Page 36 of How to Marry the Boss

“Did she say anything else?”

She hesitates. “Mia is a sea of emotions. She should be the one to tell you about them. All I can say is that she needs reassurance. Find some way to get her to lower her guard, and I think she’ll open up.”

Get her guard down? “How do I do that?”

“You’re the co-CEO of a major company. Use your imagination.”

Easier said than done. “I’ve tried to get her to open up. She’s a tough one to crack.”

“I agree with you on that. But at some point, you will get to her. Be patient, but tread carefully.”

“Would it be safe to say her boyfriend won’t be a problem?” The last thing I want is for her boyfriend to come barging in and trying to beat the shit out of me for hitting on his girl.

“Vance?” She shakes her head. “I don’t think that’s serious, but I wouldn’t put her on the spot about him. I have a feeling, when it comes to Vance, everything will sort itself out.”

“I hope so.” He’s a thorn in my side I’m ready to pluck out.

“Wow. You are so jelly right now.” She laughs. “It’s adorable.”

I choose to ignore her poking. “I just know what I want.”

From the moment she turned seventeen, I’ve wanted Mia. Always. She’s who I’ve imagined myself with. Sure, I’ve occupied myself for many years with other women. But I spent time with them merely to pass the time and dull the ache I feel for Mia. I tried to turn off my desire and snuff out my longing. But my feelings stayed the same. Seeing her again for the first time in years proved it.

“When you said to tread carefully, what did you mean?”

“Be careful with Mia.” She pauses. “Her feelings about love and relationships are…complicated.”

“In what way?”

“When I said she and Vance probably aren’t serious, I don’t mean they’re incompatible.”

“Are you saying she’s dating him for the wrong reasons?”

“Not exactly.”

“Then what?” Why the riddles?

“Get her to talk to you, and I promise you’ll have your answers. Maybe not all right away, but she’ll tell you everything when she’s ready,” Kami assures.

Mia is one of the most wonderful people I know. She’s also the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’d be the luckiest man in the world to have her be mine.

I just have to get her to talk to me…somehow.

Chapter Fifteen

Jake

The smell of soy sauce is pungent throughout the small kitchen. Steam rises high from the pan as I cook the stir fry for a few more minutes. After only taking twenty minutes to cook, the food is almost ready.

“That smells so good!” I hear Mia behind me. She moves in beside me to inspect the food.

I smirk. “Wait until you taste it.”

“I hope it tastes as good as it smells.”

“Believe me, it will,” I assure her.

Just a few minutes later, I dish out the contents of the pan into two large bowls. After that, I fill two stem glasses with pinot blanc.

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