“Knew you couldn’t hate me for long, Bambino.” He’s still smiling and trying to look convincingly assured while failing.
Yeah, of course, you were so confident when I walked in.
I remember his stressed posture and lost look, only moments before.
“Hmm, the jury is still out on that,” I answer impassively. I could never hate Jake. He throws me a mock injured look and I push him harder this time, so he falls back onto the couch with flailing arms and a shocked expression.
Easy there, teen Emma, he’s still your boss.
“Hey, woman! Any more of that and I’ll have to retaliate. I can promise you; my kind of physical exertion will put some color in your cheeks.” He gets up as though he’s going to grab me and I squeal, throwing out my arms toward him and shoving him straight back down with more force than necessary. He falls into the couch and just laughs at me.
“Hey! … Gross misconduct, Miss. Anderson.” He chucks a scatter cushion up at me, but I dodge it easily and catch it.
“Sue me.” I throw it back with a smile as I walk to lift my cell and groan at the numerous notifications. I’m a little breathless, and a hell of a lot happier.
I push down the thoughts about sperm donor, Ray, and Chicago. Jake says he won’t press me on this issue, and I know he means it, I can relax again. We can relax again. We just need to move on now.
I glance at my work out clothes and realize I need to get changed; we have actual work to do. I appraise him lounging on the couch, still watching me and I feel better, lighter. He drives me crazy sometimes but at least Jake isn’t someone who harbors moods or anger for very long. Well, unless you’re his father. Generally, he has a sunny manner.
The thought makes me smile … Sunny … Never thought I’d associate that word with Jake Carrero.
“Are you going to get changed?” I ask as I skim through my cell trying to now push us forward. I need to get my laptop open and check the email from Rosalie. She’s text me, informing me there are file attachments, revisions to the Hunter—Carrero contracts Jake has requested that require his immediate attention. I push the last thoughts of sperm donor away and get back into PA mode. It’s better this way.
“Nope.” He lays out on the couch tossing the cushion in the air casually and watching me from his vantage point; I frown at his casual attire and lack of moving.
“Well, I’m going to get changed so at least I can feel like I’m ready for work.” I take my cell with me and start to walk back to my room, engrossed in replying to Rosalie’s email.
me
doubt crosses
try
fight about that shit again okay?” his
my stomach as he throws me a genuine natural smile in reply. No showy playful or “I’m just so gorgeous”, but relief we’re friends again and I return it even more so. No one makes me relax like Jake does. Sometimes
* * *
of it. He’s
of the proposals for a small start-up Jake asked me to consider, and I’m fully aware he’s been avoiding conversation. I know that look on his face, a little wary and a little unsettled. He’s still unsure that we’re okay but I’m letting him stew by carrying on with work and avoiding
tone drags me from
“No.”
“Why not?”
drag me out at six most mornings to jog with you, and I know you’re going to do it again tomorrow so I’m not doing it now.” I throw him
he
I laugh. “You do realize you’re
very much like a child
… Don’t you have any new bed buddies to pester?” I chastise, sighing
frustration which I know only too well. I can practically time how long it will be before his mood starts to really tumble and I get to be on the receiving end
Okay!” I snap. This could go on all afternoon and I can’t focus
up to go get changed into sweats. He’s a smug winner. Likes to throw his success at me with huge champion grins. I swallow down the tension
Back to normal then.
I grab a hooded top and walk back into the main room as he walks from his door. He’s in gray sweats and hooded top and as always looks so much younger and carefree dressed this way. Less playboy billionaire and more normal, good-looking guy going to the gym. He leads the way
and I haul it out to check, it’s
you home