Like I said, Diane, you’re an amazing artist. And, honestly, it’s nothing for