Page 15 of How to Marry the Boss

“Is that a threat?”

“It’s a warning. Trust me when I say this. You’d rather be dealing with me than Jonathan. I’m a much nicer version of him. I’m not the type to punch first and ask questions later.”

That may be true, but I’m still going to stand my ground. “Times have changed. We’re all older now. Mia is a grown adult who can take care of herself, not a helpless and fragile child.”

“Heed my warning, Jake. Once Jonathan finds out, there won’t be any stopping him.”

“So you plan to rat me out?”

“No. I’m giving you until Jonathan comes back from vacation for you to get out. No damage has been done yet. There’s still time to get out unscathed.”

He doesn’t understand. Until he’s found something worth fighting for, he’ll never understand. “I don’t want just a good fuck anymore. And I’m not going to set my feelings aside just because it helps Jonathan and you sleep better at night.”

“Fine. Do what you want. But when this all comes crashing down, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

What will Nathan do with this information in the meantime? If he won’t out me to Jonathan, what will he do? “Are you going to tell Mia on me?”

He scoffs. “Oh, hell no. This is not my monkey or my circus. I’m giving you the chance to figure out your own shit. I just hope you know what will be coming your way when Jonathan finds out.”

“I can manage Jonathan. And whether Mia wants to be with me or not is her decision.”

“Then I wish you the best of luck.” He turns to exit.

“If you didn’t come here to threaten me, then why are you warning me?”

He sighs, turning back to face me. “Trust me, I’m plenty angry at you. And if it weren’t for the fact Jonathan’s phone is off, I’d be telling him right now. But you’re also a good guy, Jake. The last thing I want to happen is for our friendship to end all because you decided to pursue my sister.”

“Jonathan does know she’s an adult, right? There’s also nothing in the company policy that says no fraternization.”

“Yes, he’s aware of both. But still, neither will matter to him. All he’ll be seeing is red. And once that happens, don’t be surprised if you end up with nothing.”

He’s right. I could lose my friendship, Mia, and even my place at the company in a matter of moments. Then again, I’veknown about the possibilities that I could end up with nothing since Mia was seventeen. And the more I think about making her mine, the more I don’t care. The more I’m willing to put everything on the line for this chance at winning her heart.

Chapter Six

Mia

Istare at the reflection of myself from my bedroom mirror. This look is perfect. The curls in my hair give a soft, beach-wave look. My pale skin pops against my dark purple halter dress. It starts at my neck and ends with ruffles that come down to just above my knees. My black heels elongate my legs. A black purse completes the look.

“Perfect,” I say under my breath.

I turn my body to look over my shoulder and pop my heel like the princess of Genovia inThe Princess Diariesmovie when she experiences her first kiss.

“Damn, you look good.”

I jump from Jake’s sudden appearance at the threshold of my door. His tall stature takes up the entire door frame. One hand is in his dress pant pocket while the other is resting on the other side of the door frame. The blue tie I saw him wearing this morning is now gone. He must have just gotten back from the office.

How is it, even when he’s annoying me, he still finds a way to make my heart race? How does he manage to get under my skin?

He seems to be everywhere I look now.

He’s the first person I see when I make my morning coffee and perhaps the last one before bed. This is no doubt what Jonathan wanted. And Jake is more than happy to help do his bidding.

I find it strange how every time I remind myself of this, I feel more disappointed than I did the last time. But I shouldn’t read too much into that. I’ve known for a long time Jake will never see me as the woman I am.

I grab my phone from my bed and place it in my purse. “I don’t remember asking for your opinion, but thanks.”

I try to leave the room, but he stands his ground, his stance unchanged.

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