Millionaire Attends Friend’s Housewarming Party, Never Expected He’d Fall For The Interior Designer
The Unexpected Ambush of Beauty
Lucas Moore hadn’t expected to be ambushed by beauty when he walked through his best friend’s new front door. But there she was, balanced perfectly on a step ladder hanging what appeared to be a custom light fixture.
Her dark curls cascaded down her back as she concentrated on the task at hand.
“that’s Zara Wilson,”
his friend Ryan whispered, following Lucas’s gaze.
“the genius behind everything you see best interior designer in the city.”
Though I nearly had to sell a kidney to afford her. Lucas nodded absently, still watching as she descended the ladder with the graceful confidence of someone who knew exactly what she was doing.
Her deep burgundy jumpsuit was both professional and striking against her warm brown skin. When she turned and caught him staring, her smile was curious but unassuming.
“you must be the fashionably late friend”
she said approaching them with an extended hand.
“ryan’s been checking his watch every 30 seconds”
“lucas Moore”
he replied taking her hand and noting the firm grip. The slight roughness of her fingers spoke of actual hands on work.
“i got caught in a conference call that wouldn’t end hazards of the shipping industry”
“he’s being modest”
Ryan interjected.
“lucas owns more maritime those massive container ships that keep our economy afloat half of them have his name on them”
Lucas shot Ryan an irritated glance. He’d spent his entire adult life working to be taken seriously for his business acumen rather than his net worth, which had recently crossed into 10 figure territory.
“impressive”
Zara said. But Lucas was relieved to detect no shift in her demeanor.
“but will your professional opinion on Ryan’s new palace be as valuable as everyone else’s because I’m collecting feedback”
Her eyes sparkled with a challenge that made Lucas forget his usual careful reserve.
“i’ve been known to have good taste”
he replied with a smile.
“we’ll see about that”
she countered. And before Lucas could respond, she was called away by another guest with a question about the kitchen backsplash.
“she’s single”
Ryan said nudging Lucas with his elbow.
“and definitely not impressed by money if that’s what you’re wondering turned down designing the governor’s mansion because he was and I quote insufferably condescending”
Lucas watched her across the room, animated as she explained something to an attentive group.
“i wasn’t wondering”
he lied. The evening progressed with Lucas finding himself increasingly drawn into conversations with Zara.
She moved through the party with purpose, ensuring every guest appreciated the thoughtful details she’d incorporated. The reclaimed wood coffee table echoed Ryan’s childhood home in Vermont. The subtle color scheme transitioned through the house like seasons.
“so what’s your verdict?”
she asked appearing beside him as he examined a particularly interesting painting in the study.
“that you’re extraordinarily good at what you do”
Lucas answered honestly.
“this doesn’t feel like a showpiece it feels like Ryan”
Something in her expression softened.
“that’s exactly what I aim for everyone deserves a space that feels authentically theirs”
She gestured around them.
“even your skeptical eyes seem impressed”
“were my eyes skeptical”
“thoroughly”
she laughed.
“from the moment you walked in like you were counting the cost of everything”
Lucas winced.
“professional hazard i spend my days calculating efficiency and value”
“and what’s the value of feeling at home?”
she asked. Her question was surprisingly direct.
The question caught him off guard. His own penthouse apartment, while expensive and perfectly appointed by a designer whose name he couldn’t currently recall, had never felt particularly like home.
“i’m still calculating that,”
he admitted. Their conversation was interrupted by Ryan announcing dinner. But Lucas found himself seated across from Zara, continuing to be intrigued by her straightforward manner and obvious passion for her work.
As the party began winding down, Lucas helped carry glasses to the kitchen where Zara was arranging flowers in a vase.
“need a hand?”
he offered.
“sure if billionaire shipping magnates know how to trim stems,”
he raised an eyebrow.
“you’ve been researching me.”
“Ryan filled me in,”
she admitted.
“right after warning me that you’re notoriously private and generally avoid social functions like this one”
“Yet here I am”
“yet here you are,”
she echoed, handing him a pair of scissors.
“cut at an angle about an inch from the bottom”
They worked in comfortable silence for a moment before Lucas spoke again.
“would you consider taking on another client my place could use a professional touch,”
Zara looked up, her expression thoughtful.
“i’m actually booked solid for the next 8 months.”
“Oh,”
Lucas said trying to hide his disappointment.
“but I could come take a look just to consult,”
she added.
“sometimes people don’t need a full redesign just a few strategic changes.”
Lucas found himself smiling.
“i’d appreciate that though fair warning it’s the stereotypical Bachelor penthouse with zero personality”
“those are actually my favorite challenges,”
Zara replied.
“blank slates.”
They exchanged numbers and Lucas left the party feeling lighter than he had in months.
