Page 17 of Mike's Assistant

“I thought about it.” I released a sigh. “I really thought about it. But Vanessa’s words hold weight. She told me how Brian and Owen weren’t thrilled about you and your father using Stan to find out about them.”

“What? Owen’s upset about it?” Hayden interrupted.

“He wasn’t thrilled. I’m sure he told you before. I mean, I get it. Would you want someone to know everything about you before you could tell them?”

“I guess not. I had to know though. He was my mate and well… I’ll have to apologize to Owen.”

“I’m sure he’s already forgiven you, Hayden. How is he, by the way? Any better?”

Hayden released a loud sigh. “Not really. It’s weird. The doctor is saying it’s just a bug, and it has to run its course, but he really can’t keep anything down. He’s been drinking Ensure just to get some nutrients, for fuck's sake.”

“Damn. If you need me to do anything, let me know,” I replied.

“Thanks, Mike. Back at you. You have a mate now. If you need my help with anything, let me know. I’ll be there like you were there for me.”

“Thanks, bro. I’m pulling into work.” The nervous, giddy energy from earlier raced through me. “Should I have gotten him coffee?” I asked aloud.

Hayden laughed. “Does he drink coffee?”

“I don’t know. I feel like I should bring him something, but I don’t know,” I blurted.

“It’s okay, Mike. Calm down. Go say hi to him first. Find out. Ask him.”

I nodded, even though Hayden couldn’t see me. “I will. You’re right.”

“Always remember that, too. I’m right.”

I laughed this time. “Asshole. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Talk to you later. Call me.”

“I will.” I disconnected the line and took a deep breath.

I parked the BMW in my designated spot and took a moment to gather myself. The anticipation, the excitement, was getting to me. Hayden was right. I needed to just talk to him. With one last deep inhale, I stepped out, my shoes clicking crisply against the concrete of the parking garage.

The morning air was cool over my skin. Winter was always a pleasant change from the sweltering heat that Florida often brings. My lion always loved the cooler weather. He felt more alive and wanted to run through the woods.

Adjusting my tie and straightening my jacket, I approached the building's entrance. The gleaming glass doors automatically slid open, greeting me with a burst of cold, conditioned air. I smirked. Even with the coolness of the morning, we still had our air conditioning running. By midday, it’d be hot out, and it’d be worth it.

As I stepped inside, I scanned the lobby. I knew I was early, but I hoped I’d see the face, that one face that kept me up last night: Jake. I frowned. It was only Leonard at the security desk and not a trace of anyone else. I lifted my wrist and barked a laugh. Six forty-three; no wonder the place was a ghost town, I thought.

Leonard glanced up at me and gave a slight nod. “Morning, Mr. Doy. Early start, huh?”

I nodded as I walked past him. “Morning, Leonard. Didn’t realize I was so early and the first one here.”

“Not the first one, sir,” he replied.

I stopped and turned to face him. “I’m not? Someone got here before me?”

“A new guy got here early and said he was starting today. Supposed to meet with Ryan in H.R. at seven-fifteen.” Leonard pointed over his shoulder across the lobby.

My gaze followed his finger, and I froze while my lion roared with happiness. “Jake,” I whispered, as if I was saying a prayer.

“Sir?” Leonard said, but I shook my head before walking toward Jake. Every step closer caused my heart to beat faster.

Jake's fingers danced over his phone screen, his brows knitting together as he stared intently at its contents. A subtle crease formed over his lips. The smile from yesterday was gone. I didn’t know what caused his troubled expression, but I wanted, no, yearned to soothe it.

As I stepped in front of him, I cleared my throat. Jake’s head popped up, and he stared at me wide-eyed. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Jake,” I said.

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