Page 27 of Jake

“I didn’t say you did. But they could be.”

“You’re pretty. I don’t understand your issue here with yourself. No, I am not disappointed. I would say pleasantly surprised. I would also like to know how Cade got you to go on a blind date.”

“Catherine,” she said with a shrug.

“That makes more sense, actually.” He watched as she fidgeted, wondering what she was thinking. “So, what now?”

“I don’t know.”

“I’d like to keep talking and try for another date—with light?” He winked with the word.

She chewed her lip and looked down at her desk before answering. “Okay,” came her quiet reply.

“Lauren, as much as I would like to take you out, please don’t say yes just because you think it’s what I want. I won’t be mad if you say no.” He didn’t want her to feel like she had to go out with him. He wanted her to want to.

“I know. I’m just nervous, I think.” She still didn’t look up at him.

“You think?”

She finally lifted her head and looked him in the eyes. “I mean you’re . . . you. I’m definitely nervous.”

“I don’t even know what you mean by that. You aren’t nervous around me normally.” He’d been here before and she hadn’t acted like she was nervous, had always been direct with him. “I’m just the person you’ve been texting and had one hell of an awkward date with.”

Her shoulders shook with laughter. “It was awkward.”

“Let’s have a second one? A do over?” he urged.

Nodding, she smiled this time. “Let’s do that.”

“Is it too much if I say today?” He was pressing his luck, but he was excited he knew who she was now and he didn’t want to wait. “I think your boss will give you the rest of the day off.” He winked at her.

She giggled. “I’ll have you know he already did.” She winked back at him.

This was what he wanted. They’d found their way back to level ground and were talking now, even joking. She’d gone from barely speaking to a wink, and he knew this was a grin he would wear the rest of the night regardless of her answer.

“Are you guys done?” Cade popped his head out of his office.

“Almost,” Jake answered. “What do you say?”

She hesitated just long enough to make him sure she would say no before answering. “Okay, sure, let’s try again.”

“Shit, are you guys going to get all lovey-dovey in my office all the time now?” Cade opened his door fully and joined them.

“If things go well,” Jake teased.

Jake walked over to Cade, shaking his hand and patting him on the back, a movement they often did to each other when celebrating.

“I’m stealing her for the rest of the day.” Not that it mattered as it was already getting late.

“Oh, fine, take her away from work. I see how it is,” Cade teased and walked over to Lauren. “If he steps out of line at all, you let me know,” he told her seriously.

Lauren nodded. “O-okay.”

“Do you need to do anything before we head out?” Jake asked her.

“What are we doing?” She ran her hand through her hair again.

“Let’s start with food?” he offered. There was no plan in his mind just yet.

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