Page 28 of Surprise Baby for Daddy's Best Friend

"Black still, sir?"

"Yeah, let's keep it slimming for now."

"Right away. I'll let you know if there are any delays with your outfit." She turned back to face the camera, "And sir, I know I shouldn't push too far into your relationships but be mindful."

I paused and stared at her, "What do you mean?"

She lifted her phone so I could see a photo. My stomach dropped as I saw stills of myself and Kim standing in the club and then us going to the hotel together.

"I don't know who this woman is, but I saw someone try to post these on the work systems earlier. They're no longer with the company and we verified he deleted the photos, but I doubt he's the only one who has these."

I furrowed my brow. I couldn't recall anyone taking photos of us, but I kept it in the back of my mind. "It's probably some reporter trying to get some big scoop and just happened to be close by. I'll be mindful."

"Thank you. Oh, and sir--"

"Yes?" I was starting to get irritated with her trying to give me relationship and safety advice, but I knew better than to let it get to my head. She knew that her opinions mattered.

"Please enjoy the dinner for me."

"What are you eating tonight?"

She didn't answer at first.

"Jessica?"

"Cheeseburger," she mumbled.

I rolled my eyes, "Use the office card and go get an actual meal for yourself. I'm tired of you trying to be so frugal all the time. I pay you enough that I want you to spoil yourself, and if it means your dinner is a business expense, while I'm enjoying some time off, then you need to enjoy some nice meals too."

"Got it. So, a double cheeseburger then."

Before I could snap at her that it wasn't what I meant by something nicer, she ended the call.

"Damn it," I growled. "She better not be buying some fast food on the company card."

I slid on the white button-up and stepped out into the hall. There was still plenty of time before the dinner that I could go explore for the day and hopefully avoid Kim. She needed to spend time with Mandi, not me. Still, I wanted to spoil her and wished we could get a nice lunch together, but it was impossible without everyone noticing we were both gone.

The alone time made the day feel like it wouldn’t end. It would be better if I wandered around a bit more and went window shopping. I couldn’t stand being cooped up for too long in the hotel room with nothing on TV and nothing to do.

My phone buzzed with an incoming call.

“This is Jared.”

Jessica’s voice echoed through the phone. “Sir I have great news. They had exactly what you needed in your size. Do you want me to deliver it to your room?”

“No, I’ll head over there.”

“Are you sure? I can call a car for you if you’d—“

“It’s walkable from here. Let me enjoy the nice weather. It’s been a while and I don’t need more attention brought to me. If Mandi knew the paparazzi were trying to squeeze their way out here, I’d never hear the end of it.”

Jessica sighed, “If you say so, sir. Just don’t complain.”

“Trust me, a walk is far better than being stuffed like sardines inside a van, with a bunch of men.”

“I take it you’re not enjoying your vacation?” She typed away at something. “I can get your jet out there so you can go elsewhere for the rest of the week.”

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, “No, let’s hold off on that. I might take you up on the offer later with a few extra passengers.”

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