Page 23 of Back for More
At the mention of Lily’s dad, Dan and all the other sycophants start to disperse. Not wanting to look like they’re ogling or sucking up to the boss’s daughter, I guess. Whatever the reason, it’s a relief to get some space around me to breathe again.
And then, inexplicably, Lily lifts her gaze to meet mine and I’m holding my breath. Silent questions and years and moments pass between us. I’m vaguely aware of Kate standing here, but I can’t hear what she’s saying over the sound of my heart pounding in my chest or focus on anything other than trying not to drown in those warm tea-brown eyes.
Somehow, though, over the pounding of my heart, I hear or maybe feel someone clear his throat and know without looking that it’s Jasper “Call me Jay” Barnes. We both turn to him. He’s walking down the hallway, watching Lily and me, and I just can’t get a read on that expression on his face.
His executive assistant trails behind him, wearing her wireless headset, carrying two cell phones and a gift bag. The crowd parts as he passes. He doesn’t acknowledge anyone except Kate now, since she is the guest of honor. I remove my arm from Kate’s shoulder, and Lily takes a step back. Tina hands Kate the gift bag and gives her a hug before going to get a glass of beer for Jasper and then returning to the buffet table to cut the cake.
Jasper shakes Kate’s hand, asks her if she’s had a good last day. Kate gets all demure and polite around him, as always. He’s not a tough guy or especially alpha, but there’s something about the way this man carries himself that commands respect. As soon as he takes the glass from Tina, he raises it and looks around for the source of the disco music. When he sees the portable Bluetooth speaker on the table, he raises an eyebrow at Lily.
“Right,” she mumbles as she pulls her phone out from her pocket, turning off her music app with the swipe of a finger.
As soon as he has silence, Jasper launches into his speech. “Kate. We have all enjoyed having you here—your warm smile and robust laugh will be missed, as will your ability to keep Mr. Carver in line.” Pause for polite laughter and an appreciative wink and smile from yours truly. “As you begin this new chapter in your life, remember that you’ll always be a part of the Barnes Group family, as will the new little member who will be joining you soon. Best of luck in your adventures in motherhood,” he says and then pauses for the briefest of moments to clear his throat and look down. I glance over at Lily, whose eyes are getting that pink tinge around the rims again. “The most important job of all,” he continues. “To Kate. We will miss you.”
There is a chorus ofwe’ll miss yous, and then Jasper takes a sip of beer, pats Kate on the shoulder, takes a plate of sliced cake and a fork from Tina, and excuses himself to get back to his office for a conference call. He doesn’t say a word to his daughter or anyone else, just nods at people and doesn’t wait for Tina as she hugs Kate one more time before hurrying after him.
I watch Lily watch him go, her face expressionless aside from her tight jaw.
I have to cross the room to start up a meaningless conversation with Roger the CFO to keep from putting my arm around her. This is how she slowly breaks my heart, one quivering lip at a time and then suddenly all at once. Over and over. I can handle a broken heart—I’m no pussy—but I can’t let her get to me.
Not here.
Not now.
Less than five minutes later, I’m swallowing my last bite of cake and ushering Kate back to my office when Lily disappears to the ladies’ room.
“I know what I want for my going-away present,” Kate stage-whispers.
“I already gave you flowers.”
“Flowers are not a present. Flowers are a gesture.”
I lower my voice. “If this present involves Lily, then I have another gesture for you.” I covertly present her with my middle finger.
She snort-laughs. “And people say you aren’t funny.”
“Nobody says I’m not funny. People say I’m not fun. Big difference.”
She gets very serious all of a sudden. “But it does involve her.”
“What?” I sigh.
“Take it easy on her. She’s a good egg.”
“And?”
“And I think you should marry her—not right away, but eventually.”
“Shhh! How many light beers have you had?”
“Half of one glass! I’m driving home. Pregnant. I’m not tipsy. I’m just really observant.”
“Since when? How many times have you come to work with your sweaters on inside out?”
She swats at my arm. “That’s different. I know people. And I know you. Kind of. And yes, I’ve only known her for twenty-four hours, but there’s something there between you.”
I bark out a laugh. “Ya think?” She doesn’t know the half of it. I hope. “Well, that was a convincing argument. I will take that under consideration.”
“No, but really.” She grabs my arm as I’m turning away. “What’s the deal with you guys?”
