Page 6 of My Grumpy SEAL

“Jake always has his panties in a bunch.” She waves his topic off. “But I’ll oblige you on the condition that you hit that fine specimen the minute you get the chance.”

“How’s the family, Jessica?” I say in an attempt to change the topic. “How’s Malcolm?”

“Stressing over the pregnancy like it isn’t our third time.” She strokes her stomach as she talks. “What happened with Daxton though? I never got the full story.”

I shrug. “What can I say? Five-year relationship down the drain and he got married to someone he dated for less than a year.”

The look of sympathy on her face sparks irritation in me. I hate feeling pitied. “I’ve gotten around since then,” I say in a futile attempt. “Just haven’t gotten one to stick around long enough to consider me in a relationship.”

Jessica laughs. “That’s the same thing Jake says. You guys are quite similar in that aspect.”

I swallow before asking, “He isn’t married?”

“Almost, but it didn’t work out. None has stuck since then.”

For some reason, that puts my heart at ease. It’s probably relief at the fact that I didn’t have a one-night stand with a married man.

“I think he has sworn off relationships because he doesn’t seem to be making an effort anymore.” Jessica strokes her chin thinking about it before she shrugs. “The main goal right now is getting you a man, one who can get you out of this single funk you are in.”

Oh, if you only knew, dear friend.

* * *

Jessica leavesan hour later after catching up. I wave at her as she drives off.

“She is having her third child and she still insists on driving herself.” I nearly jump out of my skin at his voice. I slowly turn to see Jake standing behind me with a grave expression. I gulp.

“I’d like to see you in my office, Miss Ortiz.” He turns around, not leaving me with a chance to refuse.

Without a choice, I trail behind him till we reach his office. His office is a mix of solid black and white. The walls are covered in white from top to bottom. There is an imposing black desk paired with an equally imposing black chair, a window giving off an impressive view behind it. There are two black chairs in front of his desk and a black three seater couch present too.

He settles into his chair and gestures to the seat in front of him. I grudgingly take the seat, already miffed at his controlling behavior.

He slides a file over to me. “Here’s your first assignment. We have an upcoming wedding next month and the groom has hired our services to plan the wedding. It’s last minute, but according to you, you used to be one of the best at your former place of employment.” He raises his brow at me and I involuntarily shiver at the memory of him doing the same thing last night.How the hell is he so calm?!

I open the file as he explains, “Luckily most of the arrangement has already been handled by the previous wedding planner so we are only tasked with last-minute matters. Any questions?”

Yes, how the hell are you so calm?!“It says here that the theme color is white and undecided?”

He rolls his eyes. “The bride has decided to go with the wind on some of her wedding choices. If that’s all,” he makes to get up. I have no idea what comes over me but I just panic.

“Are you going to ignore the fact that we fucked?!”

“Jesus!” He falls back into his chair. “This is an office, Miss Ortiz.”

First I go mute, then, “I’m sorry, but we should talk about this. I have strict boundaries with work and my friends’ siblings. I crossed both last night and maybe this is just another day for you, but I am freaking out.”

He gives me that intense stare again except this time anger replaces lust. “What are you talking about, Miss Ortiz?”

The emphasis he places on my surname makes me shrink in my chair.

“To the best of my knowledge, I had a one-night fling with a woman due to heightened emotions and alcohol. I have moved on and expect that she would have done the same. Do you have any questions concerning the wedding arrangements, Miss Ortiz?”

“No, sir.”

I step out of Jake’s office as red as a tomato. The secretary in front of the house office gives me a curious look and I quickly walk away. I mean, what was I expecting? An arrogant cocky bastard like Jake probably did this so often and moved on just as fast, and I should too. I would have moved on if he had been a random John, not my best friend’s freaking arrogant brother who I never got along with.

“Hey Jessica, so I’ve got something important to tell you. I fucked your brother last night and now I don’t know how to feel because I think I’m attracted to him.” I try saying it out loud and squeeze my face in distaste. “Fuck,” I groan out loud and hear a gasp behind me. I turn to see a mother and her little son staring at me.

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