Page 31 of How to Marry the Boss

I shake my head in amusement. “What type of pizza did you get?”

“Deep dish pepperoni and mushroom.”

At his answer, I salivate. My favorite.

“Based on that hungry expression, I’m going to assume you’re good with my choice.”

“More than good. Thanks.”

He nods, and we spend the next few minutes piling food on our plates. The two large slices Jake insists I eat take up my entire plate. Then he piles popcorn on top before we sit at the kitchen table.

“Bon appétit.” Jake grins as he sets the large bowl between us.

I can’t help but moan as I grab one of my slices and take the first delectable bite. The more I chew, the more I feel like I’ve just consumed a slice of heaven. “Oh, my god. So good. Yes…”

“You sound like you’re having a moment with your pizza. Should I leave you two alone?” he teases.

I swat his arm playfully as I swallow the bite. “We are, so don’t ruin it for us.”

“Oh, I would never,” he says dramatically.

I roll my eyes, trying not to laugh. This is fun. This is nice. When was the last time I enjoyed pizza and good conversation with a friend?

He’s not my friend.

Right. He’s…complicated. But at least for tonight, things between us can be simple.

I hope so.

Jake cuts into the brief silence. “How was your day?”

“Tough but manageable. How about yours?”

“Same. Today felt like four Mondays. I can’t wait until Friday.”

“I wish it was tomorrow,” I groan. “What are your plans this weekend?”

He shrugs. “Not sure. I’ll figure something out.”

I never took Jake for a homebody. “No ‘Saturdays are for the boys’?”

“Nah. I don’t party like I used to in college. Those days are long over.”

“Amen to that. ”

He raises a brow. “Clubs aren’t your bag?”

“Occasionally, I go with Kami or Kiera, but we haven’t in some time. Josie’s birthday was a rare exception.”

“Hmm. So…I guess you go out with Vance more these days?”

Since Jake thinks I’m dating the guy, I suppose that’s a valid assumption. What surprises me, however, is the fact he’s actually asking. Sure, it’s possible he’s probing so he can give Jonathan information…but the way Jake is asking makes me wonder if both Vance and Kami are right. Is he digging for his own personal reasons? If that’s true, could this pizza and this conversation be his attempt to get closer to me?Maybe I’m wrong. Hell, maybe I’m crazy, but I want to figure this out.

“Some.” I do my best to lie. “But not much, really. He’s more of an introvert.”

“I get that. But you two have plans this weekend,” he says like he’s sure of it.

I could lie. I could tell him we do. But why does he want to know so badly?

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