Page 26 of How to Marry the Boss

Suddenly, I understand this isn’t about my safety. Jake thinks I’mdatingVance. Though all Vance and I did was talk, Jake clearly assumes we’re doing way more. Why does it matter so much to him?

“My personal life isn’t any of your concern.” I’m about to continue speaking when I hesitate. I could tell Jake he’s wrong—on so many levels. His idea of my relationship with Vance couldn’t be further from the truth. But if he’s going keep pushing, then fuck him. I’ll give him exactly what he wants. “And if you’re going to persist in knowing everything about my life, then yes, I’m in a relationship with Vance. There. What do you have to say about that?”

Jake looks taken aback, as though he wasn’t expecting my “confession.” But honestly, what did he expect? I told him what he seemingly wanted to hear.

Then why does he look disappointed, almost crestfallen?

A long silence stretches between us, the moment turning awkward. I clear my throat. “I’m going to bed. Good night.”

I turn away and slam into my room without another word, leaving Jake gaping after me, alone.

Chapter Ten

Jake

“Jesus, man. You look like shit.” From behind the bar, Ian sends me a concerned stare as I drag myself into his bar at the end of my long work day.

“Feel like it, too.” I sigh.

“Your usual?” he asks.

I nod before taking a seat on one of his stools and loosen the navy tie around my neck.

From the moment Mia told me she was seeing Vance, I haven’t felt like myself. I tossed and turned all night, which didn’t help. I’m a fucking mess, and I don’t know what to do.

A few moments later, Ian returns with a scotch in hand and places the glass in front of me. “Rough day?”

“‘Rough’ is an understatement.”

He pauses. “This have anything to do with Mia?”

I try to hide my surprise, but I’m pretty sure it’s all over my face. “What makes you ask that?”

“You kissed her on New Year’s Eve. Everyone saw. Also, Kami likes to talk.”

“I was drunk that night. And Kami, no offense, needs to mind her own business.”

He laughs. “If you’re afraid I’ll rat you out to Jonathan, don’t be. We may be friends, but I don’t owe him anything, especially information about you and Mia. And I operate under strict bartender-customer confidentiality.”

One of the best things about Ian? He listens, but he doesn’t involve himself in other people’s drama.

I sigh. “Be honest. Am I in over my head?”

“No. But it’s pretty reckless to pursue your best friend’s sister and not tell him.”

“Trust me, I’m well aware of it.” And sometimes, I feel like a shit.

“Based on the fact you’re here and not with her, I’d say things aren’t working out the way you planned.”

“Far from it.” I swallow my drink whole. “How about another?”

Ian refills my drink. “Are you really surprised?”

I shouldn’t be. Of course she’s in a relationship. Only a fidiot wouldn’t notice her. “Surprisingly, yes.”

“How so?”

I tell Ian everything that’s happened over the past two days.

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