Page 55 of Jake

“She’s right. Don’t beat around the bush, just come out and tell her. You’d hate for something to happen and and never get the chance,” Owen told him.

“I know, but how?” he asked, running his hand through his dark hair for the hundredth time today.

“Whenever it feels right,” came Owen’s less than helpful answer.

“That helps,” Jake answered sarcastically.

“You’ll know, and it will all make sense when you do,” Owen assured him.

“Thanks.”

“You got Catherine involved on her mom’s mess?” Owen asked.

“Yeah, she’s here now.”

“Good, she’s a genius. Let me know if you need anything from us, or if you just want us to stand up with you with for support and credence,” he offered.

“I can help with anything, too,” Jenna shouted through the phone.

He thanked them and ended the call, deciding to join the women and see what was needed of him. They were both bent over a computer, hot pink at that, which meant it was Catherine’s.

“Owen and Jenna offered support if we need them to talk or stand there and look pretty.”

“Oh, that’s good!” Catherine picked up her phone and started typing into it. “It’ll make sure our version, which is the truth, seems more true than anything she says.”

“I think I’ve met them once,” Lauren said.

“A few times, probably, but Owen doesn’t go out much with them since he got married. Maybe Jake will be the next to leave their boy’s club.” Catherine winked.

“Oh, umm,” Lauren sputtered.

Jake sent Catherine a glare over Lauren’s head before bending down to kiss her. “It wouldn’t be so bad, I don’t think,” he hinted.

Lauren blushed prettily even as her friend giggled. “Not the conversation we are having today.”

“It could be. If you’re interested, a marriage would really distract everyone from anything your mom has to say. That and the restraining order you should get will solidify that she knows nothing about either of you,” Catherine rambled on as she typed. Multitasking was her top talent.

Jake noticed Lauren ducked her head and didn’t seem to be listening to Catherine anymore. He took her hand, pulling her to a stand.

“We’ll be right back.” Jake led her to the bedroom. “I’m going to be honest with you. I’ve been thinking about asking you to move in, but I want to be clear that Catherine is doing her job, don’t panic. No one is going to force you to marry me.”

He’d seen the panic setting in. He wanted to pick her up and spin her around and tell her and everyone else that he loved her, but she didn’t need that right now. She needed him to be straight with her and give her a moment to get herself under control.

“I know.” She blew out a breath. “I do know. I’m just, she, I don’t know.” She dropped down on to the bed.

He knelt in front of her, holding both her hands in his. “You don’t have to know. It’s okay. One day we can have this talk, but it doesn’t have to be today.”

Lauren nodded. “I think that’s good. I do have feelings for you, you know?”

He hadn’t doubted it. He just knew now wasn’t the right time. “I know, me too.”

A quick kiss and he pulled her back to a stand and a hug. She took a few steadying breaths before they joined Catherine again.

Chapter Eighteen

They’d met about a dozen reporters in his office lobby just this evening. The reporters were all respectful and Jake seemed to know each of them by name.

Catherine had explained to everyone that Jake just wanted to keep any speculation around her to a minimum by answering all the questions early on. They didn’t actually have to say much. Catherine did it all for them and they just answered follow-ups.

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