Page 64 of Falling for the Boss's Son

“See, this is why it needs to work between the two of you.” Beks looked at Cassie as if it were solely up to her as to whether the relationship between her and Jesse would last. “If you two stay together, then you can give Mom the grandchildren she wants, and the pressure’s off me.”

Jesse spoke before Cassie could figure out how to respond. “I think we need to cool it on the baby talk. Cassie and I have only been together for a week. We’re not rushing into anything.”

Blake cleared his throat. “Your mother and I are hosting a dinner party next month. My college roommate is in town and I’d like for you to attend.”

It wasn’t clear to Cassie if the invitation included her or not. She’d never been to one of the Masters’s dinner parties, but she’d helped organize several.

“Send me the date and I’ll check my calendar.” Jesse took a sip of his water. “How long is he staying?”

“He’s taking over his uncle’s law firm, so he’ll be in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.”

Jesse smiled. “That’s great. You’ll have a golf partner now and won’t be trying to drag me along.”

Blake chuckled. “Yes, well, he has great timing. It will be good to have him close by again.”

It took a moment for Cassie to realize what her boss was referring to, but when she did, she glanced over at Jesse. His expression told her he knew exactly what his father was talking about, and she made a note to ask him about it later.

The conversation soon turned to Beks. She was planning to follow in her brother’s footsteps and spend some time in Europe. Unlike her brother, however, she was headed to Milan to study fashion.

After dinner, Blake asked Jesse to join him in his study. Beks disappeared upstairs, and Cassie and Florence watched the sun as it set behind the trees.

“You’re good for him,” Florence said, taking a sip of her coffee.

The compliment brought a smile to Cassie’s lips. “Thanks.”

“Has there been any trouble at work? I know how office gossips can be.”

Cassie was a little surprised at that. While Florence stopped by the office on occasion, she wasn’t a regular fixture.

The look on Cassie’s face prompted a smile from the older woman. “I’m guessing you don’t know how Blake and I met.”

“No.” While her boss was friendly and respectful, he didn’t tend to overshare.

Florence took another drink before speaking again. “Blake hired me as his secretary when he first started the company. We worked together for three years before he got up the courage to ask me out.”

“He was your boss?”

Jesse’s mom chuckled. “He was. And when it got out that he and I were an item, there was quite a lot of talk.”

Cassie nodded. “I’ve gotten looks more than anything. I think the worst is said behind my back.”

“I have no doubt.” Florence finished off her coffee and looked Cassie in the eye. “I know I’m Jesse’s mom, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen.”

“Thank you.” The gesture was appreciated.

A few moments later, Jesse reappeared with his father. Both had rather stern looks on their faces, but Jesse’s expression lightened when he met Cassie’s gaze. He came to stand beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist. When he spoke, however, it was to his parents. “We’re going to head out. Thank you for dinner.”

Florence gave her son a hug, then turned to Cassie. She took her right hand and gave it a brief squeeze. “You’re both welcome anytime.”

A few minutes later, Jesse was helping her into his car. It had cooled off quite a bit since they’d arrived, and Cassie had forgotten to bring a jacket. She ran her hands up and down her arms, trying to ward off the chill.

Jesse removed his suit jacket before sliding into the driver’s seat. Before turning on the engine, he draped the jacket over her, tucking in the sides on either side of her arms. It warmed her almost instantly. “Thank you.”

“Can’t let you catch a cold. I have plans for us this weekend.” His sly grin sent a completely different type of heat coursing through her.

“What did you have in mind?” she asked, feeling bold.

His only answer was a mischievous grin as he started the car and made his way down the long driveway toward the road.

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