Page 12 of Hooked on Lane

He didn’t look like a guy who grew up in a small town, especially looking so scrumptious in that suit and tie.

“It's the perfect place to be during the holidays. Everyone says Times Square is awesome, but nothing beats our Christmas Square.”

The way he talked about his hometown made it sound like a place I wanted to visit someday.

“Laura, it’s your turn for the mic.”

She jumped up. “I’ll be back.”

Lane and I locked eyes. “So, what are you doing here, anyway?”

“Mr. Longford gave me the name of this place as a recommendation. My mom had a fall today and after getting the news, I thought I could use a beer.”

He seemed too good to be true—too perfect. Everyone had flaws, so where were Lane’s? I took a sip of my beer to give myself time to think.

“I don't talk about it often, but sometimes I can be a bit of a workaholic. I get wrapped up in my job and forget what's important in life.”

It was the flaw that I needed to see in him—that humanizing element that made him real instead of just some perfect Prince Charming who had just stumbled into my life. Suddenly all the walls that I built around my heart came crashing down for this man who was looking at me with such depth and sincerity that no other person had done before.

I’m falling… and I don’t even know that much about him.

Chapter Eleven

Lane

Ishould’ve left when I saw Laura and Jennifer but… I stayed. Over the next couple of hours, I learned a lot about her. Jennifer had grown up in Dallas, Texas, with her parents and two sisters. She'd spent her childhood in the city, with all the advantages. She was a self-confessed city girl who wanted to experience the hustle and bustle of life in a bigger city. After she graduated college, she moved to New York City, much to her parents' dismay. They weren't happy with her decision, but she did it anyway.

I knew I couldn’t act on my feelings, but it didn’t make them subside. The more I got to know Jennifer, the more I wanted to show her how a woman should be treated. Yet I knew once Mr. Longford left, my life was going to be chaotic, and we would spend a lot of time together at the office. Maybe for now, I’d bide my time, have her as a friend, and one day when all was right with the world, maybe I could ask her out… but she was looking for her happily ever after.

“You got any plans for Thanksgiving?” Laura asked.

“No, I can’t make it home to see my mother, so I’ll probably just order in.”

“I’m having a Friendsgiving with Laura. You should come. No one should be alone.”

I hesitated for a second. “Are you sure?”

She waved her hand. "We'd love to have you. Besides, it's always more fun with more people.”

I smiled. “Well, in that case, I'd love to join you guys. Thanks.”

It was safe to assume why she wasn't going home for the holiday if she and her family didn't get along. No matter what, I was making it out to see my mom for Christmas. I talked the center into letting me take her home to Amesbury for the holidays. The small town wasn’t for everyone, but she was a small-town gal and always would be. It was a surprise, so my mother doesn’t know, but I had to clear it with the director before I planned anything.

I stood up slowly and brushed down my shirt. “Well, it’s time for me to head home. My ride is here.”

“Alright, see you at work.”

As I opened the door, I glanced back at Jennifer one last time, who was smiling. Tonight was amazing and getting to know her on a better level would indeed help our professional and personal relationship. But the problem was, I wished that the personal relationship could come first.

Chapter Twelve

Jennifer

The throbbing in my head was like a hammer. I quickly grabbed the bottle of Tylenol from my bedside table and swallowed a couple with a gulp of water. Today was Mr. Longford’s last day at the office, and I knew it was going to be a bittersweet day. Not the best day to be hungover, but we had a blast last night anyway.

I heaved myself out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom to wash the grime and sweat of the night before. I dried off and threw on a shirt and pants, feeling more alive with each passing minute. I gave myself a little pep talk and headed to the office.

I ordered blueberry scones and coffee, Mr. Longford’s favorite. It was going to be our last breakfast together. As I waited for the delivery, I thought about all the years I had spent with Mr. Longford. I had seen a lot of changes. Mr. Longford had kept every single client of his over his reign at the firm. He had dedicated so much of his time and energy to the company, and I admired him for that.

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