Page 12 of Jake

She was reading through his survey results when she got a notification that she had a new message. Butterflies immediately started dancing in her stomach as she looked at the notification.

“How do I look?” Catherine stood in front of her.

“Oh, wow, you look like you’ve been ready like that all day.” Lauren was impressed as Catherine showed off her short cocktail dress and perfect hair and makeup.

“I hate these things, learned how to get ready at the last second a long time ago.” Catherine winked. “See you tomorrow. Wish me luck!”

“Luck!” Lauren called back as Catherine left.

She returned to her phone and took a deep breath before clicking on the notification.

J: Hi, L, nice to meet you.

Chapter Five

Jake had spent a full week talking to L on the app. She seemed nice and even witty. Not once had she mentioned what she did or asked about his job. Even better, she hadn’t mentioned money in any way, shape, or form.

They talked about their past. He knew she had moved to the city from a smaller town a few years ago and loved it here. J told her about his time away in college and how much he missed the city when he was gone.

He had messaged her first thing the last two days, not wanting to wait to start the conversations again. He was really looking forward to tonight and getting to meet her in real life.

“Earth to Jake,” his assistant, Max, called out, bringing him from his thoughts.

“Sorry, I was thinking.” Jake shook the thoughts from his head and tried to focus.

“About your date tonight?” Max winked.

“Actually, yeah. I’m excited about this one.”

“It’s good to see you excited about a date for a change.”

“Feels good to not be dreading it.” He was actually relieved that he wasn’t dreading this date. “What were you saying before?”

“I rearranged your schedule for this afternoon, so you are free for the rest of the day,” Max told him with a genuine smile.

“I owe you one.” Jake slapped him on the back. It was exactly what he needed since he couldn’t concentrate on anything, anyway.

“You do. I’m expecting a big Christmas bonus,” Max teased. “Now, get on out of here and as payment I also need details.”

They both chuckled and Jake opened the top right drawer of his desk, pulling out his keys before pocketing them.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Jake quickly left the office, avoiding as much eye contact as possible to get out quickly without further conversations.

Jake pulled out of the parking garage with no actual plan. He didn’t want to go sit at home and wait. He’d go visit Cade, who he was pretty sure was responsible for this date, and see if he could get more details.

The goofy grin was still on his face as he walked into Cade’s waiting area. His assistant was female. He was the only one of them to have a woman as their assistant.

She greeted him with a hesitant smile but a small shake of her head, swishing her blonde hair.

Jake walked over to her. She was always shy around all of them except Cade, so he hoped he could find out what was going on. He bent over her desk so they were close before whispering, “What’s going on?”

“His father is in there,” she whispered back at him.

That made sense. They didn’t get along when it came down the business, and despite him handing the company over to Cade, his father had never really given up control, a constant battle between the past and the future of the company.

“How long?” Jake asked.

“Almost an hour.” She sent him a knowing look.

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