Page 28 of How to Marry the Boss

The more I think about this strategy, the more I’m not so keen. “But wouldn’t that give her more ammo to friend zone me?”

“Not necessarily. For her to be yours, you have to become the person she relies on—for anything and everything. And to get there, you have to prove you’re solid.”

“And if she knows she can rely on me, then I’ve gained her trust.” And maybe her heart. Why the fuck didn’t I think of that?

“Bingo!”

And all the while, she’ll learn more about me and feel how it would feel if there was an us. Ian is a genius. “Where should I start?”

“I know you, Jake. You have the innate ability to improvise and ultimately get what you want. You’ll figure it out.”

I slowly nod, wracking my brain for ideas. And then one hits me. “Know a good pizza place nearby?”

Chapter Eleven

Mia

Work fails to stop me from replaying last night’s events in a never-ending loop. From the beginning to the end, all I can think about is my exchange with Jake and that stunned expression on his face. Why would he look at me that way? I told him what he seemingly wanted to hear…

But what if it wasn’t?

Ugh, I’m so confused. Why would he twist our conversation into making me admit I’m dating Vance if that isn’t what he wanted to hear?

Jake didn’t force me; I chose to lie to him.

Okay, but what was I supposed to do? He had me feeling cornered, and he wouldn’t get off my back. He seemed so convinced I was in a relationship with Vance. I thought that was what he wanted to hear. Now I’m not sure.

Regardless, this is a total mind fuck. Why does Jake care so much about my love life? Is this another trick so he can report allthe dirt back to my brother…or is there more to the story? And why do I feel guilty?

My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I glance at the caller ID. Vance. Just the person I need to talk to. The one who planted this seed of doubt in my head in the first place. The one who can help me make sense of this mess? God, I hope.

“Hi, Vance,” I answer.

“Hey, Knight. How are you doing?”

“I…don’t know.”

“Long day at work? Or something else bothering you?”

“Definitely something else.”

“What happened? Spill.”

I sigh. “Actually, I’m not sure.”

“Huh?”

“It’s…Jake related.”

“So you told him we’re ‘dating’.”

How did he guess? “I had no choice.”

I spend the next few minutes telling him about the odd argument Jake and I had last night when I got home. I even admit I feel guilty for lying.

When I’m finished, he laughs. “You’re in to him. I get it.”

“I can’t be.”

---