Page 51 of How to Marry the Boss

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I insist. You’re going through a lot, and you’ve helped me. Let me help you.” I grab my keys and purse, then put on my shoes.

Besides, I have no idea how long before Jake shows up. The airport isn’t far. I’ll be there and back before anyone misses me.

“Thank you. You’re the best.” Vance pulls me in for a hug.

“Anything you need.” I hug him back as he kisses my forehead.

Suddenly, a door slams. “Anything, huh?”

At the sound of the unexpected intrusion, I whirl to find Jake glaring at Vance, who still has his arms around me. I can only call his expression a snarl.

Oh, he’s pissed.

I pull away, wincing. I was so focused on my conversation with Vance that I didn’t realize Jake had come home.

“Hey, Jake.” I try to smooth things over. “You remember Vance, right?”

“Hey, man.” Vance extends his hand.

Jake refuses to take it.

Silence falls. It’s tense and awkward. I don’t know who Jake is more pissed off with, Vance or me.

What’s his problem?

I clear my throat to break the ice. “I’m taking Vance to the airport.”

“The airport?” Though he hides it well, I hear the bite of sarcasm in his tone.

“Yeah.” Vance lets out an awkward laugh. “I told her she didn’t have to, but she insisted. Isn’t she so sweet?” He smiles at me, his gaze full of longing.

What is he doing?

“Can’t you get an Uber?”

“I told her I would, but that’s Mia.” Vance squeezes my shoulders and tucks me against his body. “I stopped by to spend some time with my girl before I have to leave, and she volunteered.”

I try not to grimace. Vance doesn’t know that I don’t need him to play the swooning boyfriend anymore. And Jake is reacting to Vance’s act like someone waving a red cape over bull’s face.

I have a feeling this is going to end badly.

Tearing his death glare from Vance, Jake focuses on me again. His expression shifts to one that’s softer, almost sad. “Are you leaving, then?”

“I’ll be back as soon as I drop him off.” I try to grab Jake’s hand in reassurance.

He pulls away. “Just go.”

In the snap of a finger, his demeanor turns icy.

My throat tightens and dries up. My heart races. I feel myself panicking. How do I fix this? What should I do? What did I do to deserve his cold shoulder? My first instinct is to cry. Yet my anger swells, swallowing up my sadness.

I’ll deal with him later.

For now, I turn to Vance, who grabs his things. “Let’s go.” As I open the door, I turn back to Jake. “We’ll talk when I get back.”

He doesn’t respond, just stares, shaking his head, as I walk out the door.

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