Page 98 of Falling for the Boss's Son

She was surprised to find the room was empty. Well, not empty. But there was no sign of either of her brothers. She’d been sure Bradley would insert himself into the evening whether she wanted him to be there or not.

“That’s good,” David said, coming in from the kitchen carrying a large platter. “I think we have enough food here to feed an army.” He placed the food on the table, then turned to Jesse, offering his hand. “I’m Cassie’s stepdad, David.”

“Jesse Masters.”

After the introductions were over, they all took a seat at the table.

“So, Jesse, how did you two meet?” Jessica asked as they began to dig into the meal.

“I saw her across the room at a party and knew I had to introduce myself.”

“Oh, how romantic.” Her mom paused, her gaze drifting to Cassie. The grin on her mom’s face said it all.

“Your brother mentioned you work together?” David asked.

Of course Bradley had gotten his digs in even if he wasn’t there in person.

Cassie opened her mouth to reply, but Jesse beat her to it. “We work in the same building, but my office is on the third floor. Cassie’s is on the fifth.”

Jessica scrunched her nose. “Isn’t your boss’s last name Masters?”

Cassie swallowed. She knew this would come out sooner or later. “Yes. Blake Masters is Jesse’s father.”

* * *

Jesse watched as Jessica’s eyes went wide. He’d seen that look on Cassie’s face many times. Although her mom’s had an added element of calculation. Jessica Rourke was assessing him.

He wasn’t sure if she was focused on what him being related to the man who wrote her daughter’s paychecks meant, or if she was trying to calculate the balance of his bank account. Being Blake Masters’s son, he’d encountered both types of people. He didn’t know Cassie’s mom well enough yet to determine which camp she fell into.

“So you work for your dad?” Jessica asked.

“Yes. I’m running the accounting department.”

David nodded. “A numbers guy.”

“I have degrees in both finance and business administration.”

“Impressive,” David said. “Isn’t that impressive?” He looked at his wife, who had gone quiet.

Jessica nodded. “Yes, very impressive.”

When Jessica didn’t pick up the thread of the conversation, David continued. “So what do you like to do outside of work? Are you a big sports fan?”

Jesse let David lead the conversation in a different direction. They ended up debating whether Kansas City needed another professional sports team. Personally, he didn’t care. Sure, he enjoyed watching sports, but he wasn’t obsessed with it like some guys were. He’d rather play basketball than watch it.

Not that he had a lot of time to dedicate to sports. He worked out at least three times a week and tried to get a couple of runs in, as well. Other than that, he kept busy with work…and Cassie.

Jessica asked Cassie to help her carry the dishes into the kitchen. He started to gather up some of the plates as well, but Jessica stopped him. “We’ve got it. You’re a guest. Why don’t you and David head into the living room. We’ll be in shortly.”

Cassie gave him a guarded smile and followed her mom into the next room.

“Come on,” David said. “Let’s see what’s on the television.”

Jesse followed the other man into a modest living room. Everything was clean and well kept, but it wasn’t anything like his parents’ formal living room with its high ceilings and massive bookshelves.

“I don’t think my wife knows what to make of you.” David had turned on the sports commentary, his comment not matching his actions.

“In what way?” Jesse asked.

---